Rutgers softball is a collegiate softball team that represents Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I competition. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference and plays its home games at Rutgers Softball Complex in Piscataway, New Jersey. With a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence, Rutgers softball has established itself as a competitive force in the world of collegiate softball.
Season Preview: 2023
The 2023 season promises to be an exciting one for Rutgers softball, with a talented roster and a challenging schedule that includes matchups against top-ranked teams from across the country. Under the guidance of head coach Kristen Butler, the Scarlet Knights are looking to build on their recent success and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With a strong core of returning players and a influx of talented newcomers, Rutgers has the potential to be a major player in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
Returning Players
The Scarlet Knights return several key players from last season’s team, including senior pitcher Chelsea Zeuli, who was a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2022. Other notable returners include junior infielder Rebecca Hall, who hit .300 with 10 home runs last season, and sophomore outfielder Alyssa Conroy, who was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2022. These experienced players will provide leadership and a foundation for the team’s success in 2023.
New Additions
Rutgers has also added several talented newcomers to its roster, including freshman pitcher Emily Giallanzo, who was a two-time all-state selection in high school, and freshman infielder Mackenzie Hogan, who was a three-time all-conference selection in high school. These newcomers will bring fresh energy and talent to the team and will be counted on to make an immediate impact.
| Player | Position | Year | Awards and Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Zeuli | Pitcher | Senior | Second-Team All-Big Ten (2022) |
| Rebecca Hall | Infielder | Junior | .300 batting average, 10 home runs (2022) |
| Alyssa Conroy | Outfielder | Sophomore | Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2022) |
| Emily Giallanzo | Pitcher | Freshman | Two-time all-state selection (high school) |
| Mackenzie Hogan | Infielder | Freshman | Three-time all-conference selection (high school) |
Schedule and Opponents
The 2023 season schedule for Rutgers softball is highlighted by matchups against several top-ranked teams, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota. The Scarlet Knights will also face off against several non-conference opponents, including UCF and USF. With a challenging schedule and a talented roster, Rutgers is poised to make a strong showing in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
Conference Play
Rutgers will begin its Big Ten Conference schedule in late March, with a three-game series against Penn State. The Scarlet Knights will then face off against several other conference opponents, including Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan State. With a strong showing in conference play, Rutgers could position itself for a top-four finish in the Big Ten standings and a spot in the conference tournament.
Non-Conference Play
In addition to its conference schedule, Rutgers will also face off against several non-conference opponents, including UCF and USF. These games will provide the Scarlet Knights with opportunities to test themselves against top-notch competition and prepare for the challenges of conference play.
- Michigan: Ranked #5 in the preseason polls, Michigan is one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference.
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes are a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and will provide a tough test for the Scarlet Knights.
- Minnesota: The Golden Gophers are a consistent top-25 team and will provide a challenge for Rutgers in conference play.
What is the Rutgers softball team’s schedule for the 2023 season?
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The Rutgers softball team’s schedule for the 2023 season includes matchups against several top-ranked teams, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota, as well as several non-conference opponents, including UCF and USF.
Who are the key players returning for the Rutgers softball team in 2023?
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The Rutgers softball team returns several key players from last season’s team, including senior pitcher Chelsea Zeuli, junior infielder Rebecca Hall, and sophomore outfielder Alyssa Conroy.
What are the expectations for the Rutgers softball team in the 2023 season?
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The expectations for the Rutgers softball team in the 2023 season are high, with the team looking to build on its recent success and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With a strong returning core and talented newcomers, the Scarlet Knights have the potential to be a major player in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
