2014 Preview: Rhode Island

The Rams enter 2014 after an extremely disappointing 2013 season, which saw them finish 10-37 and 3-18 in Atlantic 10 play. Rhode Island will still be extremely young in 2014 and barring a surprise it will be hard to see them making the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Sam Bedore

Pitching: The circle will be the strength of the Rams in 2014, as Sam Bedore is back for her senior season. Bedore went 6-16 with a 4.29 ERA and 94 SO in 127 innings. Bedore will the Rams ace in 2014 and they will go as far as she can take them. URI will also count on freshman Ashley Dumoulin and sophomore Caitlin Kennedy for valuable innings.

Jocelyn Mattison

Hitting: The Rams did not have a single .300 hitter in 2013 and lost the squad's top 3 hitters. Senior Jocelyn Mattison and Sophomore Taylor Archer will lead the way for the Rams in 2014. Mattison hit .263 with 35 hits, 4 HR, and 17 RBI, while Archer hit .259 with 30 hits, 1 HR, and 10 RBI. Coach Erin Layton will need to have Stacey Fox, Meg Kelly, Megan Congro, and Lauren Klepchick improve on their offensive output from a year ago. Rhode Island will also need some of its freshmen Marylynn Muldowney, Danielle Gariglio, Ali Summers, and Jenna Cubello to perform at the plate.

Defense: The Rams had an average defense in 2013 and will need some new performers to step up in the field. URI will bring back its entire outfield from 2013, but the Rams will be inserting new starters at shortstop and third base, as well as catcher.

Overall Prognosis: This is going to be a tough year for the Rams and they will have done very well if they advance to the Atlantic 10 Tournament. The Rams could very easily finish last in the conference, which is something that they do not want to do again.