IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- The Ellsworth CC softball team has moved indoors after two months of fall practices and games that have head coach Nate Forsyth eagerly looking forward to what his squad can accomplish next spring.

A year ago things were vastly different from normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic and that was true for the ECC spring sports that rely on the fall to set the tone for their programs.  Forsyth's players couldn't play off-campus and were involved in COVID protocols that limited the amount of work that could be done.  A year later, the Panthers enjoyed getting the softball program back to normal.  "This fall was a lot different as we were able to play ten dates," Forsyth said.  "Playing the maximum number of scrimmages really helped the development of all our players.  It was a really good fall for us."

ECC has some key players back from last year's squad that finished 22-32.  Leading the returners are Gintare Paskocimaite, a first-team All-Region selection, who batted .385 with 7 home runs, and Delaney Vetter, the number-one pitcher last spring and a second-team All-Region pick.  Vetter won 14 games and had a 3.73 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 169 innings.  Also back are Allyson Sparks, Cheyanne Collins and Meghan Danielson, all of whom saw extensive action in the spring season, along with other experienced players in Maggie Braniff, Grace Gordon and Lauren Abram.  Forsyth said that group all showed they will be key contributors in 2022.  And he's pleased with what he saw of the newcomers as well.  "Our freshman class, with 9 new players, impressed me with their work ethic and also with how quickly they adjusted to the college game," the coach said.  "I am really excited to see their progress this winter into next spring."

"Overall, we had a good fall and we made progress as a team," Forsyth explained.  "The area where we really made some strides has to be our team defense.  We spent a lot of time in that area with a lot of new players." 

Forsyth describes his team as "very committed and focused" heading into the offseason.  "We will be spending a lot of time in the weight room and working on individual skills until we can get outside again in the spring."

The Panthers are slated to begin the spring schedule against North Central Missouri at North Arkansas College Feb. 25 and 26.