Joining Stefanchik in the outfield is sophomore Kerry Flaherty, a centerfielder who moved over from right. In an off-season of change, Flaherty also switched to “slapping” from the left side of the plate instead of power hitting from the right side.

Returning to the Crimson is senior Monica Montijo, who is also changing things up with a move to right field from her old position of catcher.

“Originally, we were going to put her back behind the plate,” Allard says. “But we felt we needed someone really aggressive in right field, and we didn’t think her body could hold up with the catching.”

Sophomore Pilar Adams, freshman Susie Winkeller, Brown, and Kidder are also expected to make an impact from the outfield. Sophomore Cara Woodard is sidelined with a torn ACL but is hoping to make a late season return.

If this year’s team is going to improve from last year’s disappointment, the depth of the roster will play a major role in the campaign. With legitimate challengers at every position, the hunger of each player that will determine where this team ends up.

—Staff writer Carrie H. Petri can be reached at cpetri@fas.harvard.edu.