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Penn senior Crista Farrell led the Quakers last year in at-bats, runs, hits and steals. The Quakers were 1-13 in the Ivy League last season. [Will Burhop/DP File Photo]

While most Penn students are basking lazily in the Cancun sun, the Penn women's softball team will be charging into action this weekend in Florida at the Rebel Spring Games. The Quakers were set to open the spring season last weekend against Fairleigh Dickinson at Warren Field, but, along with two other games, the matchup was canceled due to inclement weather. "Our goals this year will be to work together and try to improve on last year's record," sophomore Kristi Hackett said. Last year, the Quakers fared relatively well throughout the 14-game stand at the Rebel Spring Games, where they played some of the best teams in collegiate softball. Against St. Xavier, the Quakers eked by, 3-2, thanks to a home run by Erin O'Brien. The Quakers also played particularly well against Bowling Green, a game in which then-junior Rebecca Ranta pitched a no-hitter up until the fifth inning when the Falcons managed to score their only run, falling 9-1 to the Red and Blue. Hot off the Rebel Spring Games, the Quakers proceeded to win four of their next six games, beating Lafayette and La Salle, among others. Within the Ivy League, however, the Quakers simply could not remain competitive and ended the Ancient Eight season with a 1-13 record. In spite of last season's performance, however, the Quakers are hopeful about their upcoming campaign. With an influx of new talent as well as a solid core of returning players, the Quakers hope to fare better this season. "We didn't do as well as we wanted to, and we certainly could have played better," Hackett said. "We were much better than our record indicated. It was a learning season, and this year we should do a lot better." Returning to the Quakers lineup are seniors Crista Farrell, Danielle Landolt, Erica Miller and Rebecca Ranta. Last season, Farrell led the team in at-bats (148), runs (26), hits (48) and steals (8) and will undoubtedly be a major contributor to the Quakers offense. Other promising Quakers include juniors O'Brien and Nicki Borgstadt. Last season, O'Brien led the Red and Blue in on-base percentage (.383) and doubled as both a first baseman and outfielder. Borgstadt will also prove to be invaluable to the Quakers on the mound, where last year, she pitched more than 200 innings, a program record. Additionally, Borgstadt was named an All-Ivy honorable mention. The Quakers will also rely on newcomers to provide additional depth, namely Marissa Brassfield, Meghan Cowen, Katie Hughes, Jen Nichols and Gina Talley. Cowen, who plays third base, was named to the All-American team during her junior year in high school and was first team All-County and All-Metro. Brassfield and Hughes were both named to their respective All-Area teams. During the fall season, the freshmen gained valuable experience in the Quakers' 6-2-1 campaign. The Quakers will look to continue their winning ways through the spring season. "I think this year we really need to work on communication and get used to playing with each other," Hackett said. "We have to work together as a team and begin to play up to our potential."

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