BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The nationally-ranked No. 19 Moravian College softball team opens up the 2013 season this Sunday as they take on traditional New England power Emerson College and regional foe St. Vincent College at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida. The Greyhounds will play a total of ten games in Florida before returning home to open up their Landmark Conference schedule by hosting rival Susquehanna University on March 16. After coming off a 35-11 season, which included a third place finish in the NCAA Union, N.J. Regional, Moravian comes into this year looking to defend their 2012 Landmark Conference title, the programs 13th consecutive conference championship.
With only one key starter having graduated, 20th year head coach John Byrne is very impressed with how his team has gelled in the preseason. Coach Byrne has a 616-193 record heading into this campaign while returning 15 letter-winners and adding 3 newcomers to round out his roster. "I could not be more pleased with the group of young women we have representing the program this year. With 12 junior and senior players we have tremendous leadership and experience in all areas of the game. The team is very focused with the goals at hand and can't wait for the season to begin."
Three of Moravian's top returners were named NFCA All-East Region last season. Junior catcher Cassie Ernst was a First Team selection along with sophomore designated player/outfielder Jenn Dalickas. Sophomore outfielder Dior George earned a spot on the Second Team.
The Greyhounds enter the season with plenty of depth in the pitching circle. Senior pitcher Alyssa Fegely comes off a strong 2012 season that saw her garner a Second Team selection as pitcher on the Landmark All-Conference Team. In addition to her pitching success over the years, Fegely has also proven to be a valuable asset at the plate within the Greyhound offense. Junior pitcher Elizabeth Tillou brings a wealth of experience and success to the pitching staff. Tillou also brings depth to the infield as a very capable first baseman. Sophomore Lizzie Mack looks to continue her success from last year in the circle, which included tossing a no-hitter. Mack is another very versatile player that can hit well and play shortstop or first base. Newcomers to the staff include a pair of high school all-stars, Carsin Conner and Lindsay Sullivan. In addition to their pitching duties both Conner and Sullivan swing good bats and will possibly be looked at to add depth in the infield.
The catching corps is led by Ernst, who was also a First Team All-Landmark selection while leading the Greyhounds in hitting last season. Junior outfielder/catcher Taylor Mihalik, the 2011 Landmark Rookie of the Year, will see action behind the plate when not working in the outfield. Mihalik has been very productive offensively for the Greyhounds during her first two seasons.
The outfield for the Greyhounds is rich in experience and talent. George, also a First Team All- Conference performer, was named 2012 Landmark Rookie of the Year while leading the team in multiple offensive categories. Dalickas, also another All- Conference First Team selection, will add to the strength of the outfield. Dalickas was a major force at the plate leading the Greyhounds in both homeruns and runs batted in. Junior Miranda Sergas was named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team as an outfielder last spring. Sergas will also add depth at the catching position. Junior Melissa Cottone will add power from the left side of the lineup while providing solid defense in the outfield. Freshman Mary Schlosbon, a former All-League high school talent, brings exceptional speed and defense to the Moravian line up.
A pair of All Conference First team players, senior third baseman Shannen Mohr and senior first baseman Amanda Dizinno lead a deep and talented group of infielders for the Greyhounds. Mohr, a Second Team NFCA All-American in 2011, has provided a strong bat and steady defense for the hounds the past three seasons. Dizinno, along with her strong fielding skills around the first base bag, has been a consistent offensive performer over her career. Junior Eavan Matz provides excellent defense at second base. Matz is a very capable contact hitter with excellent bunting skills. Shortstop will be manned by senior Brook Kowal and Juniors Rachel DeLucia and Leann Ventriglia. Kowal, a former outfielder, brings strong leadership to the infield along with a solid bat offensively. DeLucia, who will also work at third base and second base, provides right handed power in the Greyhound order. Ventriglia, who possesses smooth fielding and throwing skills, can also supply solid offense from both sides of the plate.
