Grit and resiliency will be keywords for The College of Wooster softball team this year.

It's something the 2022 team could have used more of after an 18-23 record and an 8-8 showing in North Coast Athletic Conference matchups.

However, one of the season's top highlights came toward the end of the year when they upset sixth-ranked DePauw University in the NCAC Tournament, 7-6, breaking a 17-game skid against the Tigers.

The Scots are hoping that momentum carries over as well as provide an example of how to close games out.

"We're feeding off of the DePauw game," said softball coach Victoria Rumph. "That gave us a lot of confidence and willingness to work extra. This team more than any other team [in my tenure] has been holding themselves accountable and really putting in the work."

It will start at the top with junior captains Stephanie Griffin-Sanchez and Kaydee Clark.

The shortshop, catcher combination will not only lead the charge in the field but the two should also be two of the bigger contributors at the plate.

Griffin-Sanchez, the NCAC Newcomer of the Year two years ago, is the team's leading returning hitter after batting .303 with five home runs and 27 RBI a year ago. Her 11 stolen bases is also the top returning stat with leadoff hitter Brooke Swain graduating.

Clark took over catching duties last year and wound up being one of the team's most consistent hitters, batting .330 with one home run and 16 RBI.

"They provide the type of leadership to get us to the next level," Rumph said. "They're tough and competitive and put it all on the line, and that's something we're trying to do as a full group. They set great examples every day."

The Scots will also have more experience on the mound as Addie Tagg and Rachael Dudziak return after seeing the bulk of the innings for the first time last year.

Tagg was one of four All-NCAC selections from last year and the lone returner of the bunch.

She became the number one pitcher for the Scots down the stretch, going 4-4 with a 3.43 ERA in conference games. She enters her senior year along with Stacey Harris and Kylie Schmitz.

Dudziak started and ended strong following an offseason where she had open heart surgery. She threw the most innings (103) and finished 6-9 overall with a 4.28 ERA. Her four saves also tied the program's single-season record.

Newcomer Lynnsey Delio will round up what should be a three-person rotation for the Scots.

"Having experience in the circle is a big difference for this squad," Rumph said. "This year I think that will be one of our better strengths. Hitting the ball well will be crucial too. A lot of people are putting in the work, and we have some freshmen who can hit the ball well.

"We want to become a team that's consistent and playing to our potential."

The hitting will also have to be there for the Scots to reach its potential in what Rumph believes is a top three spot in the conference.

Swain and Molly Likins are two notable graduates out of the lineup with the former being the all-time home run leader and the latter the all-time stolen base leader.

Filling out one of those gaps at third base will be newcomer Julia Jennings, who Rumph says is someone who swings hard and plays great defense. 

Another newcomer, Emma Hetkey, will compete for time at second and is a player Rumph compares to Swain, just with the capability of adding more power. Delio is also in the mix at second base when not on the mound, as is Katie Mommers.

Rumph also praised the catching depth behind Clark. Mommers, Cate Barkdoll and Cassie Frangella will back up the junior.

Barkdoll should also fill in as a utility player or designated player as her bat could prove valuable in the lineup.

Anna Norby returns to solidify first base. She had two home runs and 14 RBI last year.

Spots are open in the outfield with the leading candidates being Ciara Herbert, Sarah Lodge, Lilly McLendon and newcomer Ella Wolff. 

The softball team will get started earlier than normal with a set of games in Danville, Ky. from Feb. 11-12 where they will play two games against Centre College and two games versus Asbury University.

From there, they will embark on its 10-game Florida spring break trip in March before returning for its home opener against Baldwin Wallace University in a doubleheader on March 26. They open NCAC play April 1 when they host a doubleheader against Denison University.