LEWISTON, Maine – Fresh off a thrilling 2023 campaign that witnessed the Bobcats' first-ever NESCAC postseason triumph and the program's highest win total (16) in five years, Bates College softball is ready to carry that momentum into the '24 season, which commences Sunday in Clermont Fla.

Kat McKay, the reigning NESCAC Co-Coach of the Year, along with assistant coach Ally Plafcan, return for their second season leading the garnet and white. After a momentous debut that saw the Bobcats knock off defending conference champion Amherst in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament, Bates looks to build off its success from a year ago.

"Almost every game that we had (last year) was a tight game," said McKay. "One run here or there was the battle and we had to scratch it out. So, taking that momentum and the returners knowing what we're capable of, I think is what we're carrying into the season. But, we're really young this year, and so those rookies that are coming in, they've got to get that sense of, 'This is the expectation now'".

McKay and Plafcan certainly did not sit idly during the off-season as the staff added no less than nine first-year student-athletes to a roster that now sports 19 players.

Playing a vital role in preparing the newest Bobcats, both on and off the diamond, will be captains OF Sarah Cooke (.267/.330/.367), 1B/3B Rachel Liazos (.265/.412/.265), and SS Ella Maher (.255/.333/.330).

"These three lead by example," said McKay. "They really work hard for me, and they are in the classroom getting stuff done. They've been amazing. Rachel's our only senior this year, so I am really excited for her to just have a bang out season. Sarah (along with Grace Householter) is one of our two juniors, and then Ella, she had a phenomenal year last year at shortstop, and I think that she's going to do the same this year."

In the circle, sophomore Delaney Rankin enters the season as the ace for the Bobcats. Sporting a 7-6 record and 3.91 earned-run average over 20 appearances (12 starts) in 2023, Rankin will be looked upon to set the standard for a fresh-faced pitching staff.

We lost a few pitchers that were key members of the crew last year, we're very youthful," said McKay. "Delaney is going to be the head of our pitching staff.  She came back strong and ready to go, she's determined. We've got Isabella Albro, a right-handed first-year from New York City, and Elizabeth Pellini, a newcomer from Shrewsbury, Mass. The surprise addition to our pitching staff this year, and I think this is going to be a shock for a lot of people, is Ella (Maher)."

"Ella has a pitching background and there was a need this year with what we lost. She is a natural and she's very talented, I'm very excited to see what she does in the circle for us."

Charged with getting these arms prepared for the 36-game slate will be a new addition to the staff, pitching coach Carrie Green.

"Coach Green graduated from UMaine and has a very decorated background. She does it all for our pitching staff. She's been wonderful to work with, not only teaching the pitchers spins and getting them focused for the game, but also teaching that mental component that is so important for a pitcher."

Also playing a major role when it comes to the Bobcat pitching will be the return of All-Region catcher, Kennedy Jones. The sophomore not only served as a presence behind the dish for the garnet and white, but also posted an impressive slash line of .320/.356/.515 at the plate while pacing the lineup with a team-leading three home runs and 19 RBI as a rookie.

"Kennedy's got a year under her belt, so she knows what to expect, and I think opposing pitchers are going to look to throw around her a little bit," said McKay. "She hit so well last year. They were giving her some good pitches and she took advantage of that. This season, I think she will be pitched around a little bit because she is such a threat at the plate. Kennedy is going to have to learn how to be patient and look for her pitch."

With such an influx of youth on her roster, Coach McKay has been very clear with her expectations as the Bobcats will not take anyone by surprise this year in a competitive conference like the NESCAC.

"There are very talented teams here (in the NESCAC). The first-year players don't know what they're going to see yet, so we've been talking about how disciplined they (NESCAC teams) are and the fact that we can't make mistakes. We've got to play fundamental softball, always focus on that first out, then worry about the second one. If we don't get the first one, we're going to be in trouble. That's what we've been pounding, just fundamental softball."

One thing is for sure, McKay is just as pumped as the team to get going this weekend.

"I'm just really excited for my squad. They are so invested. They'll run through a wall for me this year. They have put the time in the weight room, time outside of practice to just focus on their craft. I'm so excited to work with this group. I think they're talented, and I really expect them to show that this year."

The Bobcats make their 2024 debut this Sunday, March 17 with contests vs. Nazareth University (NY) and Grinnell College (Iowa) as the garnet and white on the first of five days of competition in the PFX Spring Games in Clermont, Fla.

Bates is scheduled to open the NESCAC slate on Saturday, March 30 with a road doubleheader at Tufts.