2021 Softball Season Preview

Smithfield, R.I. - The Bryant University softball team will begin the 2021 season on Wednesday after not having played in over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Head coach Nick French talks about how depth will be a big strength for Bryant this season. French said, "I think the depth at a lot of positions is a strength we have a lot of versatility in a lot of places which we are certainly going to need in these times".

Infielders

The infield will be led by seniors Dakota Bilodeau and Alexandra Hickey. Bilodeau led the team in steals with seven and had seven hits, three RBIs, five runs, and one home run. Hickey tallied three hits including one double. Junior Toni Camarillo was tied for second in hits with nine, including a double and a triple. She also accounted for eight runs and stole three bases. Fellow classmate Allison Tomaino played in nine games and had a fielding percentage of .857. Sophomores Aleix Hudson and Jenna Gardner combined for 15 hits, five doubles, two home runs, and ten runs. Hudson tallied nine RBIs, which was tied for best on the team. Sophomores Megan Skousen, Hailey Aspinwall, and Erica Barley played in a combined twelve games.

Outfielders

Senior Morgan Powell and Junior Carlyn Hernandez will look to build on their offensive performances from last season. Hernandez recorded eight hits including a double and four RBIs. Powell tallied five hits. Senior Sabrina Crane and Gianna Ceccarelli played in 19 games. Sophomore Olivia Fee played in five games and registered a hit and a run.

Pitchers

The pitching staff for this season will give coach French the ability to sub in and out depending on matchups. French said, "I really like the diversity of our pitching staff being able to do a lot of different things depending on what the matchup dictates".

Senior Sarah McKeveney, junior Jocelyn Bodington, and Sophomore Kylie Kenney will lead the pitching staff. McKeveny had nine appearances and three starts. She was able to record 24 punch-outs and pitched a complete game against Jackson St. in the win on March 9. Bodington made five appearances and one start and had ten strikeouts. Kenney had two wins to lead Bryant and also had a save while posting 16 strikeouts. 

Bryant added eight signees in the class of 2024 including Alexis Clancy, Annalise LoPresti, Megan Marcel, Caroline Paolantonio, Courtney Paolantonio, Trystan Salvador, Allison Tessman, and Abby Trimble.

The Bulldogs will make their season debut against Boston College on Wednesday.