After an impressive season in 2015 that resulted in the Washington Township Girls Softball team becoming the South Jersey Group IV, Conference, and State Champions, the Minutemaids are back for their 2016 season and are off to a good start with a record of 3-0.

So far they have triumphed over conference competitors, Eastern, Lenape, and Cherry Hill East. The team defeated Eastern 5-4 in a grueling match where they trailed their opponent most of the game, but they were able to pull through at the bottom of the 9^th inning and earn head coach, Tracy Burkart, her 300th career win.

On the other hand, the Minutemaids had easy victories over Lenape and Cherry hill East, beating Lenape 11-2 and Cherry Hill East 25-3.

Though the Minutemaids are producing wins and trying to earn a successful season, it is still very early and the team is still trying to find their rhythm.

“Our main focus right now is to create our team identity, figure out what we are about and what we can accomplish together,” said Burkhart.

To do this, the team does various team activities. Throughout the season, the Minutemaids will have family nights out, dinners, and breakfasts together. They also have sister groups, which are different groups of people of all grade levels who give each other gifts or little notes of inspiration before games.

“It’s early in the season so were still looking for other players to step up to help lead this team.” Burkhart said

Though to be a dominant team that they are, the team needs to work hard in and out of season and have dependable captains.

This season’s captains are Lauren Shannon’16 and Dominque Fiorentino’17. Both have had varsity experience in past seasons and know what is needed to do to lead the team. Together, the girls lead captain practices throughout the off season. Many of the girls also work hard playing on other teams throughout the year. This is the dedication Burkart admires.

“We look for heart in our players” said Burkart

So far, the coming season is looking pretty good for the Minutemaid softball team. They already are off to an impressive start to the season with three wins. There is a lot of potential for the team to accomplish what they did last season and for them to find new things that they can conquer.

“We would like to accomplish the goals we set for this year.”  Burhart said