2017 Softball Preview: A look behind the masks

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University softball team added two new catchers to a veteran staff and now include a catcher from every class.

"With Ali Page and Robyn Ukegawa leading the way this season, we have more depth in our catching position than we have in years past," said head coach Shayne Lotito.

Senior Alexandra Page (Grafton, Mass.) is the most veteran of the catchers in her fourth season in Smithfield. Page has been a leader behind the plate and in the dugout, showcasing her ability to push the three other catchers to get better in the offseason. In her career, Page has appeared in 39 games, totaling 60 putouts and four assists, while averaging a .970 fielding percentage.

Junior Robyn Ukegawa (Carlsbad, Calif.) recorded the most time behind home plate in 2016, appearing in 35 games. The California native finished last season with 121 putouts, 14 assists and caught six runners stealing. Ukegawa totaled only two errors last year, finishing with a .985 fielding percentage. Now an upperclassman, the first-year captain has become more comfortable and vocal with her staff, having caught for most of the team's pitchers.

Sophomore Dana Blasi (Waterbury, Conn.) is a first-time Bulldog, walking on to the team this spring. She is joined also by newcomer freshman Bianca Mastropietro (Bronx, N.Y.). Mastropietro was a four-year starting catcher at Preston High School, helping her team become Archdiocese Semifinalists for three-straight years (2013-15) and Archdiocese Quarterfinalists as a senior (2016). The New York Native was a decorative player in high school and finished her career as a N.Y. Mayor's Cup Selection.

"This group does a great job of commanding the field, being aggressive behind the plate and setting the standard for the defense as a whole," said Lotito. "Their ability to control the pace of the game and work with our pitching staff helps our team stay within themselves and execute our game plan. We are looking forward to these young ladies leading the way fearlessly to success."

The Bulldogs will debut on Friday, Feb. 17, against Fordham at the ECU Pirate Clash in Greenville, N.C.