University of Connecticut Athletics
2020 UConn Softball Season Preview
1/30/2020 2:30:00 PM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. – Opening day is just over a week away, which can only mean one thing – a new era of UConn Softball is on the horizon! After taking over the helm during the summer, first-year head coach Laura Valentino and the UConn Softball team are ready to launch into the 2020 season.
The team returns a number of key players from a 2019 squad that improved statistically in 11 areas from the 2018 season, while also welcoming an exciting four-member freshman class.
The 2020 schedule features 52 games with stops in Washington, D.C., Florida, California, Oklahoma, New York, Tennessee and Virginia. Additionally, the 2020 schedule features matchups against four 2019 NCAA regional contenders – James Madison, Tulsa, Houston and USF. As the program embarks on their final season in the American Athletic Conference, the Huskies are looking to go out on a high note before transitioning back to the Big East.
"With this year's schedule first, in terms of overall opponents, we're playing multiple people multiple times," said Valentino. "I think this will be a great test for our team in terms of coming up with other strategies to beat an opponent twice or finding ways to bounce back from a setback."
The challenging slate opens up in Florida, where UConn will compete in the FGCU Softball Tournament Feb. 7-9. UConn opens its final season in the American Athletic Conference with a three-game series at Tulsa (March 20-22) before returning to Storrs to host Quinnipiac in the home opener.
"With this being our last year in the American Conference, we are looking forward to leaving our mark," said Valentino. "I'm excited to see our team go out and compete and put our culture to the test. A few components of our success this season will be determined by our resilience, our work ethic, and execution under pressure."
The Huskies host the Houston Cougars in their final home series April 24-26, an eventful three-day period that includes senior weekend, alumni weekend and the last weekend playing on Burrill Family Field.
Valentino added, "It is our last season on Burrill Family Field. There have been so many memorable moments of greatness accomplished on this field including multiple Big East Championships. We are taking pride in thanking those who have paved the way for UConn Softball during our last year of play on this field. We are competing for something bigger than ourselves and with that in mind, this is really a special season for us."
The Leadership Council and Captains:
Senior – Carli Cutler
Senior – Olivia Sappington
Senior – Ashlee Dahman
Junior – Marybeth Olson
Sophomore – Sami Barnett
Freshman – Mackenzie Fitzpatrick
"Leadership is a key component to any championship culture. We have been working hard to empower our captains and leadership council with the goal in mind of bringing back the championship tradition at UConn. These six leaders in particular have really stepped up and shown their buy in to change and their buy in to committing to influence their teammates. Their dedication to the core values of our program has made us very proud as a staff and we are starting to see their impact take shape moving into our first season together."
Returning Players:
UConn returns 17 players from the 2019 team, including four All-Conference selections - Briana Marcelino, Olivia Sappington, Carli Cutler and Reese Guevarra. UConn is looking to build off of last season – it was their best AAC showing at eight conference wins and also their best start to a season in over a decade.
"I continue to challenge the upperclassmen with how they will leave their mark on our program. In their last year(s) as a UConn softball player, they all want to be part of building a championship culture and I believe they have the opportunity to do that this year."
Newcomers:
The Huskies welcome a quartet of freshman to the program eager to make an immediate impact. The group features two pitchers – Emily Sappington and Meghan O'Neil, one outfielder – Cali Jolley, and one infielder – Mackenzie Fitzpatrick.
"Freshmen are always exciting for any coaching staff going into a new year. These four freshmen in particular bring work ethic, coachability, and commitment to our program. Their attitudes have been a pleasure to coach thus far and we are looking forward to seeing their contribution to the team's success this spring."
