The Simpson Women’s Softball team has a number of quality returning letter winners and a load of fresh talent to go along with it.

“We have the talent,” head coach Henry Christowski said. “We just have to take the talent and put it into a working machine on the field.”

By putting all of the team’s strengths together and playing a tough schedule the Storm will look to get back to the National Tournament this spring after failing to a year ago.

“We have an incredible amount of power hitting and our pitching staff overall is unbelievable,” sophomore Michelle Montgomery said.

According to Christowski the infield positions are mainly set, but the outfield positions are open with the graduation of players in right and center field.

Returning on the right side of the infield is first baseman Montgomery and lone senior Sara Eggleston at second.

“Our right side of the infield will be solid and I think that our left side will get there too,” Christowski said.

Junior Laura Halbrook and sophomore Alexis Quijano have the slight edge at shortstop and third base this preseason.

“We have a lot of quickness in the outfield and a number of girls who can play out there,” Christowski said. “It is going to come down to who can contribute at the plate.”

Christowski looks at his number of talent as a fortunate problem.

“If someone is not doing their job there is going to be someone there to step right in,” Christowski said.

The Storm have a number of pitchers who are capable of taking control at the mount.

Juniors Amy Kulisky, Jackie Brittain, and sophomores Meghan Kelso and Krista Schuur return and transfers Brady Stumpff and Lyndsy Owen will also add depth to the pitching staff.

Junior Amanda Pilcher returns behind the plate for the Storm as catcher.

“Each one of the pitchers bring a little different strength to the team,” Pilcher said.

The Storm heads to Florida tomorrow to open up their season. They will be playing twelve games, which include the returning National Champion, Muskingum.

“If we want to be the best,” Christowski said. “We are going to have to play the best.”