Softball Season Preview

Experience and veteran leadership are key to any team's success, and the 2021 Indian River State College softball team has both.

This 2021 roster is filled with experienced returning players — twelve, to be exact. It's more than the Lady Pioneers have had in the previous seasons and gives the team plenty of reason to be optimistic heading into the 2021 season

The twelve returning players are also backed by six talented newcomers, so the Pioneers have no shortage of talent going into the 2020 campaign.

The Pioneers have experience at every position. The entire 2020 pitching staff  returns from an impressive 35-1 season which was ended abruptly by the COVID 19 Pandemic in March.  The staff is comprised of six talented pitchers, including Casey Kurent 9W-0L, Jaden Williamson 12W-0L, and Taylor Wroten 13W-1L.

Williamson and Wroten also provide leadership in the outfield and at the plate. Williamson batted 377 and led the nation with 33 stolen bases, Wroten batted 368 with 24 runs batted in, and Macie Stanfield batted 391with 5 homeruns and 32 runs batted in.

Second baseman Morgan Roberts led the team hitting 435, third baseman Brooke Mathews handled the hot corner hitting 313, and utility player Shayne Hewitt batted 326.  Caitlyn Comer 375 and Kat Rhoden 333 will also be counted on to anchor the Lady Pioneers infield. 

While veteran leadership is beneficial anywhere on the diamond, it is perhaps nowhere more apparent than behind the plate. Maeghan Branche leads the Pioneers from the catcher's box, and in 2019 she also batted 432, hitting a team high 6 homeruns, with 45 runs batted in.  D1 transfer Kiersee McLean will provide depth to the catching position.

Newcomers include a very talented catcher Payton Cressman, infielders Nicolette Luzzi, and Ashleigh Robinson, outfielders Daija Torchia and Melissa Diaz, and pitcher-outfielder Devan Ryan.  All six freshmen are expected make significant contributions to the team in 2021.

With IRSC's first game against South Florida State College on January 29th quickly approaching the Pioneers are gearing up for some unfinished business due to the suspended 2020 season.