C-GCC Twins Softball have been hitting the gym and getting prepared for the first game their cleats will touch dirt this season; there is only a little over two weeks left before the anticipated home opener against the College of St. Joseph. After that, spring break will be upon the Twins and they will be in route to participate in the Snowbird Classic Tournament held in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Peter Dedrick will be entering his eighth season as Head Coach, Patti Cameron will be entering her second season as Assistant Coach, and newly hired Cody Broast will be entering his first year as Assistant Coach.
Q & A session with Head Coach Peter Dedrick
Q: What is your outlook on the Snowbird Classic Tournament for spring training and how do you feel about the schedule set up for the tournament?
A: The Snowbird Classic is a great opportunity for our team to play highly competitive teams and also to get the rust off from being inside before we open up our regular season. Our competition at the tournament this year is consists of two NJCAA Division II schools; Potomac State College and College of
Southern Maryland. We will also be facing off against two NJCAA Division III schools; Ocean County CC and Finger Lakes CC. We will be tested right off the gate but we have been working hard and we feel we are ready to get going.
Q: What is your outlook on the regular season and how do you feel about the schedule set up?
A: Expectations are always high in our program. We have missed the regional tournament back to back years, so that has left a bitter taste in our mouths. We are looking to get back to that level of play. It all starts with hard work and effort which our players have done so far. Our schedule consists of 38 games and every game will be a tough one. We play in an extremely tough region but we wouldn't want it any other way. If you make the post season from our region you know you belong there, that's for sure.
Q: What is your perspective on how the sophomores' will be playing a role for the team?
A: The sophomores always play a huge role for us. They bring the experience and know what it takes to play at this level. They know the grind of transitioning from a high school game schedule to college. They have done a tremendous job leading the way and being very vocal on what we expect. We return a total of five sophomores; Shannon McNeff, Jaime Staunch, Caitlin Rice, Veronica Mayhew and Jordynn Grossman. All will play a vital role for us as the season unfolds. Shannon is our only returning pitcher and with a full year under her belt we expect for her to go out and pitch well for us. Caitlin Rice will split time in the infield for us along with catching. Rice is coming off a very successful fall ball season and we look for her to carry that into the regular season. Jaime Stanch is returning after a year off due to a severe knee injury but she is looking good and playing very well in practices and simulated games. Staunch will see action mostly at second base this year and will bring a solid bat to our lineup. Jordynn Grossman has tremendous speed so we look for her do damage on the base paths this year. She will be splitting time between the outfield and catching. Veronica Mayhew is a player who did a tremendous job for us in right field last year and will also bring some pop to our lineup.
Q: What is your perspective on how the freshman will be playing a role for the team?
A: When we recruit we are very upfront with the freshman on what we expect them to bring to the table. We usually have a smaller roster than most teams so they know they will have to come in and be ready to go from day one. I was very pleased with our freshman from our fall ball season and they have become even better since then. Brooke Hapeman will play shortstop for us and hit in the middle of our lineup. She has above average power and will be vital for us driving in runs. D'Arcy Bitter is hard-nosed player who will hit at the top of our order and set the table. She will split her time between third base and pitcher. D'Arcy and Brooke on our left side of the infield is a very comforting feeling as a coach. Elizabeth Gould is an infielder who can adjust and play anywhere. She sat out of fall ball due to an injury but is back playing and we look for her to contribute this season. Angela Grandinetti, Shawna Dwyer and Karlee Deaver will all be part of our outfield core. The great thing about these young ladies is that they can play all three outfield positions. Also, we expect all three players to contribute on the offensive side as well!
Q: What is the team's motto for the year?
A: We must play the game with max effort at all times. Playing softball in college is not something that should be taken for granted it is a privilege. This team understands that. They play for one another and for us coaches, which is great to see.