Softball season is right around the corner for Butler with the Bulldogs seeing their first action of the season on Feb. 9 in Orlando, Fla. against Louisville.  The Butler Softball team is coming off their second appearance in the four-team BIG EAST tournament with an 11-9 conference mark in 2017. The Bulldogs return 14 letterwinners from its 2017 squad. The 14 returners will join a talented freshman class that will see significant time this spring.

Head Coach Scott Hall's infield for the 2018 spring season will feature four returning Bulldogs and two freshmen. Anchored by three-year starter Alyssa Lach, Butler will have a strong group in the dirt.

"It's probably one of the most athletic infields we've had in a couple years, they all have great range. I am excited to see how they come together since they are so young, that is going to be the challenge," Hall said. "They will have to learn how to play with each other and hopefully Alyssa Lach can be the player to pull them together."

#16 Alyssa Lach
Senior
Algonquin, Ill.

Lach is a three-year starter for the Bulldogs at third base. During her junior season, she started in 51 games for the Bulldogs. She had 32 hits which included seven doubles, one triple, and one homerun with a slugging percentage of .333. Defensively, Lach has a consistent presence at third base, only committing six errors last season.

"Alyssa is a great player and has one of the best softball IQs on the team," Hall said.  "We look for her to have a consistent bat in the lineup and for her to finish a great Butler career on a high note this season."

#14 Madi Christiansen
Sophomore
Etters, Penn.

Christiansen is the returning first basemen for the Bulldogs. As a freshman, she started 48 games and hit .308 with 36 hits. She finished third on the team with 25 RBIs and led the team in walks with 25 which contributed to a .433 on-base percentage.

"Madi has one of the best eyes on the team and we look for her to continue having quality at bats for us," Hall said. "She has worked hard in the weight room this fall and we are excited for her sophomore season."

#18 Christina Candotti
Sophomore
Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Candotti is a returning utility player for the Bulldogs. She saw playing time at second and third base her freshman season. Candotti had 15 hits with three homeruns, three doubles, and one triple in her first season as a Bulldog. She posted a slugging percentage of .426.

"Christina is a very passionate and emotional player. She is a vocal leader for us and plays with her heart on her sleeve," Hall said. "This season we expect an increase in her power numbers and think she can be a real homerun player at the plate."

#28 Ashley Post
Sophomore
Lewis Center, Ohio

Post is a returner for the Bulldogs. During her freshman season, she appeared in 10 games for Butler. She will see some time at first base and as a pinch hitter.

"Ashley is one of the hardest working players on the team," Hall said. "She brings a power presence from the left side and we look forward to a solid sophomore season."
 
#10 Maddie Moore
Freshman
Noblesville, Ind.

Moore is in her first season as a Bulldog. During the fall, she saw time at shortstop and had a solid fall at the plate. Prior to Butler, she hit better than .400 in each of her four seasons at Noblesville High School including .536 as a sophomore.

"Maddie had a great fall for us. She is extremely athletic and has great reaction and range," Hall said. "She is a very instinctual kid and tightens up the middle of the infield."

#7 Claire Gilliland
Freshman
Indianapolis, Ind.

Gilliand is also in her first season as a Bulldog. She will see time in the middle infield this upcoming spring. Before arriving at Butler, she was a four-year starter at Franklin Central High School where she hit .364 her senior season.

"Claire has a strong arm and she is quick to the ball," Hall said. "She has worked hard to improve her swing this fall and we expect a solid freshman season from her."