MEDFORD, MA (February 25, 2025) – The 2025 season brings a fresh start for the Tufts University softball team. This year, March looks very different for the Jumbos. Instead of heading to Florida for a packed spring break, they kick off their season early at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic this weekend. Here, they will face tougher opponents right from the start.
The action continues with the Margie Knight Softball Classic at Salisbury University on March 15-16. Afterward, the team will aim to build on their skills with games at Randolph-Macon College on March 19 and Christopher Newport University on March 22, during spring break.
Due to a chilly winter in Greater Boston, the team hasn’t been able to practice outside. Head Coach Lauren Ebstein and her coaching staff view this new schedule as an opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses. They believe that focusing now will help them peak in May, just in time for the NESCAC championship.
“This season feels different because our preseason is much shorter,” Ebstein explained. “In the past, there wasn’t much time for adjustments during the Florida trip. This year, we have more room for growth.”
She added, “This weekend, we’ll compete against some of the best teams. It will show us what we do well and what we need to improve. Then we’ll have two weeks to work on that before heading back to more games over spring break.”
The team looks strong with key returners. All-American pitcher Sophia DiCocco headlines the squad, along with standout players Kaitlyn Perucci, Lauryn Horita, and Keriann Slayton. Bela Jimenez, a 2023 All-American, and versatile infielder Haley Leimbach are also back. Seniors Lacey Chilek and Lindsay Neumann, along with sophomores Heaven Oliva and Fallon O’Connor, aim to step up as the season unfolds.
However, the team is adjusting to the loss of four significant players: Josie Steinberg at shortstop, Rachel Moore at third base, Michelle Adelman in center field, and pitcher Sky Johnson. These athletes played major roles in last year’s fifth-place finish at the College World Series and contributed to an impressive 136-35 record over the past four seasons.
With new faces and a slightly changed lineup, success in the conference is a top goal. Their journey begins this Friday against LaGrange College and Gettysburg College.
Here’s a look at the Jumbos by position:
PITCHER: DiCocco returns for her fifth year, boasting a career ERA of 1.03 and a stellar 0.94 last season. As a two-time All-American and a proud owner of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, she’s a crucial asset. Chilek, O’Connor, and first-year Malin Medeiros are also expected to contribute on the mound.
CATCHER: The catching position is solid with Slayton and Oliva. Slayton started 38 games last year, hitting .284 with three home runs. She also did a great job handling the pitching staff, which led NESCAC with a 1.29 ERA. Oliva adds power to the lineup, having homered three times last season. They work well together, effectively throwing out nine of 14 steal attempts. First-year Kenzie Sturgill will also add depth behind the plate.
INFIELD: With the graduation of Steinberg and Moore, the Jumbos will explore new combinations. Jimenez, a solid .329 career hitter, will play at second base. Leimbach, who started all 49 games last season, is versatile and may shift positions to strengthen the infield. Perucci, a powerful hitter with a .433 average last year, could also move into the infield. The team is looking for newcomers like Cat Kawabe and Abby Chau to make an impact as well.
OUTFIELD: The outfield picture remains fluid. Horita, who hit 10 home runs last season, will play left and designated player. Senior Lindsay Neumann, a .317 career hitter, is looking to secure her spot. Depending on the infield changes, Perucci might stay in the outfield. Returning players like Emma Tonies, Sarah Cullen, and Emma Wingate will be vying for larger roles. Junior Madi Sewell, who sat out last season, and first-year Amelia Perri are also in the mix.
With so many changes, the Jumbos are ready to rise to the challenge and make this season memorable.
