The Hillsdale College softball team was picked in the GLIAC preseason poll to finish fifth in the North Division this year.
The team only graduated one player last year, providing continuity and a closely-knit team.
Senior third baseman Jessica Guertin said four starters are returning.
In addition to six freshmen, the softball program also welcomed new head coach Joe Abraham this year.
“He’s very knowledgeable about the game,” senior first baseman Jennifer Berlet said. “He’s understanding, yet he knows how important it is to be on time and get things done that we need to do at practice.”
Abraham previously coached at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash. The Columbus, Ohio, native said he knew of Hillsdale because of his political orientation and had kept his eye on the softball coaching position.
“When the spot opened up in June, I had my cover letter ready to go,” he said.
Guertin said the team has enjoyed training under Abraham.
“He really loves what he’s doing,” she said. “It’s easy to play for a coach like that. And he’s a fighter for our program.”
Abraham acquired a new fence in the outfield, as well as batting cages, for the team this season. The new eight-foot, wooden fence, which will be painted navy blue, will have “Hillsdale Softball” written across it in white. Guertin said the team has field days where they maintain the diamond.
“The softball facility was so far behind the times that these improvements were desperately needed,” Abraham said.
Along with changes to the home facility, Abraham said he also brought to the program a different style of play from the previous coach.
“[My style of play] seems to be extremely different in terms of philosophy — especially on offense,” he said. “We teach aggressiveness but playing smart and really understanding game situations.”
Berlet said the biggest change is her new coach’s emphasis on the mental side of softball.
“He requires us to think more about the game,” she said. “He brings up things we hadn’t thought of before.”
The Chargers’ first doubleheader will be Saturday March 10 at West Virginia State University. Over spring break, the team will travel to Florida to play eight games.
“Everyone gets tried at a different position,” Guertin said. “So many things are up for grabs this year.”
When they return, the Chargers will begin GLIAC play on March 23 against Wayne State University.
Abraham said spring training is important for the playing experience. He said the Chargers are at a disadvantage because they only have 12 games scheduled before GLIAC play, while schools such as Wayne State will have already played close to 30.
“Initially, we’re going to take some time to figure out some positions on the field and who the regular starters will be,” he said. “And we’ll take the first 12 games to figure that out.”
Abraham said the willingness of the players to work hard and improve is one of the biggest strengths of the program.
“The players are enthusiastic and really ready to put the time and effort in it takes to get the program moving,” he said. “These girls are ready to do things they haven’t done before and, frankly, what Hillsdale softball hasn’t done in a long time.”
