Feb. 19, 2002

The Saints look to rebound from a difficult 2001 campaign and challenge for the MAAC title this spring. Most important of the team's many goals is the aspiration to be playing their best softball at the end of April. The strengths of the 2002 squad resides in its balance of strong senior leadership, and talented youth. The hope is that these dynamics will combine to produce the most exciting Siena softball team in recent memory. With more pop in their line-up and a bevy of depth in the pitching staff, there is reason to believe the 2002 Saints could be a competitive force in the league.

In her sixth year as Head Coach Barb Sauter is more optimistic than ever as the athletic department has made a commitment to the program and provided her with the means to recruit nationally. The increase in grant-in-aid has enabled Sauter to bring in the most touted recruiting class in the program's history. Over 50% of this year's team is made up of first-year players, but more importantly impact players. Sauter can now select well-rounded student-athletes who are dedicated not only to softball, but also to academics. Players with solid character, a strong work ethic and competitive personalities are what Sauter describes as ideal Siena student-athletes.

PITCHERS

The Saints return two proven starters including senior Jodie Fiacco, who is coming off a tremendous season in which she earned First Team All-MAAC, First Team All Northeast Region and District I Verizon Academic All-American honors. The aforementioned honors were bestowed on Fiacco as a result of her tremendous offensive production--this season, Sauter will count on her to step up as a l,eader in the circle as well. An overpowering, strong competitor, Fiacco is a good situational pitcher who knows how to get the most out of her pitches. South-paw classmate Allison Clark provides a nice compliment to Fiacco, giving the Saints a different look in the circle. Both Fiacco and Clark bring lots of experience to the team and will be looked to for leadership from the entire squad.

Along with the two seniors, the Saints will count on four freshmen to add pitching depth. Adrianna St. Cin is the most decorated newcomer, and she performed well in a great deal of action this fall. St. Cin is a strong pitcher with good velocity, who makes good use of her off-speed pitches. When not in the circle, she will see action in the line-up as she is also a strong power hitter. Tisha Salamino is an over-powering pitcher who will see innings this spring if she can improve her pitch location. Amanda Cavitt is a physically gifted talent with great control. She understands the game well and keeps the ball low in the zone. Although Sara Prochnow will see most of her time in the outfield, she is another athlete who could see relief time as an off-speed pitcher.

CATCHING

The Saints lost two of the premier catchers last season, but the coaching staff is high on their possible replacements. Four Saints see time as signal callers this spring. Junior Christina Shiffman and sophomore Stacey Vesling saw limited action last season, but have shown improvement in game-calling, arm strength and overall skill. Sophomore Veronica Arredondo saw the most time of the three returnees last season. Arredondo possesses a hard-nosed attitude and strong arm. The coaching staff is very excited about incoming freshman Colleen Price. Price is a strong catcher with strong fundamentals and experience beyond her years. In the fall she handled the pitching staff very well. Each of Sauter's four options are very athletic, but will need to be more involved in the game as vocal leaders on the field.

INFIELD

Seniors Christina Teator and Mary Buckheit combine to form the stable middle of the Siena infield for the fourth straight season at second and short respectively. Teator possesses good lateral movement and is a fierce competitor who knows the game well. Buckheit is one of the top defensive shortstops in the league and will again solidify the middle of the Saints batting order. Freshman Chani Grant is a quick, athletic shortstop who will likely apprentice Buckheit and add depth to the middle of the infield.

The corners will be up for grabs, with a multitude of talented possibilities for Sauter to chose from. Freshman Sarah Rose is an athletic, versatile player who could press for a starting spot at any of the infield positions. Fiacco's strong bat will earn her the start at first when she is not in the circle, while St. Cin could also see positional time. Freshman Lisa DiBlasi who was All-Big 10 last year is a strong offensive hitter whose bat will be difficult for Sauter to ignore. The aforementioned big bats provide the Saints with one of the strongest offensive lineup they have had since joining the MAAC. Sophomore Becky Brockman is the only returnee at third. Her good hands and strong arm give her an opening day edge, while walk-on freshman Gretchen Gurr showed great desire during fall ball. Cavitt is a good contact hitter who will see some time at third base while not in the circle.

OUTFIELD

The Siena outfield returns three players with experience, and adds four freshmen who look to make an immediate impact. Sophomore Carrie Getz returns in left field and her left-handed bat could find its way to the top of the Saints' order. Senior Emily Day is another good left-handed hitter who will rotate between right field and designated player. Shiffman is the third returnee who could see outfield action when not behind the plate. Freshmen outfielder's Norah Haddad, Sara Prochnow Chani Grant and sophomore Kayla Snow, and are four true athletes who possess above average speed, play good defense and add to the Saints depth.

SCHEDULE

This spring's schedule provides the Saints with some great opportunities. "Every time we take the field, we will have a legitimate chance to come out victorious," Sauter said. "We are excited to have the opportunity to go south and again expect the MAAC to be very competitive once conference play starts."