After a season cut short early in 2020, the Cyclones are eager to get back on the field to show the work they've put in and how much they love the game.

The Cyclones fit in 10 games last year before COVID-19 shut everything down. Five players from that team returned, and Ari Bulthuis, assistant coach for four years, was hired as head coach last summer. She's ready to see her team in action.

"I'm very excited to be in this position. I couldn't ask for a better group as a first-year head coach; they make my job easier," Bulthuis said. "We've been putting in a lot of work since January. They are players with huge hearts. I'm excited for the first game. We'll see what we have to work on, but I know we'll do well."

This team is loaded with talent. Fran Beggs (Argo), an outfielder and infielder, returns for her first complete season. She brings heat at the plate and is never in doubt to make contact. Sophomore Brianna Dvorak (Sandburg) has plenty of power off her bat particularly as cleanup hitter. She also has clean hands at third base and attacks the ball. Abbie Wantroba (Sandburg) also is back with her wide range on the field and dependability. She has a knack for uniting her teammates and having fun while playing hard.

Of the newcomers, pitcher and infielder Ashley Roberts (Homewood-Flossmoor) and outfielder Danielle Travis (Lockport Township) should make an impact. Roberts is a workhorse on the mound with stamina to throw several games in a row while also having quick hands in the field. Travis is fast-moving in centerfield and a key part of the outfield. She can make the hard plays off fly balls.

"The whole team has put in the work. They love the game and are great players. They want to learn and realize how to fix any issues. That's great as a coach," Bulthuis said.

Bulthuis and her assistant coach, Jen Vanek, were Cyclone softball players in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Their love of Moraine Valley and bond make it easier to relate to the players.

"I tell them, Moraine Valley was the best two years of my life playing. I've met my best friends, and I tell them they can do it all, too. Being in their shoes once, we let them know what to expect," she explained.

Although Bulthuis likes to have fun, she expects her players to put in the work and get it done or she will be hard on them. Her minimum team goal is to make it to the quarterfinals, but the ultimate goal is to win a conference championship. And she feels she has the team to do it.

"It's going to be an exciting season. As long as they give it their all, and put their heart in it, I'm okay with it," Bulthuis said. "We've got to be tough as nails. We're ready for anything."

Up to 50 spectators are allowed at Moraine Valley outdoor sporting events this season due to COVID-19.