BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton softball team is set to open the 2016 campaign on Friday March 18th at 3:30pm when they host Cayuga Community College.

Scott Cullen will make his coaching debut as the Spartans look to rebound from a disappointing 9-17 season which saw them miss the Region XIX playoffs for the first time in program history.  "Our numbers are a little lower than what we expected," remarked Cullen, "but I think the players we have are pretty talented and we have a chance to get back into postseason play."

The Spartans, ranked 4th in the District E/F NJCAA preseason poll, return 3 starters from the 2015 squad; infielders Amber Farnholtz (Northampton, PA/Northampton ) and Samantha ZeRuth (Bangor, PA/Bangor ) and catcher / utility Mackenzie Caffrey (Easton, PA /Pleasant Valley).  "I know these three girls are determined to have a good season," stated Cullen, "they are leaders both on and off the field and want to get this program back to the level where it was competing for Regional titles."