And now the Lady Wildcats softball team is talking the present as they are considered the favorites when it comes to the BCSL National division.

"When you finish in second place and have seven seniors coming back, everybody is bound to be pointing at you," said Becton head coach Dwight Hall. "There are a lot of expectations and the girls have been working hard."

One of the reasons for the target on Becton’s back is senior first baseman Jessica Knapp who was second team All Bergen County and first team All BCSL National last season. The number three hitter on the team, Knapp hit .553 and had 27 RBI last season. "I’m going to miss her (next season) already and I’m expecting a lot from her," said Hall about Knapp who is planning on playing basketball at the University of Penn. "She has been tremendous as a softball player."

Along with Knapp, another big returnee is junior pitcher Andi Nunziate who had a record of 17-7 with a 2.10 ERA with 191 strikeouts in 159 innings. Nunziate was first team All National last season. "She’s been working on her drops and her change up," said Hall.

The biggest graduations from last season were catcher Courtney Fonzetti, shortstop Amanda Giancaspro and centerfielder Katie Ondrof.

Senior Lauren Cosentino moves from right field to centerfield in replacing Ondrof. Cosentino was first team All National and hit. 442 last season. Cosentino will be in the leadoff spot as part of a speedy batting order. "I’ve got a lot of speed," said Hall.

Cosentino had 17 stolen bases last season while sophomore Alyssa Banca, the left fielder, had 14 stolen bases and will be in the second spot of the lineup after hitting .450 last season while garnering All National second team honors.

In right field, there is senior Danielle Hicswa who is a lefty slap hitter and will be at the bottom of the lineup to set up the top of the order.

With Knapp leading the infield, there are two returnees in sophomore Keri Ryan and senior Chelsea Marefelias. Ryan moves from second base to shortstop in replacing Giancaspro. The new player for second base is freshman Allison Zierold.

In replacing Fonzetti behind the plate, Hall has gone with senior Denna Dedovitch who hit .273 last season. Other players who are expected to see playing time are senior Angela Park who will get time at infield and outfield, senior Lauren Van Winkle, the designated player and sophomore infielder Julia Dombrowski.

While Becton is considered the favorite this season, Hall knows that the team can rely on its billing to win the National. He points to the likes of Secaucus, St. Mary’s and North Arlington as the teams that they will have to climb over to win the league. The league starts next Tuesday as the Wildcats host Hasbrouck Heights.