Spartans Softball Ready to Take Leap Forward in 2020

A core of experienced players and a strong freshmen class have the Cayuga Community College Softball Team optimistic as the 2020 season starts this weekend.

Coming off a tough 5-15 season that saw them lose five games by two runs or less, the Spartans are confident they can take a step forward this season. Coach Chris Amoia believes the Spartans can at least double last year's win total.

"We're returning three sophomores who have valuable college softball experience from last season, and our first-year players all have extensive travel ball experience," said Amoia. "We're confident they can play at this level and be successful."

The Spartans' lineup should be a strength this season. The three top hitters from the 2018-2019 team — Kyra Cottrill, Deanna Shackleton and Mikaela Withers — return this season. All three sported batting averages greater than .300 last year.

Amoia said having the left side of the infield solidified and greater speed in the outfield should improve Cayuga's defense as well. Sophomores Shackleton and Cottrill were also the top pitchers on the 2018-2019 team.

"We have a solid foundation for this team. If you look at last season, we should have at least doubled our win total. We think we can do that this year," he said. "With the way the schedule falls and the players on the team, that's definitely attainable."

The Spartans open the season on the road this weekend, with a doubleheader at Paul D. Camp Community College on Saturday, March 7. 

They have seven scheduled road games before their first home games, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, against Fulton-Montgomery Community College.