Softball seniors share their journey at Stonehill

By Olivia Webster

Stonehill softball has shown a lot of growth throughout the first half of its season. 

Seniors Shannon Conte, Emily Nardelli, and Chloe Kelly give insight into the season and the team’s growth. 

“I think we have a lot of talent on this team, and we hold ourselves to a high expectation and we haven’t been performing to that expectation, but we have more games ahead of us rather than behind us. Lots of opportunities to turn it around,” Nardelli said. 

Softball has struggled to open the season, posting a 9-21 record in their first 30 games, but the team has remained positive and hopes to keep stringing together wins in their last 20 games.  

“It has been good, but the record does not show our performances a lot of the time, we have had lots of close games along with some other performances, but I think our record doesn’t show our abilities and I think the team morale is good and we have a close relationship with everyone on the team,” Kelly said.  

Before the regular season, there were many moments where the team felt successful.  

“Our Furman game in South Carolina was unforgettable, and my favorite trip of my college career, and it was cool because we got out of a sticky situation from previous games under the lights,” Conte said.  

The team has played a tough schedule, with most of their games coming against out of conference opponents. The seniors have praised the young talent on the team and feel hopeful for the team's future success.  

“We have a lot of young talent and more depth than we are used to, so I am proud of myself and the way that other people have handled that and finding leadership roles on and off the field, and shoutout to Lauren Donovan for her no-hitter that was huge for herself and the program,” Nardelli said.  

Despite their record, the Stonehill softball team continues to work hard throughout the ups and downs. 

“Younger girls have shown themselves throughout the season Lauren got her no-hitter and made a mark on other teams and showed we are a threat to other people, two sophomores, Piper and Harper, performed and led on the field and cool for me to see them shine,” Kelly said.  

The team has continued to improve during their time in Division 1, but the transition has not come without its struggles.  

“The Division 1 transition was an obstacle. We had our ups and downs, but the standard we have held ourselves to [helped us] overcome it, and we have taken so much on ourselves,” Nardelli said.  

Motivation is something that can be built, lost, and regained within an athletic season.  

“We motivate each other, and the senior class is a motivator to be for. The senior class is special working for each other and motivating each other through tough times as a team, and mentally through lots of different times. We are a very close team,” Conte said.  

For the remainder of the season, it is the team’s goal to finish strong and to make the tournament, as well as play for each other. There is lots to look forward to for April and the end of the year.  

“The team goal is to make the tournament, and doable if we work hard and keep it up through the season, however, it is not going to come easy. We are looking forward to Senior Day,” Conte said.  

Stonehill softball will keep working hard for the rest of the season, showcasing their dedication, strong work ethic, and team spirit.