Morton College softball coach Brian Salapatek likes the way the Panthers have improved from the fall.

"Our hitting has greatly improved and defensively we're better," Salapatek noted. "The pitchers (under pitching coach Alyssa Galasso) also have improved."

Starting with Salapatek, there's 13 new faces to the program as the Panthers kick off the 2025 season with four games indoors over two days in Rosemont. Morton College faces South Suburban and Elgin Friday, then Prairie State and Waubonsee Saturday. 

"They've been working hard and are very coachable," Salapatek said. "We're eager to play our first game to see where we're at and where we need to go."

With a roster of 12, Salapatek will need players to cover multiple positions.

Here's a look at the Panthers position-by-position:

Catcher
Aliya Garcia and Analiese Mendoza will share time behind the plate. Salapatek says both are "pretty good" and he's "happy with both." 

Pitching
Jersey Cundiff has been tagged as the Panthers' No. 1 pitcher. She throws four pitches as Salapatek describes the key to Cundiff's success "if she can keep all four pitchers working and hit her spots, we'll be OK."

Jade Rodriguez and Nalani Noa also will see time in the circle. Salapatek goes back to a tried and true real estate principal of "location, location, location" as being the key to their success.

Infield
Maliyah Watson, who Salapatek describes as a potential five-tool player, gets the nod at first base. Malia Solis and Noa, a pair of good contact hitters with speed, are slated for second base and shortstop, respectively.

Alexa Navarro, who Salapatek praises for the pop in her bat and good glove work, will be at third base. Jaslyn Morton, a "jack of all trades" and the team's No. 3 hitter, will see time at either second, shortstop or third. Salapatek feels Morton is capable of hitting for power and average.

Outfield
Rodriguez, Mendoza and Allison Wenzel form the outfield.

Rodriguez may be the team's fastest player, according to Salapatek, who also praised her range in the outfield.

"She has good speed," Salapatek said. "I'd love for her to steal a lot of bases."

Mendoza hits with power and displays an accurate arm, while Wenzel played on the Panthers' volleyball team this fall. 

Salapatek says Destiny Vilchez Santiago and Leslie Melendez will be role players, fitting in where needed.

"We can't wait to get started," Salapatek said. "Practice is nice, but the team is excited to go."