The wind is frigid and the field muddy with patches of icy water and snow scattered about. Nonetheless the Girls Varsity Softball team is surrounded with warmth and optimism as they warm up and get ready for another day of practice. The team, which has a history of strong performance, is not only facing the challenge of bad weather but is also working to recuperate after losing many team members, including six seniors at the end of last year.

“We try to make it a seamless transition after players graduate, but half of our roster graduated,”  head coach Bill Ross said. “It creates a kind of challenge but it also creates more opportunity for other kids.”

The team is going through a rebuilding phase. “A lot of people are really new to the team,”  freshman Vanessa Miller said. The loss of players has forced the team to make some vital changes to the lineup and positions. After two years in right field, Miller is now catching for the team. The team has also expanded their roster to include two eighth graders.

Making such drastic changes is no easy feat but the team has handled these challenges with a positive attitude. “We don’t let each other get down or stay focused on what we didn’t do right; we focus on the next opportunity, the next play,” Ross said.

Softball is a close knit community, and despite the recent changes they plan on continuing as they always have: “We’re focusing on the process of developing our skills, and the knowledge of the game.” Ross said. The team plans to take things one day at time but are setting their goals high. “We’ll make every effort to complete for conference championship” Ross said.

“We have the potential to learn a lot, but it will take a few years before we’re really good,” Miller said. The team has its next game on May 2 against Visitation at St Paul Academy Randolph Campus.