SOFTBALL
2002
PRE-SEASON OUTLOOK

2001 RECAP: A tight conference race was decided in the seventh and final game of the NJAC tournament when Rowan University outlasted William Paterson University, 4-1, to earn their fifth title. The strength of the conference showed when both Rowan and William Paterson were selected for the NCAA tournament. In a reversal of fortune, the Pioneers emerged as the Mid-Atlantic Regional champions, advancing to the Final Four before bowing out to Wheaton College in extra innings. The conference was also dominant in the ECAC Metro Region Tournament, with bids going to both Ramapo College and the eventual 2001 champion, Montclair State University.

Overall, the NJAC posted a solid non-conference record of 138-77 (.642 winning percentage).

2002 OUTLOOK: There was near-unanimous agreement in the coaches' poll that Rowan would repeat as champions, followed by perennial contenders in TCNJ, William Paterson and Montclair State. They would do well to keep a look over their shoulders, as healthy respect was given to the chances of Ramapo and Rutgers-Camden to play the spoiler and make a move into the top. The National Softball Coaches Association poll presents a slightly different view, ranking William Paterson at #8 nationally and Rowan at #18.

Among the individual headliners, look for players like Rowan junior pitcher Julie Undercuffler, a third-team All-American and first team All-East Region selection in 2001 with a 1.12 ERA; Rutgers-Camden sophomore pitcher Sarah O'Malley, who led the NJAC last season with 18 strike-outs to go along with a 1.48 ERA and a .406 BA; William Paterson senior outfielder Lauren Hertzberg (.443, 44 runs, 26 RBI, 27 SBs) and junior catcher Morgan Dunlap (.384, school-record 10 HRs, 46 RBI), both All-Americans in 2001; TCNJ junior catcher Jen Kichula (22 SB, .971 fielding percentage); and Montclair State junior outfielder Stephanie Romanko, an All-NJAC and All-Region selection in 2001 (.351 BA, 47 hits, 19 RBI).

2002 NJAC
COACHES' POLL

1.) Rowan University (1)*
2.) The College of New Jersey (3)
3.) William Paterson University (2)
4.) Montclair State University (4)
5.) Ramapo College (5)
6.) Rutgers University-Camden (7)
7.) Richard Stockton College (8)
8.) Kean University (9)
9.) New Jersey City University (6)
10.) Rutgers University-Newark (10)

* number in parentheses indicates last year's regular season finish

Most Likely to Cause an Upset:
Rutgers-Camden

KEAN UNIVERSITY
COUGARS
Head Coach: Margie Acker
2001: 5-13 NJAC, 17-17 Overall

Margie Acker is entering her third season at the helm of the Kean University softball program. Under her hard work and dedication, she has helped turn the program into a perennial contender for the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament. Last season, the Cougars compiled a 17-17 record, which were the most wins since 1996.

This season Acker returns seven starters that will try to improve on last seasons .500 record. The program will once again rely on a combination speed and power in the line up and will once again field a team that will play solid defense. Among the top returnees are senior catcher Nicole Stephen (Woodbridge, N.J./Woodbridge), junior shortstop Deanna Lynn Jr. (Clark, N.J./Arthur Johnson) and junior outfielder Danielle Kish (Carteret, N.J./ Carteret).

Promising newcomers include freshmen Jessica Rios (Hamilton, N.J./Steinert) at third base and Tiffani Travaglione (Mercerville, N.J./Steinert) in the outfield, and Megan Sworen (Frenchtown, N.J./Delaware Valley), a sophomore infielder.

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
RED HAWKS
Head Coach: Anita Kubicka
2001: 12-6 NJAC, 36-12 Overall

The Montclair State University softball team, who captured their second consecutive ECAC Division III South Softball title in 2001, return 12 players from that squad, which posted a 36-12 overall mark and finished fourth in the 10-team NJAC with a 12-6 mark. Among the top returners for Montclair is junior outfielder Stephanie Romanko (North Brunswick, NJ/North Brunswick), an All-NJAC and All-Region selection in 2001. Romanko, also the starting goalkeeper for the MSU women's soccer team, batted .351 with 47 hits and 19 RBI and had just one error in in her first full softball season. Also back is sophomore shortstop Diana Auteri (Lyndhurst, NJ/St. Mary's), who drove in 24 runs and stole 17 bases in earning All-NJAC Second Team accolades, and senior outfielder Tara Gialanella (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central), who hit .291 with 27 runs scored and 17 stolen bases.

