With a solid nucleus of talented returning players, veteran RCGC softball coach Steve DePasquale has every reason to be optimistic about his team's upcoming 2019 season, which opens Saturday with a doubleheader at Delaware Technical Community College.
The Roadrunners, 29-19 last season, should field one of the strongest pitching staffs in Region XIX in sophomore hurlers Jaclyn Lesher (Cumberland Regional) and Gia Cerminaro (Triton) along with newcomer Mackenzie Ponto (West Deptford). They are supported offensively by talented hitters such as Miranda Booras (Delsea), Lesher, Cerminaro, Emma Coleman (Williamstown), and Christina Wilgus (Gloucester Catholic), while boasting of a strong defensive unit on the field.
"Our balance and depth should take us a long way this season," said DePasquale, who begins his 25th season with 728 career wins. "We just need to stay focused and go out and execute."
The Runners open the 2019 campaign as the No. 7 team in the NJCAA Division III Preseason National Rankings. See season preview below.
2019 Season Preview
Coach: Steve DePasquale, 25th season; 728 career wins. Led program to NJCAA Division III National Championships in 2011 and 2012.
Assistant Coaches: Bill Collins, Meghan Brown, Erica Harmon, and Michelle Panasiti.
Last Season: 29-19 overall record, 9-2 in Garden State Athletic Conference.
Season Opener: At Delaware Tech, Saturday, March 9, 12 noon first game; 2:00 pm second game.
Returning players: Jaclyn Lesher, P, Cumberland; Gia Cerminaro, P, Triton; Miranda Booras, SS, Delsea; Christina Wilgus, 2B, Gloucester Catholic; Hadley Cressman, OF, Pitman; Nicole D'Amico, Paul VI, Paul VI; Emma Coleman, 1B, Williamstown; Paige Sauter, OF, Triton; Rachel Adams, OF, Glassboro; Taylor Milward, 3B, Pitman.
Newcomers: Nicolette Obidos, SS, Gateway; Kelsee Murphy, OF, GCIT; Mackenzie Long, C/3B, Williamstown; Olivia Farina, OF/2B, Washington Twp.; Mackenzie Frees, IF/OF, Pennsville; Mackenzie Ponto, OF/P, West Deptford.
Coach Steve DePasquale on 2019 Roadrunners: "We have experience and talent in several areas - - pitching hitting, defense.These players also enjoyed a solid fall season. We look forward to this team being very competitive within the Garden State Athletic Conference and Region XIX."