The Marauders enter the 2008 season riding high after snapping Kutztown’s 22-game winning streak in their ’07 season finale.

“To me, that’s a huge boost heading into this year,” says head coach Kathy Cummings, now in her 15th year at the helm in Millersville. “I’m very proud of last year. Our final record was very deceiving.”

The Marauders finished under .500 last season (20-26), but recorded 20 wins for just the third time in 23 years. Though Millersville has lost three-year captain Meghan Sinback and senior pitcher Erica Slavinski to graduation, most of the players from the 2007 squad will return to the field this spring.

“The fact that we have the foundation of that team back is encouraging,” Cummings says. “Many of them played every inning of every game last year.”

Millersville also expects to have softball field renovations completed by the time the team plays its home opener March 18 against Lincoln.

“I’m excited about the renovations to our field,” Cummings says. “It will be one of the nicest complexes in the conference and we can be very proud to call it our home field. I also feel it will show our players and future recruits that Millersville is dedicated to improving our athletic programs.”

Cummings expects the 2008 team to be defined by its versatility – she will have many options in trying to find the right mix in the field – and powered by a strong pitching staff that has support from a solid defense.

Senior centerfielder Alexa Ashwell and junior pitcher Emily Flieger are the 2008 team captains. Ashwell has the highest 2007 batting average of any returning player (.346). Flieger led the Marauders with 10 wins, 64 strikeouts and a 3.25 earned run average last season.

The return of junior pitcher Janelle Mrakovich, who finished 2007 with a 5-4 record and 3.54 ERA, will boost the starting rotation. Other starting pitchers include sophomore Ashley Cameron, freshman Ashley Sosack and Courtney Eckman, a freshman from Lampeter-Strasburg High School whom Cummings expects to have an immediate impact.

Junior Trisha Johnson, whom Cummings refers to as an excellent field leader, will likely be the starting catcher. Brittany Orsini could also see time behind the plate and at other positions.

Cummings will have plenty of options in the infield and outfield. She expects senior Erin Hepner (first base), junior Shaina Briel (second base), sophomore Lindsay Hosier (short stop) and freshmen Casey Coker (third base) and Sarah Ernesto (utility) to see plenty of action.

Joining Ashwell in the outfield will be sophomores Jill Golomboski, Maria Polyak and Amy Kossyk. Cummings also projects that, if necessary, she will be able to rotate any of the infielders to the outfield without hesitation.

The head coach expects good things from her freshman class. “This is one of the hardest working freshman classes I’ve ever had,” Cummings says. “Their willingness to put extra time into improving their skills has definitely impressed me.”

As for versatility, Cummings has confidence that any number of combinations in the field could prove to be a successful mix.

Cummings calls this year’s team one of her most talented and one with a lot of potential.

“If we play mentally tough, we can realistically beat anybody,” Cummings says. “From day one, this team has been like a family and I think that will help us. I give credit to our returning players for making that happen.”

The Marauders open the season with a trip down to Fort Pierce, Fla. to play several double headers, followed by the three-day Barry University Tournament. Their first day of action will be March 8.