The 2019 fall season of Varsity Blues softball is almost here and the Blues are ready to roll after a successful regular season in 2018. The playoff tournament brought useful experience and hard lessons after a two loss appearance knocked out the Varsity Blues in Ottawa.

Head coach Craig Sarson returns 11 Varsity Blues from the 11-6 regular season team that won the East division in the OIWFA. This strong base welcomes in some new faces, but the heavy lifting will be done by this experienced young group of Blues who are without a graduate student for the first time in over a decade.

The Varsity Blues have depth, power and variety in the pitching circle this season. The veteran of the staff is Samantha Cotton, returning for year three, accompanied by second-year Blues Erin Sullivan, Aurora Nowicki and Alexandra Pennell. This foursome returns with high hopes and they are joined by a newcomer, left hander, Samantha Macdonald.

Behind the plate, the softball program has experience, patience and loads of positivity with fifth year veteran Shawnee Rizqa, alongside second-year Blue Alison Feise. This duo provides a calm, excellent pair to pitch to, as well as superb leadership qualities for the rest of the squad.

The infield is looking like a big strength of the team this coming fall season. Returning to the infield is Jessica Tamayo for her third season. The Deconinck sisters, Amanda and Beth, are back as well, and this trio should provide the pitching staff with a confidence to let any batter put the ball in play. Joining the returning group, Kamryn Philippe will be adding some punch at first base and at designated player.

Returning in the outfield are two very different players. The offensive power of Kristen Naidu returns, as well as the speed and variety of centre fielder Katelyn Graham. Joining them in the outfield is Anna Laird, a second-year student, but first-year Varsity Blue. Her power and speed could be a huge asset as the Blues move forward in 2019. Maddie Skoblo also joins the outfield crew, looking to use her athletic ability to be a lightning rod as a freshman player.

This young team looks to do big things this season in the OIWFA, and with a heavy home schedule at Dieppe Park, there should be a familiarity of playing at home for this talented squad. Check out the Varsity Blues with three double headers on the opening weekend at Dieppe Park, leading off with a matchup against the Guelph Gryphons, Friday, September 6 at 7pm.

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