Pitching-rich Providence Prepared to Go the Distance

Coach: Jay Biesterfel

Last year’s record: 28-8 overall, 17-3 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference (2nd place)

Quick hit: Our season will be a successful one if: “We limit our mistakes on defense,” Biesterfel says.

Infield: Maddie Rosa (senior, first baseman) hit a career high .317 last season. Kelly Engwall (senior, third baseman) was third on the Celtics with 28 RBI last year. Caroline Casper (senior, second baseman) missed most of last season with an ankle injury. Biesterfeld wasn’t sure who will fill the void at shortstop.

Outfield: Ilana Primack (senior, center fielder) has committed only four errors in her career and is a fourth-year player. Allie Strick (junior, right fielder) is one of the team’s three returning all-conference selections. Who earns the job in left field remains to be seen.

Pitching staff: Sophomore Amanda Wilson will be the No. 1 starter this season. She returns after going 20-5 as a freshman with a 1.07 ERA in 157 IP. Strick will be the team’s No. 2 starter. According to Biesterfeld, she has improved steadily. “She will likely see an increase in her workload from last year,” he said.

Catcher: Ellie Bartosz (junior) will likely be the team’s top catcher after serving as the backup last season and spending much of her time in the outfield. She batted .324 as a sophomore.

Coach Biesterfeld says: “The strength of our team will be our pitching. We return two pitchers who combined for 23 of our wins a season ago with a combined ERA of 1.08. I picture us being the type of team that will rely on its defense and have to learn to win close, low-scoring games. Our ability to win the close games will go a long way in helping us accomplish our goals as a program.”

College recruits: Kelly Engwall (Tallahassee Junior College)