Mitchell Softball Has High Hopes in 2009

With eight returning players and eight freshmen, the Mitchell College softball team is expecting a successful season, and they are excited about competing in the newly-formed New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) .   The freshmen class is highlighted by two pitchers, Kristina Torres (Groton, Conn.) and Marissa Thomas  (New London, Conn.).  Both players were successful on the mound during their high school careers, and Coach Donelin is looking forward to seeing them excel at the collegiate level.  The Mariners begin the 2009 season on their spring trip in Florida at the Disney Wide World of Sports complex during the week of March 12-17.

In addition to the pitchers, the Mariners welcome more new talent in the outfield with Stacey Suplicki (New London, Conn.),  Brittany O'Neil (Old Saybrook, Conn.), Brittany Zaccaria (White Plains, N.Y.), and Arielle Torres (Emerson, N.J.).  In the infield, the team will have newcomers  Nikki Hoxie (Winsted, Conn.) and Karen Fuller (Buzzards Bay, Mass.).

Key returners include Lindsey Donelin (Niantic, Conn.), Sara Krolikowski (Bristol, Conn.) , and Liz Roy (Jewett City, Conn.).  A season ago, all three received AD3I All-Conference awards.  The infield will be in good hands with Krolikowski handling the catching duties and Roy at the shortshop position.  The outfield will be anchored by Donelin.  The team has high standards both academically and athletically, as there are currently 11 players with a GPA above a 3.1.