On Friday, Mar. 1, the Muhlenberg women’s softball team competed against Stockton University in Galloway, N.J. In back-to-back games, the Mules lost the first and ended strong with a win in the second. Their hard work in the off-season has prepared them for these competitions and future matches.
Sophia Cicchetti ‘24, an outfielder, has been focusing on perfecting catching fly balls. She commented, “Every practice, the outfielders have been preparing for season games by doing small drills in the field house or taking time to go out on the turf to get fly balls off a bat.”
Cicchetti also explained how the team’s mindset has pushed them forward into their 2024 season. “We all have the same objective in mind, so we all put in a lot of effort both during practice and in games. When practice, conditioning or games get hard, we never lose sight of our end goal, to travel to Texas and compete for a national championship.” The specific team goals remind every player and coach of what they are working towards.
The interviewed players all shared the same outlook when it comes to areas of improvement. Dara DiMaiolo ‘24 discussed what the team wants to perfect on and off the field. “After our first two game days, we are really focusing on communication and being exciting on the field. It is very apparent the difference it makes in our game when everyone in the field is talking to one another and being overly excited when something good happens.”
This communication and work ethic bled into their win against Stockon. DiMaiolo continued, “Our most recent game against Stockton has shown us that our hard work has paid off. We all came together positively, hit the ball well and communicated on the field, which are all things we have really worked on in the off-season.”
This season will be the last for nine seniors on the team. However, they will leave a lasting impression on the younger players. Their grit and mentality to leave it all on the field are evident. Cicchetti commented, “My goals this season are to keep working hard, stay consistent and enjoy one last season with some of my best friends. It is bittersweet to think this is my last time playing softball after playing it my whole life, so I just want to leave it all out there and give it my all.”
From a similar perspective, DiMaiolo said, “My biggest goal as a senior is to fully enjoy my last softball season ever. I have played softball for almost 15 years and made friends that will last a lifetime, and I cannot wait to finish out my career with them. My goal has nothing to do with my performance on the field. It simply has to do with soaking in every moment of my last two months.”
Ultimately, the players have outlined their spring season from their mental attitudes to their on-the-field determination. Ciccetti summed up her thoughts on this season, saying, “I am so excited about this season because this team has so much talent, and I am looking forward to seeing how far we go.”
