UMD Softball Opens Season with Plenty of Familiar Faces on Roster

UMD only lost one senior this off-season, that being catcher Sidney Zavoral.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hard to believe but the UMD softball team will play a regular season game this upcoming weekend as they’ll open up the year at the Mankato Dome Invite.

The Bulldogs are coming off a year in which they went 40-13 and made an appearance at the NCAA Central Region.

As they begin their run to try and get back there, they won’t have to worry about getting many players up to speed.

UMD only lost one senior, that being catcher Sidney Zavoral.

Head Coach Lynn Anderson says of course it’s a similar feeling at practice but there are some differences on this year’s team.

“We really worked a ton on our team culture last year and this team is super connected and I love it. I think culture wins and to have that and continue that into this year. We pay attention to that stuff. I would say it’s similar but we also have so much depth throughout our entire roster too. It’s a stand alone and I can’t exactly say it’s like any other team,” said Anderson.

UMD will be led by senior infielder Kiana Bender and the NSIC Preseason Pitcher of the Year, Lauren Dixon. Both commented on their expectations heading into the weekend.

“Definitely our first games this weekend, we’re going to have to learn how to play with each other. Maybe some lineup switches. Just being able to have that chemistry on the field,” said Bender.

“I know the talk has been a little bit about facing Lewis this weekend. Kind of like what I said before, we’re going out there. We still have games to play before that. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re excited to get out and play and give it our all,” added Dixon.

The Bulldogs will first face Emporia State on Friday at 3:15 PM.