Softball Eyes Forward Progress in ‘09
Philadelphia, PA- The Lady Ram's softball squad will begin the 2009 season after compiling a 14-30, 10-14 CACC record last season- the most successful campaign of Head Coach John Kelly's three-year PhilaU tenure.
Coach Kelly returns for his fourth season and will look to build on the Lady Ram's momentum entering the '09 season.
"Our team goals this season include building upon what we accomplished last year and challenging for the CACC championship," said Kelly.
The Lady Rams return a solid core of experienced, talented players and have added eight freshmen to help take the program to the next level.
The infield will be anchored by junior first baseman/pitcher Kelly Rauco (Nutley, NJ), junior second baseman Maggie Desmond (Bayport, NY), junior third baseman Kris Giamatteo (Bellmore, NY) and rookie shortstop Kayla Czuprynski (Buffalo, NY). Freshman Danielle Parisi (Teaneck, NJ) - a New Jersey All-State performer in high school- rounds out the group for PhilaU.
"We should have a deep and experienced infield this year, and our freshman shortstop will add speed and range to the lineup," said Kelly.
The Lady Ram pitching staff will be anchored by Rauco and freshman hurler Ali Schmidt (Cordova, MD), joined by sophomore Randi Wozniak (Newtown Square, PA) and rookie Amber Beauchemin (Galloway, NJ).
Behind the plate, freshmen catchers Katie Renner (Berryville, VA) and Ali Glaser (Easton, PA) will compete for time. Both bring years of elite travel ball experience to the program.
"Having two talented catchers will provide the team with the best catching combination in the program's history in recent memory," said Coach Kelly.
A solid and experienced outfield that finished first in the CACC in fielding percentage last season consists of sophomores Jen Richard (Millstone Twp., NJ) and Kate Desmond (Bayport, NY), juniors Kris Loughery (Phoenixville, PA) and Devyn O'Neill (Tinton Falls, NJ) and lone senior Lindsay White (Fogelsville, PA). Freshmen Sara Romano (Harrisburg, PA) and Glaser could also see time in the grass.
PhilaU begins the season on Monday, March 9th at Millersville for a doubleheader beginning at 2:30 p.m.
