BOSTON – After Suffolk softball's last season came to an abrupt halt, head coach Jaclyn Davis has called upon her four seniors, Hailey Cockroft, Kelly Keane, Constance Phelan and Ashley Zulla to lead the Rams into 2021 as captains.
Zulla will begin her third reign with the title, while Keane starts her second term. Cockroft and Phelan each earned the leadership role for the first time in their careers.
"We are thrilled to have Ashley (Zulla) and Kelly (Keane) back in their captain roles, as they were both a major part of our evolution moving into the 2020 season," Davis said. "The additions of Cece (Phelan) and Hailey (Cockroft) really round out our leadership structure and speak to the needs of our entire roster."
Davis continued, "They are all unique in their leadership qualities and have done a great job working together and working with our staff to make the most of a challenging year. Their dedication and loyalty to the program and their sacrifices made to be a student-athlete are unwavering. They all bring a different experience to our line-up and their ability to lead by example is remarkable. I am truly grateful to be their coach and I'm excited to see what this season brings for them."
Zulla, from Columbus, New Jersey, who was supposed to walk across the stage last May with her Bachelors of Arts degree in interior design, returned for unfinished business. When we left off last year, the catcher strung together a five-game hit streak in which she went 12-for-16 with five doubles. Her slash line was more than impressive at .452/.469/.613. To say she wants to pick up where she left off is an understatement. The three-time all-conference honoree reenters her senior season chasing records, 47 hits shy of the 200-hit milestone, a feat accomplished by just two Rams prior. She's also in the hunt for a spot on the all-time doubles list (40).
Keane looks to return to her post at first base. The Hamilton, New Jersey, native's fielding presence and knowledge has been crucial for the Rams' defense over the last three years. Batting the righty has supplied 66 hits, including 17 doubles and 36 RBI behind a .317/.370/.423 slash line.
Cockroft, who hails from Windham, New Hampshire, started to come into her own in 2020. The utility player found a home at second base and supplied offense deep into Suffolk's line-up. Over her three year career she has amassed 22 hits, nine RBI and scored 17 runs.
Phelan is the lone pitcher in the group and has commanded the circle. In 94.0 innings pitched over 32 appearances on the rubber, the right-handed twirler has assembled a record of 6-9-2 with 52 punchouts and a 4.99 ERA. When asked, the Longwood, Florida product, has produced at the plate as well with nine hits in her 28 plate appearances.
It'll be a season like no other after the last was called due to a world-wide pandemic and left the Rams on the diamond just 10 games in without a chance to chase GNAC glory for the final time. Now, with a 40-game regular-season slate ahead and new conference competition in place as the blue-and-gold transitions to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) the Rams are ready to get underway.