A mixture of experience, youth and depth is a recipe that is cooking up plenty of excitement and enthusiasm for the Massachusetts Maritime softball program heading into the 2015 season, as third-year Head Coach Megan Giammalvo has her Buccaneers ready to make a run up the ladder of success in the always-rugged Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Leadership has always been a key part of the fabric that is Buccaneer softball, and Giammalvo will look to a pair of veterans to set the example and tone for the upcoming campaign, as senior Meghan Weir (North Andover, Mass./North Andover) and junior Brittany Driscoll (Sutton, Mass./Holy Name) return as Massachusetts Maritime’s captains this spring.  Giammalvo, who is in her eighth overall season with the program, describes the duo as “fully committed to making their teammates better every day in practice, in competition and in the Academy community.  They have demonstrated effective leadership both on and off the field, and they have set the tone with their positive example and hard work.”

Here’s a look at how things are shaping up for the 2015 edition of Buccaneer Softball:

INFIELD.  Weir anchors Massachusetts Maritime’s infield as the incumbent at third base, as she started all 20 contests and registered a team-leading 40 assists.  Junior Cassie Sanderson (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth) is back at second base after injuries limited her last spring, while freshman Elizabeth Bramhall (Plymouth, Mass./Plymouth North) looks to take over at shortstop for the Buccaneers.  Sophomore Jessica Holleran (Methuen, Mass./Essex Aggie) and freshman Emily Bacchiocchi (Wareham, Mass./Wareham) will be vying for the starting nod at first base for Giammalvo, while sophomore Mara Footit (Wilbraham, Mass./Cathedral) and freshmen Angela Nikituk (Otis, Mass./Lee), Haley Delahanty (Holden, Mass./Wachusett Regional) and Sarah Monteiro (North Falmouth, Mass./Falmouth) will also look to contribute in the infield.

OUTFIELD.  Driscoll is the top returning performer at the plate for Massachusetts Maritime, as she rapped out a double and recorded 13 put outs in 16 starts in 2014.  Giammalvo will look to a quartet of freshmen to fill the other two spots in the Buccaneer outfield, as Julia Staula (Sharon, Mass./Sharon), Alexis Jendzejec (West Greenwich, R.I./The Greene School), Olivia Norton (Quincy, Mass./Quincy) and Thays De Gracia (Panama City, Panama/Saint George International) will compete for starting roles.

PITCHER/CATCHER.  Sophomore Cassidy Nice (Carver, Mass./Carver) returns inside the circle for the Buccaneers after making 10 starts as a rookie last spring, while freshman Carli Thomas (Brewster, Mass./Nauset) will bolster Massachusetts Maritime’s mound corps.  Sophomore Wesley Fehskens (Wareham, Mass./Wareham) started in 11 contests behind the plate as a newcomer in 2014, while freshman Kaylene Murphy (Randolph, Mass./Ursuline Academy) will also be vying for time at the dish as a rookie.

SCHEDULE.  The Buccaneers will embark on a 24-game schedule in 2015, as Massachusetts Maritime will host Lyndon State, Maine-Presque Isle, Becker and Pine Manor in non-league doubleheaders while also entertaining MASCAC foes Fitchburg State, Salem State, Bridgewater State and Framingham State.  Giammalvo’s crew will hit the road for twinbills at Wentworth (non-league), Worcester State, MCLA and Westfield State this spring.