The Stockton University softball team will have a nice mix of veterans and underclassmen this year among the 20 players on the roster. Seven freshmen dot the squad, and their talent should be a boost to the Ospreys.
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In her seventh season as head coach,
Mavreen Hering has five returnees who started at least 22 of the team's 28 games last season plus two pitchers who tossed at least 52 innings. A few of the newcomers are expected to play key roles as well.
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Senior shortstop
Lilly James will anchor the infield. The 2021 NJAC Second Team selection led the Ospreys with a .353 average, a .588 slugging percentage (6th in NJAC), nine doubles (8th in NJAC), three homers (T-6th in NJAC), 21 RBI and eight walks.
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The slick-fielding shortstop had 94 assists and participated in seven double plays last year, first in the NJAC in both categories. James had 137 chances (6th in NJAC) while committing just two errors for an outstanding .985 fielding percentage.
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Sophomore
Megan Dignam and junior
Michaela Luyber are candidates to play first base. Dignam had 51 assists a year ago from the third base spot while Luyber played in 12 games last year. Senior
Gracie Meyer, who has played in 29 career games for the Ospreys, also will battle for time in the infield.
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Barry University transfer
Kayla Posten and freshman
Charli Czaczkowski are newcomers to watch at second base and third base respectively. Posten has 50 games of experience from the Division II level and should provide some pop offensively.
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Designated player
Jenna Patterson, a sophomore, returns after leading the conference with five homers and tying for 10th with 19 RBI in her rookie year. Patterson joins James as the two returnees who started all 28 games last season.
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Senior
Vanessa Tancini is a returning starter who will man centerfield. The junior batted .286 with a perfect 5-5 in stolen bases last season. Freshmen
Megan Sears and
Brianna Segnello will vie for the other two spots. Sears will bring power while Segnello adds a solid bat. Both are good defensively too.
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Senior
Jacqueline Panico, junior
Gabrielle Barranger and freshman
Darby Brant will push for time in the outfield as well. Barranger saw action in 15 games with five starts a year ago.
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In the circle,
Stevie Unger and
Samantha McErlane return. Unger, a sophomore, tossed 52.0 innings, struck out 33 while allowing 52 hits (T-3rd in NJAC), won twice and held opponents to a .263 batting average (7th in NJAC) as a freshman.
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Senior McErlane pitched 56.2 innings, earned three wins and struck out 22 in her second year after transferring from Post in 2019. Freshmen
Nerina Tramp and
Nicole Smith will add depth to the pitching staff as rookies.
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Behind the plate, senior
Madison Kelly returns. With 48 career games played, Kelly is one of the most experienced veterans on the roster. She'll be backed up by sophomore
Brittany Rifenburg and frosh
Cecilia D'Erasmo. Rifenburg saw action in 13 games last year, primarily as a pinch hitter.
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