Spartans cap off season, set sights on future
The Castleton softball team finished the year with an overall record of 15-17, 4-10 in Little East Conference play.
Despite a slow start to the year, the Spartans finished the year winning four of their last five games. Team members said they played well all season but had a bad stretch where they lost eight of ten games starting at the end of their Myrtle Beach trip, continuing into the first few games back on the East Coast.
Looking ahead to next season, the Spartans are losing senior Tori Swaine who has been a star for them on both sides of the field. Swaine finished the year batting .322 with a homer and 25 RBI’s.
In four years at Castleton, Swaine had 7 home runs, 76 RBI’s and batted .329 in 118 plate appearances. She also became part of the 100-hit club at Castleton this season. There is no doubt that Swaine will be missed by her teammates.
“In my opinion, Tori is the MVP of the team this season. She has an amazing glove at first,” said junior Calli Van Gorden.
Catcher Jamie Boyle was also praising Swaine and echoing that she’ll be missed.
“Tori is gonna be a big loss for us,” the freshman said.
Swaine was reflective about her time on the team saying over four years softball has been more than just a game for her.
“I’ve learned so much more than softball and have met so many amazing people. Relationships have been built off this game and I walk away with so much knowledge and wisdom. I thank everyone who has been a part of my softball journey no matter how big or small of a role you played within it.”
Boyle also had a solid year for the Spartans behind the plate and has established herself as the starting catcher moving into next season. Boyle led the team with three home runs including a grand slam last Wednesday in an 8-0 win over Middlebury College, which wrapped up the Spartans season. When you look at the Spartans line-up there is no question that Boyle is the power hitter in the lineup.
Despite the overall losing record, players said they are confident going into next season.
“Now we know what to expect competition-wise and we will be even more prepared to face it next season,” Boyle said.
The Spartans have two big roles to fill if they want to improve next season. They need another ace in the rotation. Kylie Wright had a solid year on the mound but you could tell that she was basically their only option when it came to pitching.
This was a big issue when the Spartans played double-headers. They were only able to sweep two of the nine back-to-back games this season. First base is also going be a hard position to fill after having Swaine there for the past four years.