Rivier Softball looks to build on last year's success

The Rivier Softball Team is looking too start off where they finished last year. The 2011 season was supposed to be a rebuilding season with only 6 returning players from an NCAA Tournament Team. The Raiders surprised everyone and made it to the GNAC Championship game before falling 5-4 to St. Joseph's College, Maine. They were rewarded with an ECAC Tournament Bid and finished 26-15.

Coach Morissette on Last Year's Team:

"I was extremely proud of the dedication and development of last year's team. They learned what it took to make it to the Championship Game and they wanted to get better every day. We definitely reached our potential."

This year's addition has 1 freshman, 9 sophomores, 4 juniors and 1 senior. Last year four Raiders earned All-Conference Selections. Catherine Roy (so) first team, Mandy Thornton (jr) second team, Marissa Mercier (jr) second team and Nicole Peacock (so) second team. The team will be led by 3 captains Karen Waterman, Marissa Mercier and Sarah Howard. Coach Mike Holloran returns this season as Assistant Coach. John "Rocket" Racicot joins the staff this year after leading the Nashua South HS program the last four years.

Rivier will return 7 out of 9 starters and the entire pitching staff. The offense was one of the strengths last year and looks to do more of the same. Rivier returns 5 players who hit over .300. Catherine Roy (.430), Mandy Thornton (.390), Marissa Mercier (.343), Karen Waterman (.333) and Nicole Peacock (.333). Also Sophomore Lauren Beatty returns as one of the leading home run hitters on the team. Sophomore Kirstie Clark and Hillary Tarr have also worked hard improving their bat and should be tough outs this year. Rivier will add some speed to the already potent offense. Nadjeska Reynolds (jr), Sam Verney (fr), Sam Gagnon (so), Kelsey Goodridge (so) and Christine Surber (so) are very versatile players who will round out the line-up.

Coach Morissette on the Offense:

"The offense we return is real explosive. Saying that we have to learn to be discipline at times and remember situations well. We have added some speed and I don't think there will be an easy out in this lineup. I think we will be fun to watch."

A young inexperienced pitching staff in 2011 looks to step up and be one of the better staff's in the GNAC in 2012. The Raiders have three solid pitchers in Hillary Tarr (so), Nadjeska Reynolds (jr) and Lauren Beatty (so). All three bring something different to the table and look to improve from last year.

Coach Morissette on Pitching:

"These three young ladies have worked hard this off-season to get better. In my opinion we have three #1 pitchers. It will all depend on matchups. All three have different strengths and I look forward in watching them grow together this season."

Defense was not a strength last year but with experience and added depth this year's addition looks to improve upon this area. Seven position player's return and the final two spots will have good athletes that know how to play the game. Marissa Mercier will anchor the defense behind the plate and you will be hard pressed to find anyone better. Backing her up will be Samantha Gagnon and Kirstie Clark. Karen Waterman will be the starting second baseman and will be looked upon to make this unit better. Catherine Roy who had a monster first year will once again start at shortstop. Third base will be rotated by two outstanding players in Lauren Beatty and Samantha Verney while first base will have the tandem of Hillary Tarr and Kirstie Clark.

The outfield will be real strong this year. With returners Mandy Thornton and Nicole Peacock finding gaps will be tough for Raider opponents. Nadjeska Reynolds, Samantha Verney, Samantha Gagnon, Kelsey Goodridge and Christine Surber will add much needed depth.

Coach Morissette on the Defense:

"We lost some games with some inexperience defense last year. I know we have the pieces in place to have a solid defense. Hopefully we play with the confidence of a veteran team and make the plays we need to make. We have worked hard on this part of our game and hopefully this will pay dividends this season."

Coach Morissette on the Season:

"We lost a terrific player and leader last season in Amanda Ryan. She will be missed. Saying that, she left quite a legacy for these young ladies to follow. This team has talent. We will not sneak up on anyone this year. We will be facing everyone's best and are we ready for that? We still are young but this group has been through it. I look forward in watching this team grow and try to meet the challenges that are presented to them."