The softball team came within two games of winning a MAC championship title this year.

Under new head coach Christina Sutcliffe, the squad turned in eight more wins than in the previous season, including a winning ledger at home and a vastly improved conference record, doubling its win total.

Not only was the change of coaches a positive move for the team, but the coaching philosophy and aggressiveness Sutcliffe brought forward paid big dividends for the team.

Sutcliffe would employ aggressive defensive positioning against slap hitters, pulling an outfielder into the infield at times to help reduce the chances of a hit.

While the credit for coaches may get tossed around too much or too little, I think the biggest change was the atmosphere of the team was more positive not only for the players, but for the community that surrounds the team.

Sutcliffe made more efforts for the players to be involved after the games and to open up the field for younger attendees. It’s about being receptive to all aspects of the sport, not pigeonholing on field performance.

The team already took a huge step this past season and the right pieces are in place leadership-wise for the team to be a contender.

Being two games away from a MAC title is a hard feat to back up in year two, but I think Sutcliffe brings the right attitude to the game and the right approach to the community that helps the program be seen in a good light either way.