FRANKLYWNOW - Despite key losses, BU softball returns experience

The burden of being a coach at the collegiate level is having to replace players after the graduate. You get up to four years of production out of them, and then they're gone. Last May the Bearcats softball team said goodbye to seven graduating seniors, most notably, second baseman Jessica Bump and pitcher Demi Laney.

While Bump and Laney were two key cogs in the Bearcats wheel, there's a lot of talent returning. Senior shortstop Caytlin Friis will once again lead the infield, reigning America East Player of the Year Sydney Harbaugh will patrol the outfield, and expect some offensive pop from Lisa Cadogan and Taylor Chaffee. Sixth year head coach Michelle Burrell is also looking forward to the addition of several new faces in her freshman recruit class. Niagara Falls native Stephanie Bielec is expected to take over second base and Kate Richard of Lincoln, DE will likely play third. In total, seven freshman were added to the roster this spring.

The Bearcats open the season Friday in the Georgia Southern Tournament. They play Boston College at noon and host Georgia Southern at 4:00.