In the pitching department, Montclair brings back both of its top starters from a year ago. Senior Tara Todaro (Lodi, NJ/Lodi) posted a 12-5 mark with a 2.48 ERA and a team-high 89 strikeouts. Sophomore Crystal Sweeney (Edison, NJ/Edison) went 15-5 with a 1.93 ERA in her first collegiate campaign, and was named All-NJAC Honorable Mention. MSU also brings in five newcomers this spring to try and offset the loss of last season’s senior class of Kim Caruso, Tonya Galiszewski, Alex Lamont and Evelyn Morozzi. The foursome combined for 139 runs, 231 hits and 129 RBIs last year alone.

THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY
LIONS
Head Coach: Sally Miller
2001: 14-4 NJAC, 21-20 Overall

The 2002 Lions should be a very solid and well-stocked squad, having graduated just three starters. Offensively, TCNJ will look to seniors Audrey Bowen (Bethlehem, PA/Freedom) and Mandy Schenck (Edison, NJ/Edison) and junior Jen Kichula (Hightstown, NJ/Hightstown) to be a triple threat for the Lions at the plate. Bowen batted .328 a year ago with 20 RBIs and three triples, while Kichula had a .319 batting average with a team-high 13 doubles and 10 stolen bases last season. Schenck boasted a .364 hitting average with 32 hits and five doubles.

Behind the plate, TCNJ will count on Kichula to take control of the pitchers and the team. Last season, she held the opposition to 22 stolen bases and had a fielding percentage of .971 with six errors in 208 chances. A utility player for the Lions, junior Lauren McEvoy (Wantage, NJ/High Point Regional) could see some time as catcher as she brings a career fielding percentage of .961 with only four errors. TCNJ returns its pitching staff completely intact for the fourth consecutive season. The senior trio of Bowen, Vickie Prevete (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick), and Schenck returns and for the third season will once again work with Lion pitching coach, Sheree Davis. Newcomer Jessica Donohue (Highland Mills, NY/Cornwall Central) will compete for time in the pitching circle.

NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
GOTHIC KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Tara Laposa
2001: 7-11 NJAC, 21-15 Overall

First-year head coach Tara Laposa (Miami, OH, '97) has the unenviable task of rebuilding a Gothic Knight softball program that has lost the greatest hitter and greatest pitcher in school history to graduation after the club went 92-50-1 over the past four years. The powerful Jen Barletta and often overpowering Karen Masters are gone, and several other key members of the 2001 team with eligibility remaining chose not to play.

But Laposa has a youthful roster to work with, of which 11 of 13 members are freshman or sophomores. She also has four returning starters from last year. Honorable mention All-NJAC shortstop Anabel Rodriguez (Belleville, NJ/Belleville) and Second-Team All-NJAC second baseman Bianca Quimpo (Carteret, NJ/Carteret) do return after posting stellar rookie campaigns, to combine for what may be the best middle infield in the conference. Rodriguez was second on the team behind Barletta in hitting last year ( .349 BA, 2 HR, 18 RBI). A-Rod's speed gave her 20 steals in 21 attempts. A solid defensive player, Quimpo proved to be patient at the plate, going for a team-best 19 walks, and adding 12 steals in 14 tries. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Tara DeFilippo (Bayonne, NJ/Holy Family Academy) was successful as Master's understudy as a freshman, going 9-8 with a 2.56 ERA in 87.1 innings pitched. Sophomore Meagan Tullock (Jersey City, NJ/St. Dominic's Academy) will shift from leftfield to center.

Honorable mention all-league standout Kim Aleksandrich did not return, but also may not be missed. That's because the Knights' have a third baseman in transfer Kristi Zarr (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert East) who may challenge for the league's Rookie of the Year. Zarr, who has an intense style of play, and an awesome bat, will join with Rodriguez to form a great 1-2 punch on the left side of the NJCU infield for the next three years. Freshman right-hander Barbara Rodriguez (Harrison, NJ/Harrison) has showed promise and will serve as the Knights' No. 2 pitcher.

