Sunday, March 25, 2007
Mercy College Softball Returns for 2007 Season
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Brigette Burke |
DOBBS FERRY, NY - Last May, Director of Athletics Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss announced a former Flyer, Jacqui Huffman, as the new head softball coach. After not competing in 2006, Huffman and her squad are ready for the challenges that they will face in the upcoming 2007 season.
"I am looking for the team to have fun playing the game of softball and show up every day ready to compete," said Huffman. "I hope to see continued hard work and improvement each time out."
The Flyers have one returning player from the 2005 season in Brigette Burke (Queens, NY). The 5 foot-2 senior shortstop, was one of Mercy's top hitters that season and also had a solid year defensively, recording only six errors. Burke pitched for Mercy as well and finished the 2005 season with one complete game and one save.
"I really want Brigette to enjoy her final season and the team is working hard to make that happen," said Huffman.
Mercy's two captains are Burke and junior pitcher Jessica Madick (Tarzana, CA). Huffman also brought in several recruits to the squad, including sophomore Jessica Davidson (Valhalla, NY) and freshmen Jessica Kowalski (Melville, NY), Stephanie Pereyo (Southington, CT), and Samantha LaBella (Mamaroneck, NY).
Along with Madick this season, Pereyo will also pitch for the Flyers. LaBella who will primarily play the outfield, can contribute as a pitcher as well. Joining LaBella in the outfield this season will be junior Jamie DeJesus (Sleepy Hollow, NY), freshman Samantha DeVore (Norwich, CT), sophomore Jessica Fabian (Whitehall, PA), and senior Eileen Sacharewitz (Bedford, NY).
"I was lucky to get good ball players late into the summer. They are all huge additions to the squad," said Huffman.
Mercy has two players, Davidson and Kowalski, who will compete for catching duty. Davidson and Kowalski will also see time at the middle infield positions. LaBella will also spend some time at second base. Sophomore Tannyka Bent (Queens, NY) and LaBella, will be splitting time at third base for Mercy. Rounding out the infield, Madick, Pereyo, and Sacharewitz could all see time at first base.
Throughout the upcoming season the Flyers will play 14 opponents, with four non-conference teams and 10 East Coast Conference (ECC) foes. Mercy will start its 2007 campaign on March 19, versus Dowling at home. Included in the non-conference slate are doubleheaders versus Southern Connecticut State, Bloomfield, Post, and Georgian Court.
"Right now we are working on putting everything, the fundamentals, together," said Huffman. "I am looking to build a program and these girls are the beginning of that process."
