Weekly Countdown: Four Seniors

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The Boston College softball team has no shortage of depth. The roster is filled with proven veterans and talented underclassmen looking to make an impact.

BC's four seniors want to finish their careers on a high note and build off last year's 30-23 record and earn the program's first NCAA Tournament berth since 2003. With four weeks until the season opener, here's more on the Eagles' four seniors and their expectations for this season.

Tatiana Cortez, C/3B
Cortez anchored last year's offense that was one of the greatest in program history. The Houston native set career highs in batting average (.380), hits (54), doubles (14) and home runs (13), while setting the BC single-season record for slugging percentage (.768). She helped last year's lineup break the program record for single-season batting average (.287) and place second in team history in runs (233).

Cortez also ended last season on a 16-game hitting streak and hit .506 with six home runs, 18 RBI over the last 25 games. Head coach Ashley Obrest says her continued improvement at the plate stems from pitch selection.

"She's not going to see many pitches that grab a good chunk of the plate," Obrest said. "So she's really learned how to hit those borderline ball/strike pitches or even a ball or two off the plate really, really hard."

Cortez's expectations: "I expect to set the best example for my teammates, showing them that hard work pays off. BC softball is a family. We'll face obstacles together. Fans can expect to see a renewed fight for the prize, the College World Series. Every time we hit the dirt, we remember who we are. We're the team no one expected to win 30 games or rank fourth in the ACC last season, with several All-ACC honorees. We are the trendsetters for the future of BC softball. I'm proud to be part of that success."

Taylor Coroneos, OF
Coroneos played in 46 games last season, starting 18 and hitting .210 with four RBI and five runs. Former outfielder Megan Cooley's graduation last year will give Coroneos more opportunities in centerfield. As a sophomore in 2015, Coroneos finished second on the team in on-base percentage (.395).

Coroneos' expectations: "With the goal of winning an ACC Championship, fans should be ready for a team with a lot of drive and passion. We are excited to take on the challenge and we challenge our fans to match our level of excitement."

Madison Paulson, IF
Paulson played 41 games last season, frequently pinch-running and scoring a career-high 10 runs. She has played throughout the infield and outfield. However, junior Chloe Sharabba's transition from second base to shortstop makes Paulson a contender in the positional battle at second base.

Paulson's expectations: "Our main goal is to make it to make the NCAA Tournament. That was our goal last year and we came up just shy, but this year we are working harder than ever to achieve it. Another goal that we have is to be the first BC softball team to win an ACC Championship. I can't think of a better way to finish out my senior year than getting that ring."

Jordan Weed, P/1B
Last season, Weed pitched 11 games – nine in relief – and recorded a 2.47 ERA. She appeared in 24 games total in 2016, also serving as a position player. The Toms River, N.J., native enters the season looking to contribute on the mound and at the plate.

Obrest noted improvement since last season from Weed and sophomore reliever Kendra Friedt, contributing depth to a BC pitching staff that finished third in the ACC with a 2.81 ERA last season.

"Kendra and Jordan are more relievers rather than starters," Obrest said. "Both are capable of starting games, but the game plan is to have Allyson Frei throw five innings and then we can put Jordan or Kendra close the game. That's not to say that they won't get a start in the first 20 games though."

Weed's expectations: "I want to be whatever the team needs me to be in order for us to succeed. I also want to help the underclassmen have the best experience they can. I hope that this season can be the most memorable yet, and I know this team is capable of doing big things. This season, the fans can expect a lot of big wins and loud cheering. They can also expect big plays and a fun atmosphere."

Check out the weekly countdown every Friday until the season begins on Feb. 10 against Wichita State at the Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational.

Boston College Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Megan Cooley

Taylor Coroneos

Tatiana Cortez

Allyson Frei

Kendra Friedt

Madison Paulson

Chloe Sharabba

Jordan Weed

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