RAMAPO COLLEGE
ROADRUNNERS
Head Coach: Ben Allen
2001: 10-8 NJAC, 23-16 Overall

The 2002 Roadrunners carry only four upper classmen on a full roster of 14. The team returns all but six to the plate with captains Kelly Kernan, Kelly-Ann DiGiulio, and Kim Vulcano bringing leadership to the field. After posting a 23-16 overall record last year, 10-8 NJAC, head coach Ben Allen sees a satisfying future for the 2002 team. The Roadrunners hope to see post-season play once again behind the trio of captains plus pitcher Jamie Anzaldi, short stop Laura Germano, and outfielder Shelli Guider. With the heart, skill and knowledge of the old, and the determination of the new, Coach Allen hopes to see a winning season starting a whole new era of Ramapo College softball.

Last year at the plate the Roadrunners were led by Germano who saw 106 at bats, scoring 16 runs, and getting 39 hits including 13 RBI, eight doubles and one triple, averaging .368. Anzaldi and Kernan followed with .340 and .293 batting averages respectively. Anzaldi tallied 34 hits, 14 runs, 19 RBI, six doubles and one triple while Kernan recorded 18 runs, 36 hits, 18 RBI, 14 doubles, one triple and one home run.

Ramapo’s pitching team will consist of three veterans from the 2001 roster. Anzaldi, who led last year with a record of 10-5 (.667), will be looked upon to lead Ramapo once again. Anzaldi recorded 81 strike outs and 37 walks in 15 games played and started. Anzaldi also tallied six shutouts in 106.1 innings pitched. Sophomores Valerie Malfi and Michelle Micklos also return this year. Malfi, who went 4-3 for the season, posted 29 strikeouts in 11 games played while Micklos went 2-0 for the year. Micklos added 15 strikeouts in just 12 innings pitched.

Newcomers Alicia Cruz, Lauren Dathe, Colleen Miller, Jackie Morris and Heather Stevenson add much talent to a team ready to go all the way. This bunch adds spark, speed, and heart to the infield as well as in the grass. They are expected to help the team step out with power, hit with strength, and play with pride to strive to take the field for the NJAC Championship this spring.

RICHARD STOCKTON COLLEGE
OSPREYS
Head Coach: Val Julien
2001: 5-13 NJAC, 13-22 Overall

Stockton hopes to improve upon a 13-22 campaign in which 10 of its losses were by two runs or less. An increase in offensive production could be the key for a team that averaged just over two runs per game last year. The Ospreys return eight starters, including three of their top four hitters and two of three pitchers. Lorena DeMeo anchors the infield at shortstop. DeMeo batted a team-high .311 last season. Laurie Henry hit .276 last year and likely will shift from third base to first base this spring. Stockton will be experienced behind the plate with seniors Nicole Melasippo, a 2001 NJAC Honorable Mention pick after batting .279, and Barnabie Agatep who led the team in runs scored. Greta Heinly and Nicole Malfi are returning starters in the outfield.

Stockton will use a mixture of youth and experience on the mound. Senior Alison Barbito is the veteran of the staff and she led the team with 59 strikeouts and seven wins last season. Sophomore Lauren Genovese made an impact during her rookie campaign and should have an even bigger role this year. Freshmen Kim Wallace and Constance DeSalvo bring an influx of youth and talent to the roster. In addition to her pitching duties, DeSalvo also may see playing time at first base for the Ospreys.

ROWAN UNIVERSITY
PROFS
Head Coach: Kim Wilson
2001: 16-2 NJAC, 34-11 Overall

Last year, the Profs won their fifth conference championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the 14th time. Rowan has a solid group of veterans back and several newcomers that will contribute this campaign. Junior pitcher Julie Undercuffler (Clearview Reg./Mullica Hill, NJ) compiled a 13-4 record in her first season with the Profs. She pitched 131.1 innings and had a 1.12 ERA. Undercuffler was named the NJAC Pitcher of the Year and to the All-Conference first team. In addition, she was chosen to the All-America third team, the East All-Region first team and the ECAC Metro Region first team.

Veterans Melissa Geoghan (Edison/Edison, NJ) and Nicole Hewitt (Cherokee/ Marlton, NJ) return at second base and center field respectively. Geoghan was the team's RBI leader with 29 and had a .331 batting average. She was a member of the All-Conference first team, ECAC Metro Region second team and the East All-Region third team. Hewitt hit .295 and drove in 20 runs. Newcomers that are expected to have an immediate impact are shortstop Erin Byrne (Rancocas Valley Reg./Hainesport, NJ) and third baseman JoAnne DeVito (Cranford/Cranford, NJ).

