Softball team hopes to make good on lofty expectations

   The University at Albany softball team has started its 2010 season with high expectations.

   After losing in the conference championship last season to Boston University, the Great Danes were chosen to finish first in the conference this year in the America East Conference softball preseason poll.

   “We were all very surprised with the ranking, normally BU is ranked first,” UAlbany coach Chris Cannata said. “I don’t think it really matters, we have to show we deserve it on the field.”

   Last year marked the fifth straight year the Great Danes made it to the conference championship game.

   Cannata said the team would be striving for consistency this season, something it lacked last year. After dropping three of four games at the Stetson Hatter Classic last weekend, kicking off the 2010 season, Cannata said it was not the start she was looking for.

   “We look great in practice, it’s a matter of transitioning that to the games,” Cannata said.

“The key for us this season is consistency, that’s what were looking for right now.”

   With the graduation of Meagan Butsch, the Great Danes third basemen and last year’s America East Co-Player of the Year, UAlbany has a big hole to fill in their offense. Cannata said it has yet to be determined what players are going to step up into the leadership role this season.

   “It’s hard to tell who the leaders of this team will be, we are waiting for someone to step up,” Cannata said. “Nobody really played well over the weekend. A key part to our season will be seeing which players step up and rise to the challenge.”

   Gina Mason, a junior who batted .302 last season with eight home runs, believes shecan be one of those players.

   “There are a lot of upperclassmen on this team, we all have to take a leadership role,” Mason said. “I want to set a good example for the younger players on this team.”

  Mason echoed Cannata’s comments about consistency, but believed this year’s team is much different than last year’s.

   “I think we have the best team in the conference by far. We are absolutely capable of winning a championship,” Mason said. “We are a veteran club, we know what the playoffs are like, we have experience.”

  Though the team is made up of a majority of upperclassmen, not every player has the same experience as Mason. Allie Weisler, a freshman pitcher, is still adjusting to the college level. Trying to find her role on the team, Weisler is hoping to contribute to a successful season for UAlbany.

   “Personally I just want to be successful this season,” Weisler said. “I’m not exactly sure what type of playing time I’ll be looking at this season, I just want to help the team anyway I can.”

   Working with the starting pitchers, Weisler said seniors Leah McIntosh and Marissa Powell are leading the way for the staff.

   “Our two senior pitchers have been carrying the pitching staff,” Weisler said. “They are both very experienced players and should help carry us to the championship game.”

   Weisler said the team has been working very hard in practice, and needs to continue working hard to build its confidence.

   “We all need to step up in practice and during the games,” Weisler said. “Our hitting especially and the entire team needs to gain confidence, if we do that, were capable of beating anyone.”

   Cannata, entering her 16th season with the Danes, believes this team has enough talent to win a championship, it’s just a matter of putting everything together.

   “We have a lot of talent, we just have to transition it to the field,” Cannata said. “This team’s goal is to win a championship, not just to get there again.”