2004 proves to be a brighter season for the Lady Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University and head softball coach Donna Crone.

Crone brings back the nucleus of last year’s young team and returns starters at every position but two including her entire starting infield. All three pitchers are back from a season ago and everything points to smooth sailing for the Lady Bucs to make a run at the Gulf South Conference Tournament.

Infield

The Lady Bucs return all four starters from last year’s team. Sophomore first baseman Paula Cerrito looks to build upon her Second-Team All-GSC pick last year and anchor the Lady Bucs’ infield. Senior second baseman Megan Pilkington will return as one of the top bats on the team. Sophomore Jenny Bernard returns at shortstop and will lead-off for the Lady Bucs. She led the team in hitting with a .357 mark last season. Junior third baseman Jennifer Longo will anchor the left side of the infield and should hit in the three spot for CBU. Freshman utility player Leanne Britton will provide depth at any position.

 Outfield

 Two starters return to form what Crone label’s as “One of the fastest outfields she has seen at CBU.” Junior left fielder Melissa Eilers will return in left and sophomore Brittany Majkrzak will be back in right after undergoing shoulder surgery in the off-season. Majkrzak finished fourth on the team last year in RBIs. Freshman newcomer Hannah Shackelford out of Southaven (MS) High School will roam center field for the Lady Bucs. Shackelford will help form what Crone says might be “One of the best defenses the school has ever seen.” 

Pitching/Catching

 The Lady Bucs return all three pitchers from a season ago. Junior righty Megan Sharp anchors the staff. Sharp finished with a 3.28 ERA last season in 156 innings pitched. She should be the No. 1 starter for CBU. Sophomore Kathryn Bomar will return after leading the team in ERA last year with a 2.92 mark in 21 appearances. Junior Angela Dunn will be the No. 3 starter for the Lady Bucs. Dunn, last season made ten appearances, starting four games. Senior transfer Sara Szpekowski and Lauren Zavelli will be the catchers for this year’s staff. Szpekowski comes in from Kishwaukee Community college where she was an All-Conference performer. Zavelli should fight for playing time with Szpekowski and might fill in the designated player role when not catching.

 After finishing 14-28 last season, there’s nowhere but up for this year’s squad to head. Crone believes the team has a real shot at breaking the schools win record of 20 and being the first CBU team to ever finish above .500.