Enthusiasm is high for the Massachusetts Maritime softball program heading into the 2014 season, as second year Head Coach Megan Giammalvo welcomes back five letterwinners and a crop of talented newcomers looking to climb the ladder of success in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Leadership has always been a staple of Buccaneer softball, and Giammalvo will look to senior Crystal Sherman (Charlton, Mass./Shepherd Hill), junior Meghan Weir (North Andover, Mass./North Andover) and sophomore Brittany Driscoll (Spencer, Mass./Holy Name) to continue that tradition as tri-captains this spring.  Giammalvo, a former standout at Salem State, describes the trio as “committed to making their teammates better on and off the field and setting a positive example to follow.  Their work ethic will pay great dividends in the long run.”

Here’s a look at how things are shaping up for the 2014 edition of Buccaneer Softball:

INFIELD.  Sherman and Weir anchor the left side of Massachusetts Maritime’s infield, as Sherman moves from centerfield to shortstop after amassing nine hits, including three doubles, as a sophomore.  Weir returns to her spot at third base after rapping out three hits last spring, while sophomore Cassie Sanderson (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth) is back at second base after starting 10 of 13 contests played as a rookie.  Freshman Kristen O’Brien (Boston, Mass./O’Bryant) takes over at first base for the Buccaneers, while fellow freshmen Bezie and Lydia Tesson-Legnine (Wellfleet, Mass./Provincetown) lend additional infield depth.

OUTFIELD.  Driscoll started in 20 games in the outfield for Giammalvo in 2013, as she collected six hits, including a trio of two-baggers, while fellow sophomore Karina Pena-Seda (Hyde Park, Mass./O’Bryant) lends additional experience after playing in five contests last season.  Freshmen Wesley Fehskens (Wareham, Mass./Wareham) and Victoria MacDonald will also comprise the Massachusetts Maritime outfield this spring.

PITCHER.  Sophomore Cassie Swanson (Quincy, Mass./Archbishop Williams) returns inside the circle for the Buccaneers, as she fanned 17 in 38 1/3 innings pitched as a rookie in a span of 11 games.  Freshman Cassidy Nice (Carver, Mass./Carver) joins Swanson in Giammalvo’s pitching corps as well this spring.

CATCHER.  Sophomore Ashley Michalski (Portsmouth, R.I./Portsmouth) moves from the outfield to behind the plate this season, as she started in 10 of 14 games played as a freshman with a hit and four put outs in the field.

SCHEDULE.  Giammalvo’s crew is set to tackle a 26-game regular season schedule this spring, as the Buccaneers will host Westfield State, Worcester State and MCLA in MASCAC action as well as Lyndon State, Wentworth and Wheelock in non-league play.  Massachusetts Maritime will travel to Fitchburg State, Bridgewater State, Salem State and Framingham State for conference clashes while also heading to Fisher, Becker and Pine Manor for non-league tilts.

The Buccaneers begin the 2014 season on Saturday, March 15^th when Massachusetts Maritime hosts Lyndon State in a non-conference twinbill at Alison Rollins Field beginning at 1:00 p.m. EDT.