Going into this season, the Toll Gate softball team will benefit from a change throughout Division I, as they’ve already made the playoffs before even stepping on the field for a game.

It’s not a joke.

The Titans, who missed the playoffs last season with a 5-11 record, will surely be in the postseason this year because all 15 teams in D-I will make it.

A realignment in D-I has set the 15 teams into three subdivisions, with every team guaranteed to play at least one playoff game.

Only the team at the top of the standings will get a buy into the second round, but the other 14 teams will play a first round game.

Head coach Shana Willis is excited about the opportunity that her team has.

“Our team goal is to finish .500 or better and secure a home game for the playoffs,” Willis said. “Every team makes the playoffs, so we’re taking the regular season as practice. We want to be playing our best going into the playoffs.”

The Titans have lost some key contributors from last year’s squad, but will return some experienced players, as well.

Toll Gate has seven seniors that will have a shot to be regulars in the lineup.

Taking on a bulk of the pitching duties will be Courtney Marsh, while fellow senior Jamie Hopgood will move from the outfield to catcher this season.

Karley Mallette will patrol the hot corner at third for the Titans this season, but there will be some question marks as to who is going to play where in the infield from there.

Willis believes that Breana Coleman has secured either second or first, while sophomore Courtney Iadevaia will likely play shortstop or second and also serve as the backup pitcher.

There are also three juniors in the mix for innings in the infield – Tori Aponte, Cassondra Messier and Victoria Nelson.

In the outfield, Toll Gate will roll out three seniors that will provide stability – Laura Salisbury, Delaney Dilibero and Katherine Niles.

Juniors Samantha Ventre and Sarah Khoury will also push for time in the outfield.

Marsh, Hopgood and Mallette will serve as team captains this season.

Toll Gate will play in a subdivision with Bay View, La Salle, Cranston West and East Providence this season.

East Providence and La Salle each concluded last season with an 11-5 record, while Cranston West and Bay View both finished at 7-9.

The Titans will open their season tomorrow against Cranston West at the Brayton Avenue Softball Complex in Cranston at 3:30 p.m. The Falcons are hungry to start the season on a good note after narrowly missing the playoffs a season ago.

Toll Gate will be looking to compete during the regular season then make some noise come playoff time.

Willis believes that her seven seniors will be the key this year.

“We could have a mature group this year,” Willis said. “I’m looking for our seven seniors to step up. Hopefully, they can bring the girls together and have a successful season.”