BUZZARDS BAY, Mass -- At the end of every sports season, traditionally prior the final regular season home game, we honor our senior student-athletes for their contributions to their respective programs prior to playing their final home game at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. With the current global climate and spring seasons being cancelled our seniors had the opportunity to walk on the field with their family taken away from them. In honor of our seniors we would like to take the time to recognize them and their time as a Buccaneer.

The softball team was on a high coming in to the 2020 season, having their largest roster in a handful of years, a brand new playing surface, and a first year head coach in Will Griffiths. When the seasons were postponed and ultimately canceled on Wednesday, March 11^th, the Buccaneer softball team was less than 24 hours away from beginning their season. Had they begun and played their season the senior day celebration would have taken place on Saturday, April 25^th against MCLA at Alison Rollins Field. Nonetheless, we celebrate the two seniors on this year's roster.

First is #2 Jill Corazzini. The Paxton, Mass native and Marine Science, Safety and Environmental Protection major was entering her third season with the softball team after taking a season off her junior year. Corazzini is the last Buccaneer softball player to be named to a MASCAC All-Conference team in her freshman season in 2017. In 2018, she batted a team-high .347 with a .382 on-base percentage. She racked up 25 hits, four doubles, nine RBI, four walks and stole three bases. She finishes her career with a .288 batting average and a .364 on-base percentage. After her year off from the team Jill, her teammates and the coaching staff were excited to have her back on the squad. "Jill left a lasting impression on our team. She was always high energy with a positive attitude and loved the game," said Assistant Coach Kaylene Murphy. "She was an impact player for us on and off the field. Her kind heart and hard work ethic will be missed."

Last but not least is the Captain, #10, Madison Ovadek. The Emergency Management major from Greenland, N.H. is a four-year started for the Buccaneers and has been the cornerstone of the program since she first stepped on campus. Ovadek's 2019 season was impressive with 29 hits, two doubles, her first career home run, 10 RBI, six walks, three stolen bases. She posted a .387 batting average, a career-high, and a .427 on-base percentage, also a career-high. In her time with the Bucs she racked up 62 hits, 29 RBI, a .330 average and a .353 on-base percentage. In 188 career at-bats, Maddy only struck out nine times, three time each season. "Maddy has always been a major asset to our program. Her love and passion for the game of softball and ability to lead her teammates is amazing," said Coach Murphy. "Maddy will down as one of the best players in the Academy's history and we will miss her dedication, leadership and skills behind the plate. She is truly the best." It can't go without mention that Maddy's father John, drove from New Hampshire to Mass Maritime for all of Maddy's games and often times to away games.

From all of your coaches, teammates, and the Athletic Department, thank you for your dedication to athletics and to the Academy. We will miss both of you. Good luck on all of your future endeavors.