Landmark Conference 2024 Softball season preview

2023 Recap

The Moravian University softball team captured the program's 10th Landmark Conference Softball title in style at the 2023 championships.

Susquehanna took a quick 1-0 lead with two outs in the top of the first inning, and the one-run lead would hold until the final inning of regulation.

With Moravian down to its final at-bat before the if necessary game, freshman catcher Marcie Silberman led off the bottom of the seventh with a sinking line drive to right field that a diving River Hawk missed, and as the ball rolled to the fence, Silberman raced around to third with a stand-up triple. Freshman Kendall Szor came in to pinch run, and she raced home with the tying run on an RBI single through the right side off the bat of junior designated player Emily Silberman.

The Greyhounds scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning for their third walk-off win of the season. After an out, sophomore third baseman Holly Walter drew a walk and stole second base to get into scoring position. Walter moved to third when she tagged up on a fly ball to center field by junior left fielder Mya Zettlemoyer. Sophomore first baseman Lindsey Gawrys scored Walter when she lined a single to right field.

Hounds in the NCAAs

Earning the conference automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament, the Greyhounds advanced to the NCAA Division III World Series, where the squad was eventually defeated by No. 5 Trine (Ind.), 12-4 in five innings.

Inside the Numbers

• The Greyhounds finished the NCAA Division III Tournament tied for fifth out of the 62 teams.
• The final game was the school record 50th of the season for the Hounds.
• Moravian closed 2023 with a 38-12 record under first-year Head Coach Josh Baltz, who led the squad to the Landmark Conference Championship, the program's 19th NCAA Tournament appearance, the team's sixth NCAA Division III Regional title, the program's first NCAA Division III Super Regional championship and the fourth appearance in the finals.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach: Sophie Maccarone (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 23-17 (6-5 Landmark)

The Catholic University softball program enters a new year with fresh leadership at the helm, as first-year head coach Sophie Maccarone takes charge. Despite her rookie status as head coach, Maccarone is intimately familiar with the program, having previously served as the graduate assistant during the 2022-23 season. Moreover, she brings firsthand experience as a former four-year member of the Cardinals' softball team.

The team boasts an impressive roster featuring five returning All-Landmark selections from 2023: Caroline Adams, Amanda Gomez, Kaitlyn Murphy, Katie Scolese, and Olivia Stinchcomb.

Caroline Adams played in 37 games last year, batting an impressive .344 with eight RBI and leading the team with 10 stolen bases. Amanda Gomez, known for her keen eye at the plate, tied for the most walks with 14 while maintaining a solid .336 batting average and contributing 14 RBI. Katie Scolese, in her debut season as a Cardinal, emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with 33 RBI, hitting .268, and displaying power with 11 doubles and four homeruns, along with contributing 10 walks and two stolen bases.

On the pitching front, Olivia Stinchcomb assumes a critical role in filling the void left by the graduated Katie Hurd. Stinchcomb's rookie season showed promise, with an earned run average of 2.89 in 43.2 innings pitched. She recorded a 4-3 win-loss record with 28 strikeouts and limited opponents to a batting average of .221.

DREW UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach Erica Mehalick (7th Season)
• 2023 Record: 25-14 (5-7 Landmark)

Under the leadership of seventh-year Head Coach Erica Mehalick, the Rangers embark on the 2024 season with soaring aspirations following a formidable performance in 2023, culminating in a commendable 25-14 overall record.

Drew welcomes back Molly O'Brien, who was voted the league's Player of the Year in 2023. She was the first Drew softball player to be selected as the Landmark Player of the Year. She also earned her first All-Conference First Team honor as an outfielder and started in all 39 games for the Rangers in 2023. O'Brien hit an impressive .415, which was just one of six players across the conference to do so. She led the league with nine home runs and ended the season with 28 RBI, four triples, and scored 44 runs. On the base path, O'Brien was a threat all season, swiping 35 bags in 36 chances.

The return of Haley Meierhofer, honored as a Second Team Second Base, adds depth and skill to the team. Meierhofer's rookie season showcased her talents as she started in 36 games behind the plate, boasting a batting average of .325 with 13 RBI, eight doubles, two triples, and an impressive 10 stolen bases.

Additionally, the team welcomes back Teagan Bradley, a versatile player who excelled both in the circle and at the plate. Bradley demonstrated her pitching prowess with a 6-7 record and an earned run average of 2.68, while also contributing offensively with a solid batting average of .311, five RBI, and four walks. Bradley's multifaceted abilities are sure to bolster the Rangers' efforts in the upcoming season.

ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE

• Head Coach: Bekah Slattery (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 8-31 (0-12 Landmark)

Under the stewardship of second-year head coach Bekah Slattery, the Elizabethtown program strides forward with purpose, determined to redefine its narrative following a challenging 2023 season that yielded an 8-31 overall record, including a winless 0-12 conference performance in the Landmark.

As the 2024 season unfolds, Coach Slattery's roster composition reflects a blend of experience and youthful energy, boasting four seniors, two juniors, five sophomores, and an infusion of eight talented freshmen.

