March 5, 2004

After a solid 2003 campaign that saw the team finish with a program record-tying 25 wins while earning a spot in the America East tournament for the first time, the 2004 edition of Stony Brook softball looks to be a promising one.

With seven starters and their top pitcher returning and the addition of six new players to the mix, the Seawolves will have a much deeper team than a year ago, when no player had more than one year of experience.

"This year's team is older, deeper and more experienced," said fourth-year head coach Megan Bryant. "We have better depth on the mound and behind the plate and have improved our speed. The middle of our order should be tough. We return our entire starting infield and they have a lot of experience playing together."

In addition to a solid group of returning players, Stony Brook will welcome a versatile freshman class, led by utility players Rachael Vogl and Sarah Hoffman, two of the team's best all-purpose players. Fellow rookie Margaret Blair will provide plenty of depth at first base and behind the plate, while Christina Voth and Hoffman will team with sophomore Angela Andrews to complete the pitching staff.

Despite such a young team, the Seawolves have plenty of leadership from co-captains Stephanie McCarthy and Kristen Brust.

"It is encouraging to see team leadership and the potential for solid chemistry," Bryant said. "This group will play as one and knows that whatever we accomplish will be a true team effort. There are no superstars but rather talented players with the desire to play and achieve together."

The Infield
The Seawolves' biggest strength lies in the infield as all four starters from last season return.

Junior Kristen Brust, a first team all-conference and second team All-Northeast Region pick last season, will anchor the infield at first base. Junior Marissa Servello (second base) and sophomores Laura Bradford (shortstop) and Hayley Durham (third base), an all-rookie pick in 2003, also return for Stony Brook.

Brust had an outstanding sophomore campaign, setting the SB single-season records with 13 home runs and 37 RBI and career mark with 17 home runs.

"Offensively and defensively, Kristen is a force," said Bryant. "She is the anchor to our infield, a clutch hitter with power and a leader on and off the field."

Durham was solid all-around for the Seawolves in her rookie campaign, finishing third on the team with a .315 batting average while tying for the league-lead with 13 doubles.

"Hayley brings a big bat with the ability to drive in runs to our lineup and a gun for an arm to our infield," said Bryant. "She has the potential to become one of the best overall players in the conference."

Servello was named SB's Most Improved Player last season after raising her batting average .039 points.

"Marissa is a good line-drive hitter who should have more pop this spring and we look for her to be a key member of our infield," said Bryant.

Bradford, who saw action in both left field and at shortstop last season, had a solid freshman season, starting all 58 games and finishing with a .217 batting average.

"Laura will start the season at shortstop and could also see time in the outfield," said Bryant. "She loves the game and plays hard. Laura's defensive steadiness and ability to move runners will be important to our success."

McCarthy began last season at short, but saw time as the designated player after a late season injury.

"Colleen has progressed well in rebounding from her second knee surgery and we need her to be healthy and able to contribute in the infield," said Bryant. "Her maturity and experience means a great deal to our defense and she has the capability to swing the bat."

Also looking for playing time will be freshman Jackie Anderson, while classmates Sarah Hoffman, Margaret Blair and Rachael Vogl will also see time in the infield.

The Outfield
Despite its lack of experience, the outfield holds tremendous potential behind junior Jane Stein, a three-year starter in right field who will make the move to center. "Jane has the ability and experience to be a leader for our team both offensively and defensively," said Bryant. "We will rely on her to anchor a very young outfield and drive in runs."

Flanking Stein in the outfield will likely be freshmen Rachel Vogl in left and Jamie Neuner in right.

Vogl, who could also see time behind the plate, was a three-time all-league pick at Notre Dame High School, while Neuner was a four-time all-league, all-section and Journal News All-State selection out of Brewster High School.

"Rachel is a smart, hard working player who brings athleticism and intangibles to our team," said Bryant. "Jamie possesses great speed and a strong arm and is a real competitor. She has made the adjustment to the outfield and should do very well in right."

The Catchers
Behind the plate, Stephanie McCarthy returns as Stony Brook's lone senior. Named team captain in 2004, McCarthy started all 58 games last season, finishing second on the team with a .977 fielding percentage.

"As our only senior and most experienced player, we will look to Mac for leadership," said Bryant. "She handles the pitching staff well and had an amazing fall season at the plate."

Freshman Margaret Blair will also see time behind the plate and at first base for the Seawolves.

"Margaret brings solid defensive skills behind the plate and will also back up Kristen at first base," Bryant said. "Her hitting has improved so much and she is aggressive on the basepaths."

The Pitchers
One of the biggest keys to the Seawolves success will be the performance of a very young pitching staff.

Angela Andrews, who was SB's top pitcher as a freshman a year ago, will be joined on the mound by first-year players Christina Voth and Sarah Hoffman.

"Each pitcher brings a different look to the team," said Bryant. "Hard work, game experience and run support will help them mature on the mound and adjust to the college game."

An all-rookie pick last season, Andrews stepped into the starting slot for the Seawolves, finishing the season with a 17-20 record and a 2.88 ERA in 33 starts and 44 appearances.

"With a year of quality experience and maturity, Angela is poised to make her mark," said Bryant. "We will be relying on her to be our go-to pitcher and the leader of a young staff. Her effectiveness and poise, along with her determination, will be vital to our success this season."

Voth saw action on the mound and at first base while at Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif.

"Christina is a focused, smart player with great potential who will continue to improve as she gets stronger and adjusts to the college game," said Bryant.

Hoffman arrives at SB after earning All-Long Island and third team all-state honors as a senior after going 9-2 on the mound with a 1.00 ERA and 95 strikeouts at Commack High School.

"Sarah is a good athlete who plays with confidence and grittiness and will play a key role in our pitching rotation as well as see action at second."

The Schedule
The Seawolves have their sights set high as they look for their second straight top four finish in the America East as well as another appearance in the conference tournament. Another goal at the top of Stony Brook's list is to eclipse the .500 mark for the season, which would make it the first Seawolves softball team since 1991 to accomplish the feat.

The Seawolves will test themselves early and often in the non-conference season, opening the season the last weekend in February against Michigan State at the FIU Golden Panther Invitational. SB will also travel to the ECU Pirate Clash, Elon Phoenix Classic and Mizuno Bash on the Beach in March.

"The 2004 schedule is the toughest in the program's history, but we are focused, motivated and working hard to meet the challenges ahead," Bryant said. "Our non-conference schedule will help us to elevate our game and prepare for the America East season."

After four home double-headers against N.Y. rivals St. Francis, Siena, Iona and Wagner, and a trip to Fairleigh Dickinson, the Seawolves open America East play at home vs. Maine. Other highlights include a matchup at local rival Hofstra and a home battle with 2003 America East champ Boston University.

The 2004 America East Tournament will take place on May 13-15 at Kessock Field in Orono, Maine.