After an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference tournament championship and NCAA tournament appearance the UW-Superior softball team looks to have another successful season.
“We return 16 of 24 from last year’s roster and I believe the NCAA appearance has given the team the desire to go back again and the experience of last year will give them the confidence and understanding of what it takes to make that happen,” said head softball coach Melissa Fracker now in her fourth season at the helm of the Yellowjackets.
The Yellowjackets finished last season with a 31-13 record while going 17-4 in conference and ultimately achieving a second-place finish in the regular season.
UWS Softball Pitcher Warming up in the Bullpen. | Photo by Mikayla Swanson
After bowing out in the NCAA tournament to Luther College, Junior Catcher and Infielder Zoe Thomson thinks an early start to the season will help the team.
“Being outside this early in the season allows us the opportunity to give our outfielders reps that they wouldn’t be able to get practicing in the gym,” said Thomson.
An early start outdoors pushes the Yellowjackets towards their opener at the UW-Oshkosh Softball Invitational.
After their opener the team travels to Florida for a series of games during spring break.
“Our Spring Break trip gives us time away from the field to build deeper connections and plenty of time on the field together to figure out what makes our team motivated so we can use that to be successful,” said Fracker.
The Yellowjackets are scheduled to open up UMAC play against Northland College on Mar. 22.
