“Since then, that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing with my life,” she added.
Thus far, Cabe has posted a 2.44 ERA through 57.1 innings as a starter. The opportunity to pitch for the Crimson is a dream come true for the rookie.
“I think every little girl who plays dreams of playing NCAA Division I softball at some point,” she said. “My dreams of playing in college started very young. Even before I tried out for my high school team, I would say I knew I wanted to play college ball.”
The number of talented freshmen on the roster has given the coaching staff flexibility in the lineup through the first month of the season. The addition of rookies Lindsey Hagberg and Cynthia Okamoto has deepened the Crimson’s depth at the catcher position. Hagberg in particular has seen a lot of time behind the plate after injuries forced junior catcher Katherine Appelbe to play different positions.
“Lindsey is a really great receiver,” Allard said. “She has a quick release, and she puts the ball in play as a hitter.”
Other freshmen have been challenging their teammates in practice for spots in the rotation. Utility player Giana Panariello, who has appeared in 16 games this season, and first baseman Jillian Leslie have been two such players for Allard.
“We’re pushing for Giana to really push our middle infielders to be stronger,” Allard said. “She’s been able to step in defensively last week and help us as well. And [Leslie] started our last game out at the LSU tournament and she drove in the first RBI…. They’ve been working for playing time, and in the time that they have, they’ve been doing well.”
With many capable freshmen competing with upperclassmen for playing time, one might expect some level of competition between the players. However, Bradley said that has not been the case.
“The upperclassmen have been doing a great job making us feel welcome,” Bradley said. “They’ve been helping us not feel like just freshmen and really [feel like] equals.”
Allard said that the freshman class has been an asset to the team atmosphere in general.
“I think...we have a really supportive team, so I think the upperclassmen are being true mentors to the freshmen and helping them develop,” Allard explained. “But the upperclassmen are like, ‘Okay, she’s here to try to take my spot, and I’m going to work hard.’ It’s not a personal thing in that way, it’s more of just healthy competitiveness for the team.”
Bradley feels the same way.
“Harvard softball is really a tight knit community, and it’s been great,” Bradley said. “It’s really felt like a family away from home.”