If talent and experience are the keys to success for the Harvard softball team, one need look no further than co-captains Kerry Flaherty and Lauren Bettinelli. Flaherty, a junior, and Bettinelli—or “B,” as she is known by her teammates—will turn five seasons of collegiate softball into potent leadership for the 2005 season.

The co-captains, who have been playing together for just under three years, are familiar with each other’s strengths and have used this familiarity to complement one another both on and off the field.

“B and I balance each other really well,” Flaherty said. “She’s more laid back than I am, and she approaches [the game] with a more relaxed attitude.”

“Kerry’s the more organized of the two of us, so she’s usually good about administrative stuff,” Bettinelli said. “She observes things and picks up on the little details.”

Compatibility is something that the team has recognized as well.

“Kerry and B are both strong individuals [who] bring a lot to the team,” said sophomore pitcher Becky Voaklander. “Kerry is a more visually active leader while B is equally active but more of a behind the scenes leader.”

It is easy for Flaherty and Bettinelli to do their job on the field, as they cover opposite areas. Flaherty plays in the outfield while Bettinelli mans the infield from the mound and at second or third base.

“[Kerry] is our anchor out there in center. She gets to balls that you think no one will get to,” Head Coach Jenny Allard said. “She knows what she has to do, and she’s done well for us out there.”

Bettinelli’s versatility as a utility player makes her a valuable contributor for the Crimson. “Offensively, she can make a lot of things happen,” Allard said. “She’s a good threat at the plate. She has some of the best hands on the team. She has quick hands, quick read.”

ON THE JOB

Off the field, Flaherty and Bettinelli recognize that their workload as captainshas lightened thanks to the team’s work ethic.

“We’re lucky that the team’s so motivated and wants to win,” Flaherty said.

“We didn’t need to get anyone to get down to practice or tell them to work hard, because the team as individuals already had that self-motivation,” Bettinelli added.

Team cohesion is only one of the many responsibilities that go along with the role of captain.

Perhaps just as important for a successful season is the relationship between the team and its coaching staff.