The Carroll University Pioneer softball team steps onto the field this weekend in St. Louis, starting with a double header at Fontbonne, then another two at Wash U on Sunday, March 2nd. 
 
The team returns eight Pioneers from last season and enlists a group of 12 freshmen. The lone senior, Amanda Osterhus, returns after a stellar season in the circle. Osterhus collected a second team all-conference award, after finishing fourth in the CCIW in ERA and recording 162 strikeouts, good for third most.
 
"Amanda's senior year has brought with it the most focused, hard-working, 'team first' attitude that I've ever seen in her," said Head Softball Coach Amy Gradecki. "She clearly has decided that she is all in for the team and is serious about enjoying her senior year, which includes excelling on the field as well as forming authentic friendships with her teammates.  Her true competitive nature, leadership abilities and positive personality have emerged in full force this year, which will undoubtedly give us the best chances to compete with the top teams in the CCIW."
 
Pioneers return four other starters including Allyssa Demma, Sierra Grubor, Kaylee Learman, and Madison Wagner. Grubor, a sophomore, led the team in batting average with a .440, and stole 13 bases. She earned a second-team all-conference bid in her first year of competition as well being selected to first team all-region. Learman, a sophomore, also was tabbed second team after her freshman campaign of five home runs and a 1.167% slugging percentage through 14 conference games played. Demma, a junior, finished with a .254 average, while Wagner hit .247 with 14 RBIs. Other notable returners include Maria Mundt, Emily Green, and Rachel Piontek.
 
"Grubor, Learman, Demma, and Wagner will again be critical to our success.  They will be joined by fellow returners Mundt, Piontek and Green.  All of them will contribute to the team in many different ways - defensively, offensively, and on the mound.  They are a group of really talented athletes, great leaders, and competitive players who all love Carroll Softball and want to take this team to the next level," quoted Gradecki.
 
The freshmen round out the team and will collectively make an immediate impact in the team's success.  "This freshmen class is the most talented Carroll Softball has ever had.  They learn quickly and their desire to win will take our team really far.  They are already dedicated to the team's goals, and are extremely hard workers.  Really, the sky's the limit with this group," exclaimed Gradecki. "I have high expectations of the whole team on the field, but I already feel like this team is a success because of their positive attitudes, their work ethic, their commitment to each other and their determination to win together."