GREENSBORO, N.C. – The 2021 UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team enters the season with plenty of experience, leadership, talent, and optimism.
 
The focused and determined Spartans were the preseason pick to win the Southern Conference. They have all the ingredients to enjoy a ninth consecutive winning season under head coach Janelle Breneman.
 
"We are a talented team that is ready to take the field," Breneman said. "Having 11 months off from competition has been tough. Our passion and our desire to play is heightened and we continue to take advantage of every practice or game opportunity we are given. We have been having some exceptional practices, I really like what I see each day."
 
UNCG's strong nucleus is fueled by six players that earned All-SoCon preseason recognition. The Spartans return their top five hitters from last season.
 
Receiving First-Team preseason All-SoCon honors  were senior designated player Kayleigh Willis, junior infielder Samantha Lagrama, and junior catcher Delaney Cumbie. Named to the Second Team were senior outfielder Makenna Matthijs, senior infielder Jasmine Palmer, and sophomore pitcher Morgan Scott.
 
Lagrama, Matthijs, Cumbie, and Willis combined to hit 22 home runs last season.
 
UNCG led the SoCon in slugging percentage (.428), on-base percentage (.364), home runs (28), walks (99), and sacrifice flies (seven). The Spartans were second in runs scored (117) and RBIs (111) and third in total bases (239).
 
A patient and powerful lineup created headaches for opposing pitchers because of their ability to torment them especially deeper into games. Last season, UNCG rallied for five wins when it trailed in the fifth inning or later.
 
"We return the nucleus of our offensive line-up," Breneman said. "The depth and options that we have will help put the toughest line up out there on any given game day." 
 
Senior outfielder Katie Stettler, senior infielder Melanie Darges along with junior outfielder Hannah Kincer scored 10 runs each for UNCG last season. They all had over .500 on-base percentages, meaning they always clogged the bases when their heavy hitters arrived to the plate.
 
Senior utility player Breanna Butcher, senior pitcher Hannah Stiltner, and redshirt junior outfielder Jordan Gontram are back to provide additional depth and experience.
 
"Hannah is one of our strongest and hardest working players," Breneman said. "Hannah's off-season training has put her in a starting position. I look forward to seeing Hannah in the circle."
 
The Spartans are excited about their youngsters. Sophomore outfielder Ashley Gontram and sophomore infielder Maycin Brown have enjoyed a solid preseason. Also expected to play a key role this season are sophomore infielder/outfielder Blayke Batten, and sophomore pitcher Alex Rodriguez, who had a 2.80 earned run average last season.
 
Brown started 15 games and delivered the game-winning run against North Dakota State, her collegiate debut. Scott enjoyed a sterling freshman campaign in which she led the SoCon with 106 strikeouts, a total that was 21st nationally. She had eight complete games and two shutouts. 
 
Behind Scott, the Spartans were second as a team in pitching last season (3.15 earned run average). Scott, who won eight games, also benefitted from a defense that had a .961 fielding percentage, which was second in the SoCon. 
 
"Ashely is fun to watch, she has made slight adjustments and has put in some work. I like to see Morgan compete in the circle, she is a talented pitcher and someone that wants the ball. Maycin Brown has been looking sharp. she is an exceptional athlete with great speed and power." 
 
UNCG's strong freshmen class features infielder/utility player Tori Dalehite, infielder/utility player Brooklynn Maxwell, infielder Anna White, catcher Maria Nunez, and pitcher Alina Varga.
 
"Alina Vargas in the circle has been competing and having some really good bullpens," Breneman said. "Brooklynn has been filling the shortstop position. Her range and her quick and accurate release has been a great addition. Each rookie is here for a reason and will contribute to Team 36." 
 
UNCG's schedules features 50 challenging contests, including 30 at home. The Spartans begin the season with six consecutive games against Power 5 opponents, which will be fun for everybody. Three of those games are against squads ranked in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 poll in 19th-ranked South Carolina on Sunday, Feb. 14 and 13th-ranked Kentucky.
 
The Spartans will play Kentucky twice in their opening home series on Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19. UNCG's SoCon opening series is Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28 against East Tennessee State. UNCG concludes the regular season by hosting Western Carolina on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9.
 
"I am confident in Team 36 because of the success we had and are currently building on from last season," Breneman said. "We had some outstanding performances that allowed us to have some tough and hard-fought wins in 2020. I am optimistic because what I see at practice each day. This group is detailed, they want to compete, and I know we will continue to develop each pitch, each at-bat, and each inning."