BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian University softball program has selected senior shortstop Ajala Elmore, junior third baseman Holly Walter and sophomore catcher Marcie Silberman as its captains for the 2024 season.
"Ajala, Holly, and Marcie (Scoot) have the leadership qualities that will help lead this team through the 2024 season," noted second-year Head Coach Josh Baltz. "They have a good perspective of our softball program and what is expected both on the field, in the classroom, and on campus.
"We have a large group that returns, and they know what it takes to reach our goals. We expect our three captains and a number of other players to help lead the way," exclaimed Baltz.
The trio will lead a group that includes 18 student-athletes that were part of the Hounds' 38-12 squad last spring that captured the Landmark Conference, NCAA Division III Medford, Mass. Regional and NCAA Division III Cambridge, Mass. Super Regional titles and played in the 2023 NCAA Division III Championship Finals in Marshall, Texas where the Hounds knocked off No. 1 Salisbury (Md.) University in the opening game of the championship tournament.
Elmore is serving as a team captain for the second straight season. Last year, Elmore earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team after hitting .315 over 50 games with 40 hits, 21 runs 16 RBIs, five doubles and a homer. In her three seasons, Elmore has 81 hits, 56 runs, 12 doubles, four triples, five homers and 50 RBIs to go with a .295 career batting average, and she has also contributed 153 putouts and 183 assists in 350 career chances in the field while playing both shortstop and second base for the Hounds.
Walter was honored on the Landmark All-Conference First Team last spring after hitting .389 with 63 hits, 42 runs, eight doubles, five triples, five homers, 25 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. Walter enters her third campaign with a .367 career average, 87 hits, 58 runs, 12 doubles, six triples, five homers, 32 RBIs and 24 stolen bases, and she has 75 putouts and 168 assists in 259 chances as Moravian's starting third baseman the last two years.
Silberman was selected to the Landmark All-Conference First Team and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Region V Second Team last season after an outstanding debut campaign that saw her hit .348 with 40 hits, 18 runs, eight doubles, a triple, six homers and 31 RBIs. Silberman registered 135 putouts and 12 assists in 148 chances while throwing out three runners attempting to steal from behind the plate.
The Greyhounds are slated to open the 2024 season on Friday, March 1 with games versus College of St. Benedict (Minn.) and Concordia University Wisconsin at the 2024 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Georgia.
