2017 Softball Preview: Outfield led by senior class

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University softball outfield, led by the senior class, totals seven players with the addition of three freshmen this season.

"This year's outfield is led by our veterans Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.), Lauren Keast (Holliston, Mass.), and Taylor Burger (Killingworth, Conn.)," said Head Coach Shayne Lotito. "They have done a great job of getting the underclassmen acclimated to the demands of their position."

Haas appeared in 43 games last season, recording 53 putouts and three assists. The left fielder was a stalwart in the outfield and did not commit an error the entire season. In the other corner outfield position, Burger also excelled defensively, posting a perfect fielding percentage in a team-high 47 games last year. 

Keast, who missed part of the year due to injury, appeared in 16 games, amounting nine putouts and a .818 fielding percentage. Sophomore Jenna Cali (Franklinville, N.J.) rounds out this year's returners, having appeared in 19 games for the Black and Gold. Cali recorded three putouts and finished the 2016 season with a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Freshmen Tiffany Bell (Egg Harbor City, N.J.), Nicole Davis (Toms River, N.J.) and Helaina Michaud (Phoenixville, Pa.) will provide the seasoned outfield with even more depth. Bell was a four-year varsity member at Absegami High School, where she played third base and outfield, earning All-Cape Atlantic League honors as a senior.

Davis was a second baseman at Donovan Catholic High School, where she helped her team win three-straight New Jersey League B South Championships. A two-time Shore Conference All-Division selection, the Bulldogs have converted Davis to an outfielder this year. Michaud was a four-year starter in the Phoenixville Area High School outfield and also lettered in soccer as the starting goalkeeper.

"This year we have a lot of speed, depth and versatility across our outfield," said Lotito. "We are excited to see what some of the freshmen are going to bring to the team."

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