With a solid core of returning veterans and a talented incoming freshman class, the 2001 Trinity College softball team has the components for a successful campaign, even though the Bantams will again play one of the toughest schedules in New England.

Trinity is led by senior co-captain third baseman Brianna Stanton, who was an all-league and All-New England player last spring. Stanton, who was also an All-NESCAC athlete as a freshman before missing the majority of 1999 with an injury, batted .429 with 11 doubles and 15 RBI, all of which were team-highs.

Senior co-captain Tricia Mase, an All-NESCAC performer in 1999 and a league All-Academic performer in 1999 and 2000, returns for her fourth year as the Trinity shortstop. Mase batted .260 in 2000 and stole 10 bases. At second base, junior Elizabeth Bontempo established herself as the starter in the middle of last season. Bontempo earned second-team All-NESCAC honors, batting .330 with 20 hits and a team-high 20 runs. Sophomore Maureen Heneghan earned experience at first base in her rookie campaign.

Sophomore right-hander Kristi McDermott returns to the mound in 2001, after appearing in 19 games as a freshman with an 8-8 record and a 3.84 ERA in 104 innings. Freshman righty Lauren McDowell is the other Trinity pitcher.

Sophomore Susan Kelly emerged as an all-league selection with a solid second half in left field, while right fielder Kelly Kempner and center fielder Laura Heath were consistent throughout the spring. Kelly batted .315 with 13 RBI last season, and Heath posted a .301 average with 13 runs scored. Kempner batted .243 but drove in 13 runs. Freshman prospects Kate Cella and Jennifer Kerning will provide depth in the outfield.

Trinity lost All-NESCAC catcher and team leader Caitlin Luz to graduation, but she returns to the squad as an assistant coach. Junior Clare Bullock is the leading candidate to replace Luz behind the plate. She caught several in her first two seasons and is a clutch hitter. Bullock can also play several infield positions, while Bontempo and Mase also have done some catching in their careers.