Falcons Off To A Strong Start

Courtesy of Matt Stewart, Sentinel & Enterprise

FITCHBURG -- The Fitchburg State University softball team is on the rise. After taking a senio-less team to the MASCAC tournament last year ofr the first time in recent memory, the youthful Falcons are off to an even better start this time around.

Fitchburg state entered Tuesday's doubleheader against Curry at 8-4 overall and is looking to continue its upward trajectory for the remainder of the 2014 season.

"We have a lot of new faces, but we have a lot more depth this year.," second-year Fitchburg State head coach Merry MacDonald said. "So even the young players that we had last year got the experience that they needed, making it to the postseason for the first time in their careers. I think that experience is helping to lead the newcomers."

There are only two seniors on the Falcon roster this year, while nine of the players are underclassmen. WIth so many relatively new players on the squad, it was easy to develop a new identity over the past two years.

"They saw they can compete with anyone in the conference, and having confident players is a good thing," MacDonald said. 

"Bringing new people in, I think we changed the culture and perception and are making it more of a winning program. The young ones are adapting to that as well, which could lead to good things at the end of the year."

The spring trip down south went a lot better this year than last. The Falcons returned home with a 3-7 record last year, but they were able to get back to Fitchburg at 4-4 this year. The success is all the more impressive considering the team has yet to practice outdoors.

"It was a huge difference this year. I think it was a big confidence builder," MacDonald said. "It was the first time they all played together, and to come back .500 was great. With the weather and all, we didn't play for two weeks (after the trip), then had two non-conference wins and swept Salem (Saturday)."

Possibly the biggest catalyst for the hot start this season is the infusion of some potent bats. There are four Falcons batting over .300 so far, and three of them are first-year players. Outfielder Brianna Uga leads the way, batting .400 after eight games, while fellow freshman Jessalynne Brown (.364) and Courtney Borysewicz (.348) aren't far behind.

Sophomore shortstop and Leominster High grad Marissa Gemma is the only non-freshman in the .300-plus club, batting an impressive .351.

"Our younger players are coming in and stepping up," MacDonald said. "They are doing what they need to do. I think that's a good thing ofr now and the future. We'Ve improved as a team offensively, and all around as a team."

Depth is also a major bonus for the Falcons, who boast a starter and capable backup at nearly every position. Aside from Gemma at shortstop and Fitchburg High grad Ashley Forgues at second base, there is a rotating talent battling for playing time at every other position.

The infield is the most wide open, with versatile players allowing for even more flexibility in the lineup.

"We have strong infield and stron outfield, and nearly every position has a backup that is solid," MacDonald said. "The decision as to who plays is more about who is offensively hot this year. I don't have a set starting lineup yet, and we have a lot of multi-dimensional players."

It is a four person-race for the starting outfield slots, with Uga, Amanda Whitelaw, Marissa Binnall and Colleen Flaherty fighting it out. Uga is the only newcomer to that part of the field, but seems to be helping motivate the entire group's effort.

"Having a constant competition was something that I was looing to do," MacDonald said. "It's great, they are competing in practice and it makes them work harder and we're getting the best out of everyone. The best nine are playing every day."

The Falcons also have a strong competition taking place at pitcher, with Brittany Whiting, Kerry Alcott, and Terri Ferrazzani all taking turns in the circle.

"Our strength is our defense. We have three good pitchers," MacDonald said. "Whiting and Alcott are our primary starters. Having the depth is going to be a difference maker."

The biggest tema goal this season is to make a return trip to the MASCAC postseason tournament. Conference coaches picked FSU to finish third in the preseason poll, which is a big upgrade from the sixth-place prediction from last year.

"We definately gained some respect in the conference," MacDonald said. We're looking to prove ourselves and prove that we are a serious contender to win the conference championship.