JOHNSON, Vt. – Fourth-year Head Coach Robert Gervais will look to lead Johnson State softball into 2012 with six returners and five newcomers on the roster after experiencing a 5-21 season in 2011, 3-11 in the North Atlantic Conference.

The Badgers return junior pitcher Meagan Russ (Burlington, Vt./Burlington) who has led Johnson in innings pitched in each of the last two seasons. Newcomers Maria Gleason (Enosburg Falls, Vt./Enosburg) and Kristy McDonnell (Quechee, Vt./Hartford) will be looked to for quality contributions from the pitching circle as well.

Sophomore outfielder Amber McCullock (Morrisville, Vt./Peoples Academy) will help spark the batting order after a strong freshman season that saw her hit a team-best .420 while scoring 20 runs and stealing 12 bases. Senior infielder Morgan Rogerson (Hardwick, Vt./Hazen) is also back after a 2011 season that saw her hit .364 while driving in 13 runs.

Infielder’s Tanya Randall (Fryeburg, Maine/Fryeburg Academy) (.286, six runs, five RBI) and Erica Pustari (North Haven, Conn./North Haven) (.280, six runs, and nine RBI) are also back to give the Badgers experience in the lineup.

“JSC Softball has been working hard this past month getting ready for our opener in Myrtle Beach March 9th,” stated Coach Gervais. “Returning veterans and tri-captains Morgan Rogerson, Meagan Russ, and Tanya Randall will look get the Badgers back to the playoffs this season. Defensively things are looking great with the additions of Maria Gleason and Kristy McDonnell to a solid returning core including Amber McCullock, Emily Himberg (Williston, Vt./Champlain Valley Union) and Erica Pustari. Russ, McDonnell, and Gleason will anchor a pitching staff that is deeper and improved from a year ago. The team is not deep, but is talented at every position. Attitudes have been tremendous as we battle the indoor season, continue our fundraising, and look forward to sunny spring skies!”