Among the returning sophomores, Mikaela Benner and Maddie Reever stand out as pivotal contributors primed to build upon their promising debut season. Benner, appearing in 23 games with 16 starts, showcased an impressive .333 batting average. Meanwhile, Reever, a stalwart presence in 38 games with 31 starts, demonstrated her offensive prowess by batting .310 and driving in 11 runs.

Adding to the team's veteran presence is Kristen Aydelotte, whose leadership was instrumental in the previous season, leading the team in runs (20), RBI (19), and doubles (8). Aydelotte's experience will be invaluable in guiding the team's younger members. Additionally, junior Emily Polimeni emerges as a key asset, ranking second on the team with 14 RBI while maintaining a solid .257 batting average.

JUNIATA COLLEGE

• Head Coach: McKenna Garlock (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 18-14 (6-6 Landmark)

Second-year Head Coach McKenna Garlock guided her Eagles to an 18-14 overall record and a 6-6 mark in the Landmark in 2023, and narrowly missed qualifying for the conference postseason after ending in a tie for fourth place.

A beacon of strength for the Eagles, First Team Catcher Allison Superka returns to fortify the lineup. Superka concluded the previous season with an extraordinary display of skill, boasting the conference's best batting average (.430) and OPS (1.226), along with impressive rankings in on-base percentage (.495) and slugging percentage (.731). Her offensive prowess included the sixth-most home runs (five) and the second-most doubles (13) in the conference. Behind the plate, Superka exhibited her defensive acumen by thwarting the most attempted stolen baserunners (four). Her exceptional performance set numerous historic single-season records for the Eagles, positioning her among the program's elite.

Moreover, the Eagles welcome back a core group of eight players who showcased their dedication and talent by featuring in 20 or more games last season.

LYCOMING COLLEGE

• Head Coach: Melissa Montoro (11th Season)
• 2023 Record: 25-14 (12-4 MAC)

In 2023, Head Coach Melissa Montoro orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Lycoming College softball team, defying preseason expectations. Despite being slated to finish last in the preseason coaches poll, Montoro's leadership propelled the Warriors to success, culminating in a program-best 25 victories. This outstanding achievement earned Montoro and her dedicated staff the MAC Freedom Coach of the Year award.

Moreover, the Warriors distinguished themselves individually, with a record-breaking seven players earning spots on the MAC All-Conference teams.

Among the standout performers was Kylie Russell, whose talents in the circle earned her the title of MAC Freedom's Pitcher of the Year. Russell's stellar season featured a remarkable 1.33 earned run average, accompanied by 13 wins and an impressive 104 strikeouts.

Joining Russell in the ranks of returning talent are Rachel Daub, Rachel DeWolfe, Avery Eiswerth, Claire Alexander, and Kylie Seagraves—all integral members of the historic 2023 Warriors squad.

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach: Josh Baltz (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 38-12 (10-2 Landmark)

The Moravian University softball team proudly welcomes back its formidable starting lineup, which spearheaded an extraordinary season of triumph in 2023. With an impressive record of 38 wins against 12 losses, the team secured its 10th league title and marked its 19th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Notably, they clinched the program's sixth NCAA Division III Regional title, secured the program's first NCAA Division III Super Region championship, and made a commendable fourth appearance in the World Series.

The Greyhounds' dominance was reflected in the accolades earned by six players who were named to the All-Conference First Team. Among them were Marcie and Emily Silberman, celebrated heroes of the Landmark Championship game. Marcie's pivotal triple in the bottom of the seventh inning of the crucial match, followed by Emily's clutch RBI single, exemplified the team's resilience and determination.

Sarah DeStefano, a standout performer, garnered recognition as the 2023 Rookie of the Year after an outstanding season both on the mound and at the plate. As a pitcher, DeStefano boasted an impressive record of 16 wins and four losses, supported by an earned run average of 2.08 and 84 strikeouts. Her contributions extended beyond pitching, as she showcased her offensive talents with a batting average of .347 and 19 RBI, further solidifying her status as a dual threat for the Greyhounds.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

• Head Coach: Caitlyn Seamster (3rd Season)
• 2023 Record: 15-21 (6-6 Landmark)

The University of Scranton proudly welcomes back Sarah Stepnowski and Kylie Rochford, both recognized for their performances with All-Conference selections.

Sarah Stepnowski, a three-time First Team honoree, was a force on the field. Ranking among the top performers in the conference, Stepnowski boasted an impressive batting average of .421, securing the third position. Her dominance extended to slugging percentage (.748), where she claimed the top spot, and on-base percentage (.458), where she ranked fourth. Additionally, Stepnowski showcased her offensive capabilities by ranking fourth in RBI (33) and third in homeruns (3).

Meanwhile, Kylie Rochford proved herself as a dependable presence in the outfield, starting in all 34 games without committing a single error in 34 chances. Rochford's defensive prowess was matched by her offensive contributions, as she maintained a batting average of .346. Her performance at the plate included three doubles, one triple, 10 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 17 runs scored, highlighting her versatility and ability to make significant contributions to the team's success.

With Stepnowski and Rochford leading the charge, the University of Scranton looks forward to another season of competitive excellence and achievement on the softball diamond.