For the first time this season, the Terrapins softball team will play in College Park.
The Terps (7-17) will try to get their season back on track at Maryland Softball Stadium in their final nonconference tournament of the season. They’ll play Massachusetts, North Dakota State, Boston U, Ball State and Binghamton in the invitational.
“We’re just excited to be home after 20-something games on the road,” coach Julie Wright said.
The Terps began the season with 24 games in five locations — Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Washington and Oklahoma. Infielder Skylynne Ellazar said it will be “such a plus” to play in front of a home crowd and sleep in her own bed at night.
One key for the Terps to succeed this weekend, Wright said, is the play of role players who have taken on larger roles this season.
She said the loss of multiple power hitters to graduation has forced new starters such as Ellazar, who leads the team in average, and catcher Kristina Dillard, who ranks third in that category, to make quick adjustments.
“I’ve been very pleased with how they’ve stepped up,” Wright said.
The coach said her inexperienced players have become more comfortable in their roles because of the team’s veterans.
“Whenever you see players doing that with each other…you know the chemistry has to be good,” Wright said.
Ellazar said she is grateful for the opportunity to get regular playing time this season. And along with her hitting success, she believes that she’s made strides on defense.
And she knew heading into the season that she could play well, but “having the team and the coach’s support” was an important boost for her confidence.
Infielder Emily Libero is another player who has stepped up recently. She’s filled in for infielder Lindsey Schmeiser, the Terps’ all-time home run leader. Schmeiser was kept out of action last weekend due to a back injury.
At the Oklahoma Invitational, Libero hit two home runs, including a grand slam in an 8-0 win over Saint Louis on March 12. She’ll look to continue her success at the Maryland Softball Stadium this weekend.
“It’s really nice knowing that I can step up in pressure situations,” Libero said.
