NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz women’s softball team begins the 2008 season coming off a 17-21 campaign in 2007 under head coach Kristina Katori where they earned a sixth place regular season SUNYAC finish. The Hawks finished 10-10 in SUNYAC and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998.
Senior co-captain Lauren Motzkin (Woodstock/Onteora), an All-SUNYAC selection led the team batting .412 with 23 RBI and a .991 fielding percentage, returns to the backstop position, and will also see time in the outfield. Sophomore All-SUNYAC Dale Cornelius (Carle Place) returns to her utility position as she hit .381 with eight doubles and a team high 27 RBI last season. She will split time behind the plate and as the designated hitter.
Senior Kelly O’Hea (Huntington Station/Walt Whitman) will lead the pitching staff. O’Hea led all Hawk pitchers last season with an ERA of 3.26, while compiling a 10-9 record in 21 appearances and a team high 126.2 innings. Senior Michelle Reinke (Smithtown) made 19 appearances and threw 100 innings for a 4.90 ERA. First year Courtney Costello (Bayport/Bayport-Blue Point), transfer Brittany O’Hara (Deer Park) and sophomore Molly Squires (Peekskill) will provided added depth on the mound.
Senior co-captain Amalia DiTrapani (Staten Island/Tottenville) batted .324 with 21 RBI will return to shortstop and team up with sophomore Elizabeth May (Commack) who hit .212 with a .915 fielding percentage, to provide the Hawks with a solid middle infield. Transfer Justine Scutaro (Shoreham/Shoreham-Wading River) will assume duties at third base, while Gina Marano (Shirley/William Floyd) will return to first base for the Hawks.
The New Paltz outfield will feature speed and strong arms. Sophomore Melyssa Cilmi (Huntington Station/Walt Whitman) moves to centerfield from third base. Cilmi started all 38 games last season, hitting .352 with 13 RBI and .948 fielding percentage. Classmates Erin Fitzpatrick (Delmar/Bethlehem Central) and Victoria Kyle (Staten Island/Curtis) will control the outside fields. Fitzpatrick hit .272 in the lead off position and had a team high four homeruns. Kyle is known for her speed and when not tracking balls in the outfield will provide relief behind the plate. Allison Ferullo (Maryland/Andrew S. Draper) hit .333 in limited action last season and will compete for time in the outfield.
Transfer Elizabeth Tong (Woodstock/Onteora) will be joined by freshman Jordan Paley (Albany) to provide depth in the utility position.
The Hawks open their season during spring break (March 16-23) at the Gene Cusic Classic in Ft. Myers, Florida, with the home opener coming on Wednesday March 26th at 3:00 p.m. against Mt. St. Mary.
