By Kevin Doucette

For the Review

The Spartans have been one the powerhouses in 3A softball over the past few years, winning the state title in 2009, and placing second in ’10 and ’11.

Head Coach Liz McCloskey seems confident that will not change this season.

“With the success we have had over the past years our goal is the same as every year: to end in the state finals,” she said. “And honestly right now I don’t see a nemesis.”

McCloskey said a huge advantage her team has this year is that seven players are returning from last year’s squad.

Senior Hailey Willmann will be in the middle of the lineup for the Spartans, and will play second base and occasionally pitch. Senior first baseman Tayler Greenfield, who has been the starting first baseman since she was a freshman, will provide power in the lineup.

And senior Cali Moore will also be in the middle of the lineup and start in the outfield. Moore is not a power hitter like Willmann and Greenfield but is a contact hitter. Power pitcher Katie Raben who is a junior, and has pitched in state championships will be returning as the Spartans ace this year.

BHS will also add a few freshmen to the varsity team; Riley Gregoire could see time in the outfield and behind the plate, and outfielder Kate Kinney will join her sister Erin on varsity.

Like the baseball team, the softball team has quite a few players who play year round.

“They have practice with me six days a week and then practice with their other teams on Sunday,” said McCloskey.

The Spartans play their first game on March 16 against a team that has yet to be determined. They will  be the team to beat in the Metro League this year, but McCloskey said they will have some competition. Holy Names has been the toughest team for the Spartans in recent years, and McCloskey said Blanchet and Eastside Catholic have improved.

“(We) need to just come in ready to practice, ready to play knowing we have a big target on our back this year,” said McCloskey.