As Butler Softball prepares to open the 2024 season next week (Feb. 9), coach Scott Hall, who enters his 14th season at the helm of the program, has high expectations for returning starters and veterans, as well as a talented group of newcomers.
 
"I am really excited to get started with this group!" exclaimed Hall. "They bring a lot of talent and positive energy daily to practice. We have a lot of experience returning, so we should be able to have a good start to the season."
 
The Bulldogs are coming off a 2023 season which saw the team win 12 BIG EAST games and finish fourth in the final conference standings.
 
Three pitchers with game experience return for the Bulldogs in 2024. Sophomore Rylyn Dyer won five games last season with 10 starts in 25 appearances, and graduate student Sydney Cammon won four contests with 32 appearances and 13 starts. Redshirt-sophomore Kayla Noerr saw limited action but had three starts and 12 appearances. The pitching staff will be adding freshman Katie Petran to the rotation as well.
 
"It all starts in the circle," stated Hall. "We don't have a defined No. 1 right now. Cam brings the most experience and is a steadying influence on the group. We have a true and versatile pitching staff. Any one of them can give us quality innings. I am sure that, as the season progresses, one or two will start to separate themselves as weekend starters, but, for now, they will all get opportunities early."
 
Behind the plate, Butler returns senior starter Teagan O'Rilley along with sophomore starter Kieli Ryan. O'Rilley was fourth on the team with a .283 batting average, producing 21 RBI. Ryan threw out 14 runners attempting to steal in 2023, leading the BIG EAST and finishing 21^st nationally. At the plate, she tied for team lead with 10 doubles.
 
"Teag and Ki are both solid catchers and bring something different behind the plate," added Hall. "Both are power hitters, offensively, so we will be seeing each of them throughout the season. We need both to stay healthy all year. We have also added senior Kaylee Gross to the catching crew. She is a versatile athlete that could possibly jump behind the dish."