Head Coach Dee Conway's MWC softball team is expecting big things in 1998, thanks in part to a winning attitude and diligent work ethic. After a somewhat disappointing 1997 season in which the team still reached the Capital Athletic Conference finals, this Spring's team will surely look forward to getting back in the winning habit, and wide-open competition at every position will bolster that.

The Eagles return several quality players, including senior catcher Sara Goode. Goode was selected first team All-CAC and All-State after an outstanding junior season in '97, when she led the team in batting (.379), runs scored (22), hits (39), doubles (11), triples (4), slugging percentage (.592), and on-base percentage (.483). She ranked in the CAC top ten in batting, doubles, and triples.

Also back is versatile junior Janet Oldis, who has been named All-Conference at two different positions in the past two seasons. Oldis, a first baseman last Spring, hit .310 with 14 RBI and struck out just four times in 110 plate appearances. As a freshman in '96, she helped the Eagles win the CAC title with an opening-round pitching win in the conference tournament. One of Coach Conway's hottest players at the end of last season was rising senior infielder Emily Hopkins, who raised her average forty points (.289) in the last nine games, hitting safely in each of those contests. Hopkins also had four doubles and three triples on the year and finished second on the team with a .476 On-Base percentage.

MWC also returns starters in two outfield positions and at 3rd base. In all, the Eagles welcome back the majority of the squad from last year, as there were no seniors on the roster. Every position will be up for grabs, though, according to Conway, and that should lead to a higher level of play at each facet of the game: offensive production, defense, and pitching. Coach Conway recruited several outstanding student athletes. Each will be asked to contribute immediately. This year's class may be one of the best in several years for the program, with improvements to the pitching staff and added speed in the outfield and on the basepaths. This quality recruiting class will be given every opportunity to earn starting positions, and if these newcomers can provide depth and fill several immediate needs, MWC will likely return to the elite of the region.