By Allen Mardakhayev
As a new softball season begins, the BC Bulldogs step onto the field with renewed energy since their last season, new goals, and a hunger for success. The softball team had been working hard in the offseason, building chemistry, and redefining their skills as new faces emerged in the team and veterans were able to display their work ethics and team standards moving forward. After their performance last season in their CUNYAC Championship, the softball team intends to remain focused and disciplined as they are more determined than ever to make this year, one to remember.
Last season, the Bulldogs women’s softball team closed out with an 11-17 record. In the postseason of the 2024 season, the softball team went 6-6 in conference play and ended up in fourth place after a competitive match resulting in a loss to Baruch College in the CUNYAC Championships.
All-star player and pitcher, Danielle Guzzardi, believes and trusts in this team and all that they hope to accomplish as they aim to win it all this year at the CUNYAC Championships.
“Trusting my teammates is the most important part of the game as a pitcher. I have full faith in them to make the plays behind me after the ball gets put into play,” Danielle Guzzardi told The Vanguard. The senior pitcher was optimistic heading into this new season and as anticipation rises, it’s pivotal for attitude to be a key component to shaping the team’s path in the postseason. ,
“My team motivates me the most, they are constantly cheering and uplifting one another both on and off the field. I know every time I step on that dirt that my team has my back” Hailey Johnston told The Vanguard. The Bulldogs have a great connection with one another that can guide them to a successful season.
Returning veteran, Dasha Goodman, stepped into another year on the diamond and brings her leadership qualities with her. She intended on leading by example on and off the field for the benefit of her and her team.
“Going into this season I want to build on everything we started as a team last year and everything I personally began three seasons ago at Brooklyn College,” Goodman told The Vanguard. “I have put in a lot of work during the off-season, and want to focus on consistently putting balls into play and continuously making my team, coaches, and myself proud.”Goodman has brought back her initiative to the team she’s been loyal to for the past three seasons.
Beyond the season opener, several big games lie on the horizon as the Bulldogs start their season. They are first facing off against numerous opponents in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from March 5 until March 9.
On March 5, the Bulldogs were set to face off against Wilkes University and Kenyon College in a doubleheader matchup. Harsh weather conditions, however, resulted in a cancellation against Wilkes University and a postponement match against Kenyon College for March 7.
On March 6, the Bulldogs were set to face Waynesburg University and Grove City College, but they were unable to hold off against either team. Waynesburg was in the lead by 3-0 at the beginning of the game, and Goodman responded with a score for the Bulldogs. This, however, would not be enough to rebound, and the game resulted in a loss of 1-9.
Later in the day, the Bulldogs played against Grove City College, which culminated in a subsequent loss of 2-12.
On March 7, the Bulldogs played against Kenyon College following their recent postponement which resulted in a Bulldogs halt by Kenyon College. Kenyon won the game via a score of 11-0.
On March 8, the Bulldogs squared off against two opposing teams, Albion College and Keystone College. The Bulldogs lost to Albion with a score of 3-16.
The Bulldogs had their first victory of the season against Keystone College. Keystone started with 2-0 in the first inning, but the Bulldogs responded with four runs. Ultimately, the Bulldogs won via a score of 8-5.
On March 9th,the Bulldogs clash against their final opponents,Penn State Harrisburg and Dean College. The Bulldogs were unable to withstand the heavy offense from Penn State Harrisburg and were defeated with a score of 0-9. However, the Bulldogs ended the day with an impressive win over Dean College with a score of 7-5, which marked the end of the softball team’s experience in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.
After returning from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Bulldogs are set to take on Yeshiva University in a double header live at the Brooklyn College Field on March 11.