Spartans Ready to Return to Field for 2021 Season

An experienced roster and improved offense should help the Cayuga Community College Spartans Softball Team take a step forward when they resume competition this spring. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic cut short the 2020 season, the Spartans are looking to return to the field with an aggressive approach for the 2021 season, including a revamped lineup that Coach Chris Amoia believes will likely be the team's strength. 

"Offensively, this team should be able to hit well and get runners on base. We've struggled in recent years to score runs and get those timely hits, but we've hit well in practice and we think that will translate onto the field," he said. "I believe this squad will be the best hitting team we've had, and it could very well be our strength this season." 

The Spartans return five sophomores, including infielders Gabriella Bard and Makayla Titus, outfielders Kate Stoddard and Skyler White, and pitcher/outfielder Kyra Cotrill. In the 2019 season, Cotrill finished with a .300 batting average and was second on the team in runs scored. 

Team newcomers include pitcher Gabrielle Hass, infielders Olivia Maassen and Abigail Marinelli, and catcher Taylor Hunter.  

Amoia believes the team should be strong defensively, featuring good speed in the outfield with Stoddard, White and Hass or Cotrill, and reliable infielders. 

"Gabriella and Olivia should give the team good defense in the middle of the infield, and Taylor will make an immediate impact for us behind the plate," said Amoia. "She has a strong arm, great knowledge of the game and exceptional blocking abilities." 

While the roster is smaller than usual, the team will benefit from the extra playing time, said Amoia. He also thinks whether it's the improved offense, pitchers Cotrill and Hass, or the team defense, each game could feature a different student-athlete making key contributions. 

He's hoping that the team can start the season fast and build experience for the latter part of the schedule. 

"We have a challenging schedule this season, including playing some of the top teams in the region. Hopefully that experience of playing top teams will make us better down the road," said Amoia. "We want to come out of the gate firing on all cylinders, and win some of these early games. We don't want to sit back. We want to set the tone early to figure out what type of team we are going to be." 

Cayuga opens the season on the road with a doubleheader at SUNY Adirondack on Saturday, March 27. The home opening doubleheader, also against SUNY Adirondack, is Sunday, March 28, at Falcon Park. The home opener will mark the first competitive contest for the softball team at Falcon Park.