• Sun, 05/06 | Softball vs. Central Connecticut L, 14-3 (Final - 5 innings) PR | BX | RC
  • Sun, 05/06 | Softball vs. Central Connecticut L, 6-2 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 05/05 | Softball vs. Fairleigh Dickinson W, 3-0 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 05/05 | Softball vs. Fairleigh Dickinson W, 10-4 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sun, 04/29 | Softball at Quinnipiac L, 2-1 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sun, 04/29 | Softball at Quinnipiac L, 10-2 (Final - 6 innings) PR | BX | RC
  • Sat, 04/28 | Softball at Sacred Heart W, 2-1 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 04/28 | Softball at Sacred Heart W, 3-1 (Final) BX | RC
  • Tue, 04/24 | Softball vs. Brown W, 5-3 (Final) BX | RC
  • Sat, 04/21 | Softball vs. Monmouth W, 5-4 (Final) BX | RC | PH
 
February 10, 2010

SOFTBALL SET FOR SECOND SEASON AT DIVISION I

February 10, 2010

SOFTBALL SET FOR SECOND SEASON AT DIVISION I

SMITHFIELD, RI - The foundation for success is there.  After years of consecutive NCAA appearances, the Bryant University softball program took a major leap a year ago into Division I waters. It was a challenge for a youthful squad that was coming off another NCAA playoff appearance in the program's final year of Division II competition. 

But for these Bulldogs, the move to the highest level of softball was a welcomed challenge; and one they wouldn't back down from. 

Behind a balanced offense, sound defense and top-notch pitching, the Bulldogs earned victories over Brown, Holy Cross, Central Connecticut and the University of Connecticut. Bryant finished the season with 11 wins overall and played in 14 one-run games. The Bulldogs were also involved in five extra inning contests.

Now, with the first year of DI under their belts, the Bulldogs enter the spring season looking to take another step forward. Head coach Lisa Ann Wallace, now entering her tenth season at Bryant, returns 10 letter winners including eight position starters in 2010. 

INFIELD

The Bulldogs will need to replace the bat Anne Dobmeier who is the only starter to graduate. Dobmeier led the Bulldogs with a .291 average last season and was a solid player in the field at first base with a .984 fielding percentage. 

Captain Shortstop Ali Chouinard (Swansea, Mass.), second baseman Laura Bowen (Hudson, Mass.) and junior Regina Burdo (Wayne, Pa.) once again form a solid infield defensively.

After seeing action in 13 games as pitcher, including making five starts last season, sophomore Stephanie Barrett (Plaistow, N.H.) will make the move to first base to help fill the void of Dobmeier. Newcomers Talia Zizza (Reading, Mass. / Reading Memorial) and Brittany Lischinsky (Mahopac, N.Y/ Lakeland) will also compete over Dobmeier's position at first base. Lischinsky will also give the Bulldogs an added arm out of the bullpen. 

Newcomer Christina Eringis (Tewksbury, Mass./Central Catholic) is another infielder with an excellent bat that the coaching staff is excited about and could challenge for a spot at third base this season.

CATCHER

The Bulldogs are in good hands with veteran Ashley Coon (Leavittown, Pa.) back. The senior tri-captain is a good as they get both defensively and working with the pitching staff.  A vocal competitor, Coon started all 42 games behind the plate, finishing the year with a .953 fielding percentage including just eight passed balls while gunning down 17 would-be base stealers.

PITCHER

The Bulldogs figure to be in good hands thanks to the return of Samantha Houseal (Mount Joy, Pa.) after an outstanding sophomore season. Houseal, now a captain of the Bulldog squad started 37 of the team's 42 games and posted a 3.03 ERA. She fanned a Bryant record 180 batters while walking just 72 in 250 innings. One the many highlights on the season had to be the brilliant complete-game one-hitter in the team's win over Connecticut in April.

According to the coaching staff, newcomers Britanny Hart (North Andover, Mass. / Brooks School), Jennifer Jacob (Deer Park, N.Y. / St. Anthony's) and Kelly Ann Cocco (Vernon, Conn. / Rockville) will make an immediate impact on the mound this spring.

OUTFIELD  

Veterans Lindsay Martin (Methuen, Mass.) and Lauren McCart (Vorhees, N.J.) are back and expected to resume their starting spots in the outfield. Martin had an excellent freshman season in '09 where she hit .250 offensively at the plate including five doubles and two triples.  Classmate McCart was right behind with a .248 batting average including five doubles while driving in nine runs. Senior Kim Leonard (Milford, Mass.) is also expected to make the switch from third base to outfield and see quality time.

They'll be joined by a host of talented newcomers looking to crack the lineup, including Kate Murray (Fitchburg, Mass. /Fitchburg) and Jenna Jeffrey (Scarborough, Maine / Catherine McAuley)

 

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