Despite a recent slump, the Anchorwomen softball team has been the most successful of the athletic programs this spring. Head Coach Maria Morin’s squad is 20-9 assuring the program its sixth consecutive winning season. The Anchorwomen have also qualified for the Little East Conference playoffs, which will begin on Tuesday, April 30.

There have been many bright spots for the softball squad this season, one being freshman third baseman Amy Machado. Machado came to Rhode Island College after a successful career at Rogers High School in Newport. She captained her squad for two years and was named All-Division as well as All-County. Right away, Machado noticed the difference between high school and college athletics.

"There are a lot of differences. Pitchers put more movement on the ball. I’m striking out more than I’d like. We also have different defenses to adjust to slap hitters and bunt situations."

Machado seems to have adjusted to the style of play just fine. As of April 23, Machado has started 24 of the 26 games she has played in. She is batting .319 with 11 runs scored, 23 hits, one double, two triples and 14 RBI.

Machado earned Little East Rookie of the Week Honors for her performance during the week of April 9-15. Machado recorded eight hits in 17 at-bats (.471), drove in three runs and scored seven to help the Anchorwomen collect five wins in six contests.

Despite her successes, Machado knows she still has room for improvement. "I need to hit the ball well and hit consistently. I also need to cut down on my errors."

The Anchorwomen started the season off on a tear; going 12-3 in the first 15 games. "When I first came in, we weren’t expecting to do that well with such a young team. I think we surprised people by winning early."

Although the team has struggled to close out the season, Machado is optimistic about the last conference doubleheader and the playoffs. "I think the goals for the team are to beat Eastern Connecticut, to get a good seed in the playoffs and go as far as we can go."

The Anchorwomen travel to Eastern Connecticut for their regular season finale on Apr. 27. The team’s seeding in the Little East Tournament has yet to have been determined, but the Anchorwomen could finish as high as a three seed.