Despite significant changes to the roster, the No. 21 Washington University softball team expects to continue the consistent success of recent years as the 2015 season comes on the heels of two straight NCAA tournament appearances and 30-plus-win seasons. With the Bears leading off their season with four games in Memphis, Tenn., this weekend, here’s a preview of what to expect from the Red and Green on the softball diamond this season.

Last Season

The Bears (31-17 overall record) achieved the ninth 30-plus-win season in program history and their first University Athletic Association Championship since 2009 en route to clinching their third NCAA tournament appearance in four seasons. Although the Bears won the first game of the NCAA Regional, the team’s season came to an end after a pair of devastating one-run losses to North Central College and Luther College.

Stephen Huber | Student Life

Members of the Washington University softball team celebrate a hit during a game against Coe College last March. The Bears, who were ranked 21st in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll, will start their season this year with four games in Memphis, Tenn.

Then-senior outfielder Maggie Ingell anchored an offense that averaged 5.5 runs per game and finished her career first in runs scored (160), games started (176), games played (178), hits (221) and at-bats (545) in program history. On the mound, then-sophomore pitcher Annie Pitkin started 27 of 48 games and compiled a 1.96 ERA.

Offense

Due to the graduations of veteran hitters Kelsey Neal and Ingell, the team’s top power bats, the Bears will have to make up for the lack of power in other ways. However, head coach Leticia Pineda-Boutte, who is beginning her 10th season, is confident about the players’ ability to fill in the gaps in talent and veteran leadership.

“The great thing is this is a team sport so there’s other kids on the team that are ready to step up and take on those roles, so we’re really excited about seeing some of these kids that are returning on this team pick up that void,” Pineda-Boutte said. “Wash. U. does an amazing job of getting great kids in general, with great leadership abilities, and I think that’s true of every class that we have. This year’s no exception; the captains on this team are definitely leading by example, and they’re doing everything they can to set the tone for this team.”

Those captains filling the void are seniors Paige Biles, Alyssa Wilson, Sydney Caldwell and Adrienne White. Most notably, Biles was 14 of 14 on stolen bases last season while White batted .370 with three home runs and 23 RBIs.

As to the younger side of the roster, six new freshmen will hope to make an impact for the Red and Green. According to Pitkin, the freshmen will bring the best offense out of each other as they compete for spots in the lineup.

“There’s now a competition for who’s going to be on the lineup, so to have that edge will definitely push the batters to perform because they know if they’re not performing then they won’t be hitting, they won’t be in the lineup,” Pitkin said.

Pitching

After a banner 2014 effort, Pitkin will be headlining the Bears’ pitchers this season as she returns for her third year. Pitkin was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Second-Team All-Midwest Region and Second-team all-UAA last season after topping the UAA in opposing batting average (.187) and strikeouts (181).

Now an upperclassmen, Pitkin, along with fellow junior pitchers Brooke Hofer and Amanda Kalupa, will also be responsible for leading the new group of incoming freshmen pitchers. With the departure of the now-graduated Neal, the squad of freshmen Maggie Clapp, Mackenzie Gauden and Anna McKee are expected to see some time on the mound this season, and they will look for guidance from the three veterans for the ups and downs of transitioning to the sport’s college level.

“I always tell them, ‘Some days you’re going to be the bug; some days you’re going to be the windshield,’” Pitkin said. “So when they’re being the bug, make sure you give them a pat on the back, and when they’re being the windshield, be there to congratulate them when they come off the field.”

X-Factors

Janet Taylor- outfielder

In limited playing time as a freshman last season, Janet Taylor made quite a first impression by batting .311 with a home run and 13 RBIs in just 61 at-bats. With the departure of Ingell in the outfield, Taylor is slated to receive more playing time, and she will be given the daunting task of trying to replace Ingell’s offensive output.

Annie Pitkin- pitcher

Not only did Pitkin lead the UAA in opposing batting average and strikeouts last season, but she also ranked second with three saves, 17 wins and 167 2/3 innings pitched. She has already made several appearances in the Wash. U. career record books, holding fourth place in strikeouts (306), seventh place in wins (30) and ninth place in ERA (2.49). Pitkin figures to be a crucial component of the returning veteran group that hopes to keep this softball team competitive all the way through the postseason.

“I believe every year we have the potential to win a national championship,” Pineda-Boutte said. “It’s just if we have the right tools at the right time to push us through the postseason and then on to a national championship. This team is no exception. Great potential—it’s just a matter of if they want it or not.”