2016 Softball Preview: Bulldogs' pitching staff combines experience and talent

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University softball team opens the 2016 season against North Florida at the Citrus Classic in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, February 26. BryantBulldogs.com will take an in-depth look at the squad over the next week, previewing the catchers, infielders, outfielders and pitchers.

The Bulldogs return with experience on the mound, led by senior Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.), who has donned the Black and Gold in 93 games in her career. Madsen led the Bulldogs pitching staff with 11 wins, 96 strikeouts and 3.11 ERA. The senior was also a force at the plate, recording team-highs in home runs (12), RBI (36) and triples (2). The senior also managed 23 runs, four doubles and 42 hits.

"Having Madsen back in her senior year with the experience of winning the Northeast Conference Tournament and pitching in the NCAA Regional Tournament will give us an upper hand," said head coach Shayne Lotito. "She is hungry to end her career with a championship".

Also returning to the bullpen is redshirt freshman Brandi Burgin (Santa Clara, Calif.), who did not appear in any games in the 2015 season. New to the roster is true freshman Colby Norris (Toano, Va.), who earned a First Team All-Region nod as a junior at Warhill High School (Va.).

"I believe that both Norris and Burgin will come into this season and make the statement that they are here and ready to do what it takes", said Lotito.

Both senior Hayley Bottino (Canyon Country, Calif.) and sophomore Logan Paul (Shaker Heights, Ohio) saw time on the mound last season, recording four and two wins, respectively. Bottino posted 22 strikeouts in her 12 starts last season, while Paul accumulated 20 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

"The depth, drive, and experience of our staff as a whole will be the reason this team is so successful this year," said Lotito.