Purdue Softball: Boilermakers open season today

The Purdue softball team will kick open the 2024 campaign this weekend in Georgia and they will do so under the guidance of new coach Magali Frezzotti. Frezzotti, who had served as an assistant the last two years, replaces Boo De Oliveira and inherits a team that had one winning season in seven years and went 23-30, 6-17 in the Big Ten.

Purdue softball has talent at several positions, beginning with utility player Ashlyn Campbell, as well as middle infielder Tyrina Jones. Last spring, Jones hit .315 with eight homers and 32 RBIs. Also in the fold are outfielder Kiara Dillon, first baseman Olivia McFadden and infielder Jade Moy. In the circle, Madi Elish returns after going 8-4 with a 3.31 ERA. Elish is the only returning pitcher for the Boilermakers. She said a big difference in this year’s squad is how it is intentional in its focus.

“We know our capabilities and with every opportunity we get to better ourselves in any way, we take it. We know our potential and how good we are capable of being. Every day, no matter how big or small, we take all of the knowledge we can get from each other to better ourselves,” Elish said.

While Elish is the lone returning pitcher, Purdue does feature some talented young arms in freshmen Jules Raymond and Julia Gossett, along with sophomore Emma Bailey.

Frezzotti said she is excited to see what her freshman class brings to the diamond this season.

“The freshmen class has been phenomenal. They are hard working, self motivated, determined and ready to make an impact. I have watched them grow so much in seven months, and I am excited to watch them compete this season. They are ready,” Frezzotti said.

Purdue showed during the fall season they are ready, going 8-0 and outscoring opponents 69-9. The Boilermakers open the season today as it takes place in the Red and Black Showcase in Georgia. Purdue will play 6th ranked Georgia twice, as well as Murray State and South Dakota before taking part in the Florida Gulf Coast Spring Break Classic next month.

“I want to be a team where fans come watch us play and think, “Man, they’re tough. Man, they play tough.” That’s first and foremost,” Frezzotti said.

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