Something old, something new.

With a strong group of veteran players, Coach Eric Shulman has a good base to begin his career as head coach.

The Hammonton High School softball team is coming off of a strong finish last year. They finished the year taking a loss in the South Jersey Group 3 Championship. They are a veteran team with most starters returning, except the most important position, their head coach. Coach Eric Shulman has been the assistant but now its time for him to take over the head job.

“I’ve been coaching softball for eight years and this is my twelfth year as a high school coach, so I’m experienced,” said Shulman.

There are high expectations for this year’s team.

“We are expected to compete for the cape, a South Jersey Group Three title, and make a run in our own Blue Devil’s Invitational Tournament,” said Shulman.

Players on the team have similar feelings. Much is expected out of this team.

“We’re expected to be at the top of our group” said senior Heather Visco, “As number two in the Courier Post we have a lot to live up to”.

Junior outfielder Raelynn Genovese wants to defy expectations.

“We were chosen as one of the favorites in South Jersey, but a lot of people said we wont end up there. I guess we just have to prove them wrong,” she said.

For senior shortstop Morgan DiVello, the team is well-equipped with experienced players.

“We have a couple players that will be playing in college, most teams don’t have that,” she said. “We have something special and we’re expected be there until the end.”

Although they began their season with a loss to Millville, they anticipate many wins to come.