Yale vs. Nicholls State (7-4) Friday, Feb. 23 – 11:30 AM Softball Complex (Hattiesburg, Miss.) Live Stats	Yale vs. University of Southern Mississippi (8-1) Friday, Feb. 23 – 2 PM Softball Complex (Hattiesburg, Miss.) Live Stats
Yale vs. University of Southern Mississippi Saturday, Feb. 25 – 10 AM Softball Complex (Hattiesburg, Miss.) Live Stats	Yale vs. Nicholls State Saturday, Feb. 25 – 3 PM Softball Complex (Hattiesburg, Miss.) Live Stats
Yale vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (2-6) Sunday, Feb. 26 – 10 AM Softball Complex (Hattiesburg, Miss.) Live Stats

The Yale softball team kicks off its 2023 season with a five-game road trip to Hattiesburg, Mississippi for the Hub City Challenge. Hattiesburg is home to two of the Bulldogs: Lauren and Alex Perren. 
 
A Familiar Face
The Bulldogs have a new head coach, Laura Ricciardone, leading the charge on the diamond this season. A familiar face to the program, she joined the Bulldogs' staff as an assistant coach in June of 2019 and took the reins in May 2022 as head coach.
 
Back for More
Yale returns 15 players for the 2023 season. Nicole Conway returns to the circle as the team's lone senior. The juniors are made up of Carolyn Skotz, Carmen Muscolina, Gretchen Bunovsky, Sam Goodcase, and Willa Ferrer. The sophomore Bulldogs headline the roster with nine of the team's 15 returners. Back in the saddle are Katie Donahey, SJ Mull, Alex Perren, Mady Smith, Sophie Woodridge, Lauren Perren, Maddie Latta, Hannah Turner, and Grayson Vives.
 
Welcome to the Squad
The Bulldogs welcomes five newcomers to the fold this season: Emma Taylor, Riley Shubb, Libby Peoples, Ava Kang, and Mariah Niday.
 
Captain Skotz
Junior Carolyn Skotz has been tabbed to lead the Bulldogs on the field this season. "Carolyn is a natural leader by example and anchor for our team," stated Ricciardone when announcing Skotz as captain. "She is steady, competitive, and rises to every presented challenge. I am grateful our team has her example to follow in the classroom, on the field, in the weight room and locker room. Her work ethic and consistency are unmatched."
 
A Penny for Your Thoughts
"We are excited to get the 2023 slate underway. I am proud of the work the team has put in over the last five months to prepare for whatever the season may bring. Our group is young, but eager, committed and enthusiastically looking forward to taking the field," said Ricciardone on the opening weekend. "You will see not only their athleticism, but camaraderie on the field and in the dugout. I am proud of their investment, not only in this program, but in each other. Really looking forward to the victories, opportunities, and experiences the early season will bring as we get started this weekend."
 
Looking Ahead
The team will travel to Madeira Beach, Fla. For the Spring Games from March 3-March 5.