Playing time definitely won’t be an issue on this year’s Seahawk softball team.

With only 13 players for nine positions, options for coach Melissa Jarrell will be at a minimum. Four players on the roster during the fall left the squad due to personal and school related reasons; which left the team very thin.

The team seems to have taken the setbacks in stride, accepting the losses as just another challenge.

“The team, whose season starts Feb. 13 at the Triangle Classic in Raleigh, is reacting well to the situation and working hard,” Jarrell said. “Because of small numbers we are a close knit team and I think we will be able to compete.”

Along with numbers, the team boasts only one senior and three juniors. Jarrell expects an early learning period for the young team. But she feels that team is capable of making adjustments and becoming very competitive in the conference.

“The key is to communicate and we are working on improving our communication on and off the field.” Jarrell said.

This is also the team’s first year in the CAA after moving from the Southern Conference following last season’s 22-38 campaign. The switch means better competition and a chance to advance to the NCAA tournament. Games against CAA opponents and schools such as UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State and East Carolina make up one of the toughest schedules in UNCW softball history.

There are some bright spots on this year’s team and they are in important places. The blessing comes in the form of talented and experienced pitchers. Last year’s two starting pitchers, Jamie Gostyla (3.16 ERA in 2002) and Amanda Wilson are back and will anchor the team’s staff. Freshman Jess Luckett will step in and make an immediate impact as the third starter on the mound. Two experienced catchers, Laura Hendrickson and Meghan Mulcahy, complement the pitching staff.

Speedy outfielder Christina Elmore and top hitters Hayley House and Krista Searle lead the offense. On the defensive side, things could get interesting, as many players will play new positions due to the lack of depth.

The players understand that the new positions and lack of players is going to make things difficult but it hasn’t seemed to affect their attitudes.

“We are a great team,” lone senior Christy Ross said. “We have lost some people but we are closer and more dedicated. We are in a new conference and we have nothing to lose.”