KINGSTON, R.I. - With three of its four primary starting infielders from last season returning, Rhode Island is well stocked around the infield heading into the 2026 season.

Starting at first base, the Rams have two experienced, productive players who have proven they can play in the Atlantic 10. Sophomore Katie Knarr was an A-10 All-Rookie Team selection last season after batting a team-best .309 with 47 hits, the second-most ever by a Rhode Island freshman.

Knarr had seven doubles, two home runs and 27 runs batted in. Her bat really warmed up late in the season, as she was the league's Rookie of the Week in the final week of the year.

Senior Becca Zawistowski missed most of last season with injury after serving as the team's starter at first base in 2023 and 2024. With 105 career games played and 97 starts to her credit, Zawistowski is one of the most experienced players on the team. She has six doubles, one home run and 29 RBI to her credit, and a strong Fall indicated she is heading into the season fully healthy.

"Katie Knarr is back after a really strong year," Rhode Island head coach Mike Coutts said. "She is a really hard worker who is passionate about hitting. We have high expectations for her.

"Becca Zawistowski had an awesome Fall. She is coming off an injury that prevented her from doing much last season. She has been a fantastic leader for the team in the Fall. On and off the field, she is someone who can have a significant impact on how the team does this season."

At second base, senior captain Casey Miller is the heart of the team. She started 48 games last season, primarily at second base. She also has started games at third base and shortstop during her career.

"Casey is a team captain and our emotional leader," Coutts said. "She provides us with a lot of great energy and focus. Aside from how she plays, her leadership has been great for the program since we got here. The team looks to her for the energy."

At shortstop is Julianne Torres, who carried the load at the position as a freshman last season. She started 45 games and batted a solid .265 with 36 hits, eight doubles and 13 RBI.

"JJ is the same all the time. She is consistent in her approach every day," Coutts said. "She loves the game and plays hard. You never have to worry about JJ's mindset. What we have to do this year that we couldn't last year was give her more rest. She played pretty much every game last year. She is a quiet leader. The other kids see how JJ conducts herself day in and day out, and they notice it. She is loved by her teammates."

Helping to spell both Miller and Torres will be redshirt freshman Giuliana Ialongo and true freshman Sophie Scurci. Ialongo was slated for significant playing time as a freshman before an injury ended her season after just six games. She had a game-winning, two-run single against Presbyterian that showed her potential before the injury ended her season.

"Giuliana is a lot like Casey Miller in the way she brings tons of energy to the field every day," Coutts said. "She believes she can do anything, and she wants to prove it. She loves to compete. Her energy is off the charts, and it impacts the team around her.

"Sophie comes from a really competitive travel program. The Fall was a learning experience in terms of adjusting to the college game. She is paying attention to how Casey does what she does. She couldn't have a better person to learn from. Defensively she'll be very good. It may take a little time for the bat to catch up, but Sophie has a bright future for us." 

Third base is the biggest hole to fill with the graduation of four-year starter Emily Power. Redshirt sophomore and team captain Riley Frickleton figures to get the first shot as the primary starter, through Maine transfer Immy Gie, Ialongo and Orndorff will all be in the mix as well.

After making 16 starts in 23 appearances as a freshman, Frickleton missed all of last season with an arm injury.

"For both Riley and Giuliana Ialongo, spending a year essentially not playing made them appreciate the opportunity to play this game," Coutts said. "You can see it in their approach every day. They are not going to waste a single moment at practice. Riley is a captain. She has really bought in and cares about making the program better."

Rhode Island opens the season at the Lion Invitational. Hosted by East Texas A&M, the tournament runs from Feb. 12-14.

Check GoRhody.com on Feb. 10 for a look at the team's outfielders.