The Rockhurst softball program has many new faces heading into the 2020 season, but Coach Bailey Wittenauer is excited about the upside of her young team.

The Hawks graduated five key contributors from last year's team, but with strong depth this season, they are ready to reload. Rockhurst returns run producers Emily Clark (35 RBIs last season) and Calli Wibbenmeyer (34 RBIs). That duo is expected to bat in the heart of the order and hold down the corner infield spots defensively. Other returnees include utility player Payton Staggs, who brings an experienced bat to the lineup, and senior pitcher Olivia Prather, who is healthy and ready to go after missing much of the 2019 season due to injury.

Joining Prather in the pitcher's circle will be Nova Southeastern transfer Lexie Storrer. Drury transfer Dominique Salinas is another newcomer the team is excited about who adds athleticism to the Hawks' outfield. Wittenauer expects several freshman to get some looks early, including infielder Maya Gallagher, outfielder Allison Shakiba and utility player Jaden Santoni.

"Overall we have a lot of depth this year. I expect to see our offensive production go up, and our pitching and defense to improve from last season. We are young, but a very talented group, and have the option to have many different defensive looks. Overall, this is the most athletic team I've had while being here. Our team cohesion is also at an all-time high and with the depth we have, everyone is pushing each other at practice," Wittenauer said.

The Hawks begin the 2020 campaign this weekend, meeting Kentucky Wesleyan and Tiffin University for two games each in Owensboro, Kentucky. (See the full schedule here: https://rockhursthawks.com/sports/softball/schedule).

"Overall this is an exciting year for our program," Wittenauer shared. "We have been working very hard all year in preparation for the start of our season, and expect to elevate the program from where we left off last year."