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - CAMDEN
SCARLET RAPTORS
Head Coach: Carl Taylor
2001: 6-12 NJAC, 18-15 Overall

Rutgers-Camden coach Carl Taylor is looking for some young guns to continue the Lady Raptors’ softball improvement. Three young pitchers – sophomore Sarah O’Malley (Westmont/Camden Catholic) and freshmen Becky Johnson (Bridgeton/ Cumberland) and Lindsay Creaney (Atco/Edgewood) – should help Rutgers-Camden improve on its school record for victories, set during an 18-15 season last year. One year after earning South Jersey Player of the Year honors at Camden Catholic High School, O’Malley turned in a monster season as a Rutgers-Camden freshman. She earned NJAC Rookie of the Year honors, led the conference with 181 strikeouts, hurled a perfect game and a school-record 19-strikeout performance and went 12-8 with a 1.48 ERA. She also hit .406 with school records of 16 doubles and 36 runs scored. For the second straight year, the Raptors’ freshman class includes another South Jersey Player of the Year, as Johnson earned those honors at Cumberland Regional High School last spring. Creaney also is a fine pitcher, giving Taylor a solid staff.

That trio is enhanced by three other lettermen – senior center fielder Kristen Stewart (Maple Shade/Maple Shade), junior outfielder Betty Anne Dick (Gloucester/Gloucester) and sophomore designated player Tara Hrivnak (Cherry Hill/Cherry Hill West), who earned Second Team All-NJAC honors last year. A big group of newcomers includes freshman shortstop Celeste Chinappi (Bellmawr/Gloucester Catholic) and third baseman Cherylann Coco (Williamstown/Gloucester Catholic), a junior who was named First Team All- Region XIX and First Team All-Garden State Athletic Conference player last season at Gloucester County College.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - NEWARK
SCARLET KNIGHTS
Head Coach: Celia Mosier
2001: 0-18 NJAC, 6-29 Overall

Third-year head coach Celia Mosier has eight freshmen on her 2002 Scarlet Raider softball roster who figure to contribute immediately to the program. Just four starters return from last season’s team, meaning that some of the rookies will have to hit the ground running.

Junior pitcher/third baseman Amanda Bremer will be the pivotal performer this season. She’s both the top returning hitter (.283 batting average with 14 runs batted in) and best pitcher (121.1 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts). Senior centerfield Nydia Cubero excels in the field and on the base paths where her exception speed is utilized. She swiped 13 bases in 15 attempts last spring and she controls the outfield. She is now finishing up her Scarlet Raider basketball career, where she ranks among NJAC leaders in steals per game.

Also returning are sophomore first baseman Carrie Maceda, a Scarlet Raider soccer player who improved markedly in softball last spring, and junior second baseman/outfielder Sue Panayiotou, who hit .275 last spring.

WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
PIONEERS
Head Coach: Hallie Cohen
2001: 15-3 NJAC, 39-10 Overall

Coming off a campaign where the Pioneers won a school-record 39 games and also won the NCAA Division III East Regional for the first time, expectations remain lofty. They are ranked No. 8 in the USA Today/NFCA Division III preseason poll as senior outfielder Lauren Hertzberg (.443, 44 runs, 2 HRs, 26 RBI, 27 SBs) and junior catcher Morgan Dunlap (.384, school-record 10 HRs, 46 RBI), both All-Americans, return. Senior Courtney Heller (.298, 44 runs, 15 SBs), a second team All-Atlantic Region selection, and junior Liz Carroll (.293) provide solid defense and strong offense in the outfield. Around the infield, senior Jen Menges (.265) starts again at first base and freshman Nicole Arias is in line to start at third. The Pioneers possess a terrific double-play combination with junior Katie Morris (.265), named to the NCAA Division III National Championship All-Tournament team, at shortstop and fellow junior Pam Migliaccio (.323) at second.

In the pitcher's circle, WPU will rely on the experience of senior Diane Catalano (7-2, 0.95 ERA) and junior Sam Kszepka (8-2, 1.35 ERA). Freshmen Diane Hampton and Marianna DelMonaco could also log some innings.