Bucknell University Athletics
Bison Voices - Erin Curatola, Softball
12/21/2006 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 21, 2006
With the culmination of our fall season, the outlook for our spring season is promising. During fall ball many new faces graced the field, with sure hands and strong bats. These new faces have instilled not only hope, but excitement for a new season, which all returners expect and believe will surpass the 2006 spring season. Not only have the first-year players instilled this hope for a promising spring season, but our returning players have come back to Bucknell with a drive and passion unlike any other year. The sense of confidence which our team has begun to play with will surely lead our team to greater success both on and off of the softball field.
In addition to the elevated attitudes of the team, the continuous work to improve our game both mentally and physically never ceases. Whether it is hopping on a treadmill or taking cuts off a tee, each stride and each swing brings us one step closer to our goal: to make the Patriot League tournament, and finish at the top for the first time since 1997. In prior seasons, we have shown our ability in spurts, through an early victory over Rider in Florida as well a victory over undefeated Lehigh during the Patriot League Tournament in the 2005 season. The question of our ability to play well has never existed, but rather a question of our ability to play well consistently.
As a result, at a recent team meeting we agreed that our motto of inspiration for the 2006-2007 season will be "top it off." We discussed our abilities as forming a pyramid, in which we have successfully built a strong base and all that is left to do is to "top it off." Whether it is an at bat, an out, an inning, a game, or an entire tournament, the goal of this season is to perform consistently and simply get it done.
Going into my third season, the excitement and confidence is overwhelming. With many strong upperclassmen, as well as a talented and impressive group of first-year players, the morale of both the players and coaching staff is high. Each individual contributes to our success in their own unique manner, but most importantly, each individual contributes. Whether it is through knocking in the runs and fielding the balls, or keeping the hitting and pitching charts, each individual is a vital part of reaching our goal. For this spring season I have great faith that we will reach our goal. Bucknell softball will "top it off."
