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Spartan Softball

2010 Season Preview

In 2009 the D’Youville College softball team completed their season in the finals of the North Eastern Athletic Conference tournament, just one step away from the team’s goal of the NCAA tournament.  The Spartans had a 13-3 mark in conference play, 17-17 overall.

The 2010 season has the Spartans making their debut in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference and Head Coach Anna Nagro hopes the success of last season lingers. “Last season was a stepping stone to where we would like to be year after year, the opportunity for post-season play. It gave us a taste of success and showed us what hard work can accomplish.

I am hopeful that last season’s post season experience will help lead and keep this young team focused throughout the season and help us as we move into the AMCC and prepare mentally and physically for better competition.”

The Spartans were picked to finish ninth out 11 teams in the AMCC. States Nagro on the hurdles of the new league, “the first challenge will be the fact that our team is very young, consisting of almost only sophomores and freshmen. Our returning playerswill really have to step it up and help lead the freshmen during the ups and downs of the season. Many players will be playing multiple positions, which will give us a competitive edge but the players will have to stay focused on their specific role game to game. The second challenge will be increasing our level of play both defensively and offensively to be successful in the AMCC. This young team will have to find ways to win close games and stay mentally tough throughout the season.  Despite the challenges the team is looking forward to the new tasks that await and have set the goal of making the AMCC playoffs and with that an opportunity to win the championship.”

Sophomore first baseman Brittany Barren (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) will be someone to look out for this season at the plate. She led the team last season with a .371 batting average knocked in 26 runs and was a second team all-conference selection.  Danielle Phillips (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) and Kristie Ryan (West Seneca, NY/West Seneca West) will be called upon to help lead this team.  Phillips was a third-team all-conference selection and led the team with a .443 on-base percentage.  Ryan hit .278 in her rookie season and led the team in stolen bases and sacrifices.  

Coach Nagro says, “these three individuals have he ability to help this team reach the next level with their softball talent and leadership.”

Haley Bozzo (Hamilton, ONT/Blessed Sacrament) and Meghan Shank (Williamsville, NY/Willimasville) bring speed and depth to the lineup.  Bozzo hit .260 and made 32 starts in the outfield. Shank played a number of positions including catcher, and led the team with a .980 fielding percentage and only struck out four times in 73 at-bats.

Returning sophomore pitchers Hannah Norton (Wyoming, NY/Pavilion) and Karen Kingsley (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) are joined by freshman Kristen Deschenes (Tonawanda, NY/Kenmore East).  In 2009 Norton tossed a no-hitter, recorded five shutouts and struck out 116 in 114 innings pitched and Kingsley won a team-high nine games in her rookie season. 

The addition of Deschenes makes the team’s staff, in the words of Coach Nagro, “effective and strong, and maybe the deepest ever.  Deschenes will immediately find time at the mound and brings a high level of talent straight out of high school.  Kingsley will provide a strong leadership presence on the mound but will also find time in other key positions.  Norton’s experience will give us chance to win big games.”

Looking at the newcomers, junior Rachael Cirello (Lockport, NY/Lockport/ECC) has two seasons of junior college competition to her credit will be someone to look out for this season. She will play multiple positions and will hopefully bring a veteran leadership vibe to the team.

Marisa McIntyre (Gillett, PA/Troy) will add athleticism to the team’s defense. Gabby Lathrop (Clarence, NY/Clarence) and Julie Slater (Tyringham, MA/Lee) will bring some power to our offense while Samantha Osika (Depew, NY/Depew) will bring additional speed.

In addition to an improved conference schedule, the Spartan’s non-conference slate will also be very challenging with doubleheaders against regional powers Keuka, RIT, St. John Fisher, and Alfred University.

The Spartan’s open the season March 20-24 at the NTC Spring Games in Clermont, Florida.