As winter winds down, it’s time to turn the clock towards spring and with that comes softball season. The Ocelots are ready for a fresh start and optimism runs deep through the program after finishing last season with a record of 11-27 overall and 9-21 in the MCCAA Eastern Conference.
A familiar face will be taking the reins of the program. Assistant Coach of two seasons, Breanna Rice, is taking over as the head coach of the Ocelots for the 2024 season. Rice is taking over the program from Rey Linares with the goal is to continue to enhance the program academically and athletically. Softball and coaching is her passion and Rice translated her love for the game to her team.
“Coaching is just something I love. I love seeing the improvement once they get it.” Rice is excited about her new role and looks forward to the season.
The team is hard at work perfecting their craft with practices and scrimmages.
“We’re implementing new exercises at practice, the girls together look like a much better group,”said Rice.
Rice is aware of the improvements that need to be made and she’s ready to help her team get there.
“We need to clean up our mindset. The tools are all there, but confidence has been a huge piece that’s missing,” said Rice. Rice went on to explain how her and her coaching staff know what they are capable of. Getting the team to believe in themselves, is the real battle. She also knows that each individual player will control their outcome, and they have all the tools to execute.
The Ocelots have six sophomores returning. They include pitcher Shannon Mosesso, pitcher Alexa Swiatkowski, pitcher/outfielder Amber Burzlaff, catcher/infielder Sarah Collins, outfielder Macy Collett and infield/outfield Ella Hayes.
Mosesso appeared in 21 games last season and made 15 starts. She pitched 98.0 innings and had a 5.07 ERA. Collins appeared in 30 games and hit .351 with a .385 on-base percentage. Collett appeared in 37 games and stole 24 bases. Hayes appeared in 16 games with 22 at-bats and hit .364 with a .728 OPS. Swiatkowski appeared in 13 games making 6 starts (2nd on team in IP with 43.0) and had a 4.88 ERA. Burzlaff appeared in 21 games with 58 at-bats, hit .236 with a .311 OBP.
New to the team are Hailey McCleary, Savina Olada, Paige Guinn, Mariah Rodriguez, Sydney Scoggins, Anna VanSumeren, Vanessa White, Raina Bonus, Olivia Mikowski, Camryn Keough and Madison Gray.
When a team knows they can be confident in their coaches or look for help in improving their skills, it makes for better performances. It’s no secret to anyone, but especially the coaches. “The girls got to know each other quicker and we’re gelling better together. If anything we’re going to come out stronger,” said Rice.
At this point, no one on the team is a stranger. The Ocelots can communicate, execute and win games together confidently.
The Ocelots begin the season Sunday, March 1 when they travel to Myrtle Beach to play Olney Central College and Kaskaskia College. The team will play a total of 11 games in a span of a week between March 1-8 before returning home to prepare for their home opener on March 19 against Macomb Community College starting at 3 p.m. at Ward Church Softball Field.
For more information about this seasons rosters, schedules and stats go to.http://www.schoolcraftocelots.com.
