By Caitlin Duncan

Contributing Writer

The University of New Haven women’s softball team has spent months preparing for their 2014 season. The team has been training throughout the entire fall and winter. They’ve been working on conditioning, as well as perfecting their techniques, and brushing up on all of their skills. It’s no doubt that the Chargers are ready to slide into the 2014 season.

Head coach Jen Starek leads the Chargers. This is Starek’s eighth season with UNH. She has helped the team pave a path to success since she joined the Charger family in 2007. The team has had seven straight winning seasons since Starek has been with the team, including multiple appearances in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) postseason. Last season, the Chargers made it to the NCAA regional playoffs, and earned their first national rank.

Along with head coach Jen Starek, are assistant coaches Ryan Griffin and Devon Kelly. This is Griffin’s second season, and Kelly’s first season with the Chargers. The coaching staff is highly qualified and determined to continue to lead the team to another successful and winning season.

This season will be just as strong as the previous seasons. Between the returning members of the team, especially seniors Lindsey Couturier and Brandy Dianno, and junior Erika Williams, and the five new, talented freshmen; Julie Devlin, Katia Bagwell, Kim Rodriguez, Julie Schneidenbach, and Gabby DeLeo, the Chargers are sure to have another successful season.

Their season began with an away game at Dowling, Tuesday, March 11. Their first home game will be Thursday, March 13, against Dominican. The team then travels to Florida for a nine game tournament throughout the week of spring break.

The Chargers have a long season ahead of them, but with all of their hard work and talent, it is sure to be another successful year for them.