Dell’Aria’s bat has also made her a powerful force in the batting order, batting in the clean-up spot.

Junior Laura Miller returns to the backstop along with sophomore Erin Halpenny, both of whom have considerable experience with the Crimson.

Freshman Sarah Shaughnessy also hopes to see some time, but she begins the season with an ankle fracture, sitting 4-6 weeks while it heals.

One of the biggest strengths of this year’s infield is up the middle, where senior shortstop Rachel Goldberg and co-captain second baseman Sara Williamson start next to each other for the fourth consecutive year.

“After four years, it’s incredibly comfortable,” Goldberg says. “We constantly banter for seven innings and have a great time together. We communicate well and have a lot of fun.”

Goldberg and Williamson also match up in the batting order, in the top half, allotted to reliable base hitters and power swingers.

In 2003, Goldberg led the team with 7 home runs and was third on the team in hits with 30, helping herself to a .248 batting average. Williamson had the fifth highest batting average with a .265.

Freshmen Lauren Brown and Julia Kidder are close on the heels of the two seniors, ready to fill in at shortstop and second base, respectively, if needed.

“The difference between them is just experience,” Allard says. “We’re giving [Brown and Kidder] time. They’re at that caliber, but because we have some really seasoned players in positions that they play, their time might be more limited or more specialized.”

The natural replacement for the graduated Whitton at first base is junior Cecily Gordon, who has seen quite a bit of playing time in her career despite backing up one of Harvard’s most touted players. In 34 at-bats last season, she had an on base percentage of .351 and should be a force to reckon with this spring. When Gordon isn’t at first, Dell’Aria and Voaklander will move over.

With sophomore Rachel Murray nursing an arm injury, third base was one of the only positions up for grabs this season. Freshman Virginia Fritsch snagged it early with a big bat and strong arm. Halpenny is also expected to see some time at third.

THE OUTFIELD

Junior Lauren Stefanchik, the anchor of the outfield, returns to left field. She received first team all Ivy honors last year and is looking to make a similar impact this year.

“For myself, I’m just trying to get on base and get our offense solid,” Stefanchik says. “I want to stay solid in the outfield.”

It’s not just in the outfield where Stefanchik anchors this team. Last season, she led the Ivy League with the most bases stolen and Harvard with the longest hitting streak (14 games) and highest batting average (.389). As the leadoff hitter, she had an on-base percentage of .434.