March 4, 2005
The goal of the 2005 edition of the Stony Brook softball team is simple. Win.
The Seawolves will look to build upon a record-setting season in 2004 en route to bringing home an America East Championship.
With no major losses from last year's team, a more experienced pitching staff and several solid additions to the lineup, that goal is not far off.
"We are really looking forward to the 2005 season and all the possibilities that are ahead of this team," said fifth-year head coach Megan Bryant. "We have experience, leadership, better depth and an improved outfield. The pitching staff, which was so young a year ago, is older, wiser and physically stronger."
Another factor in the Seawolves favor is that they will host the conference tournament on their home field, where they have played their best ball over the past two seasons, posting a 32-13 overall mark and 15-6 record in league play.
"I know how much it would mean to our team, our seniors and our university to win the America East title on our home field," said Bryant. "With the level of competition and parity in the America East, it will take a lot of work, heart and focus to make that happen, but that is our primary goal in 2005."
The Seawolves return all but one starter from last year's team that posted a school record 30 wins and 13 conference victories. Among the 11 returning letterwinners are four seniors, including first team All-Northeast Region and America East selection Kristen Brust, creating a sense of urgency to bring home a championship, something the team has lacked in the past.
Also returning is first team All-Northeast Region pick Hayley Durham who, along with senior Jane Stein, earned first team America East honors last year. Junior Angela Andrews, a second team pick in 2004, will once again fill the roll of the No. 1 starter in the Seawolves rotation.
The Infield
The Seawolves will once again boast one of the better defensive teams in America East in 2005, anchored by an experienced infield that includes a pair of all-conference players in Kristen Brust and Hayley Durham.
Last season, Brust had one of the best offensive campaigns in league history, as the first baseman finished among the nation's leaders in batting average, slugging percentage and doubles while leading the league in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, total bases and slugging.
"Kristen is one of the top all-around players in the northeast and a big part of what we do offensively and defensively," said Bryant. "Her ability at the plate is so impressive that sometimes her solid play at first base gets overlooked. She is a leader on and off the field and her presence and production is important to our success."
Durham, SB's starting third baseman, established herself as one of the top offensive threats in America East a year ago, batting .426 with 26 hits, 24 RBI and six home runs in the Seawolves' 20 conference games.
"Hayley proved last year that she is a legitimate force at the plate and a big part of what we do offensively," said Bryant. "She has improved her quickness and defensive range to go along with her great arm and should realize her potential this year."
Laura Bradford returns after a solid sophomore campaign in which she was named the team's most improved player. A threat on the base paths, the short stop improved her batting average by .034 and stole 14 more bases than in her freshman season.
"Laura really came on for us last year and did a good job offensively and defensively," said Bryant. "She loves the game and with a year's experience should be a key to our infield and even more effective in the lead-off spot."
Marissa Servello returns for the Seawolves at second base for her senior campaign.
"Marissa is a smart player who brings good experience and a sure glove to our infield," said Bryant. "She can handle the bat and we may look to her to fill the second spot in the line-up."
Also looking for playing time in the infield are senior Colleen McCarthy, who saw action as the Seawolves' designated player after returning from an injury in her sophomore season, as well as sophomore Jackie Anderson.
"Colleen is in great shape and her first step is better than ever," said Bryant. "She has the capability to swing the bat and make things happen for us offensively. I would like to see this be her year."
Anderson saw time at designated player in her freshman season and will aim to earn time in the infield.
"Jackie has an excellent work ethic and has taken her game to another level," said Bryant. "She swings the bat well and her defense continues to improve."
Sophomores Sarah Hoffman and Margaret Blair will also see time in the infield.
The Outfield
The Seawolves will have a new-look outfield in 2005, as returning senior Jane Stein will be flanked by newcomers Suzanne Turek, Ashley Westphal and Sara Cerrone.
Stein, who earned first team all-conference honors as a junior, will once again start in centerfield and look to continue her outstanding offensive play from a year ago when she posted career bests of a .337 batting average along with 65 hits and 34 runs.
"We hope Jane will pick up where she left off last season as she established herself as one of America East's best all-around players," said Bryant. "Jane brings a tremendous arm, athletic ability and experience to our outfield and is a key hitter in the middle of our line-up."
Turek, who helped Indian River Community College to a 63-4 record and a NJCAA Regional Championship in her two seasons, will be looked upon to step right into the Seawolves lineup and make an impact.
"Suzanne is a great addition to our program," said Bryant. "She played on a very successful Indian River team and knows what it takes to win. Her experience and big-play capability means a lot to our outfield and we think she has excellent potential with her bat."
Westphal, a first team All-Sunset League pick out of Edison High School in Calif., will also vie for a starting role in the outfield.
"Ashley is a very good athlete who runs well and can cover ground in the outfield," said Bryant. "She can make things happen on the base paths and continues to improve with the bat."
Cerrone, who was a three-time all-Nassau Country pick as a pitcher/outfielder out of Floral Park High School, will also see time in the Seawolves outfield.
"Sara is an outstanding student-athlete with great intelligence and a tremendous work ethic," said Bryant. "She will only get better and better as she gets stronger and adjusts to the college game."
The Pitchers
One of the keys to Stony Brook's success in 2005 will be the strength of its pitching staff, led by junior Angela Andrews and sophomore Sarah Hoffman.
Last year Andrews established herself as one of the top hurlers in America East, earning second team all-conference honors after finishing among the league-leaders in several categories, including strikeouts and earned run average.
"Angela has shown that she can be an effective pitcher at this level and has two years of quality experience under her belt," said Bryant. "As a junior, we need her to pitch with poise, determination and toughness. With the right approach, she can be a difference maker for us this year."
Hoffman is coming off a solid campaign in which she earned all-rookie honors after proving herself to be one of the top first-year pitchers.
"Sarah is a real competitor who gained valuable experience last year on the mound and in the infield," said Bryant. "She now knows what it takes to be successful at this level. Mentally and physically, she is one of our toughest players and that brings so much to our line-up."
Also in the mix is sophomore Christina Voth, who has shown tremendous improvement over the past year and will be looked upon to provide solid innings in both a starting and relief role.
"Christina has the work ethic to go with her potential and she is so much stronger this year," said Bryant. "She is focused and has that necessary poise on the mound. She is our hardest thrower and we are excited to see what she can do."
The Catchers
A youthful but solid pair of sophomores in Rachael Vogl and Margaret Blair return to share time behind the plate for Stony Brook this season.
Vogl, who was the primary starting catcher a year ago will see time in a utility role.
"Rachael is a smart, gritty player who along with sharing the catching duties, can play the infield and the outfield," said Bryant. "Her athleticism, speed and intensity bring a lot to our line-up."
Blair, who made tremendous strides in all aspects of her game over the off season, will look to show that improvement on the field for SB.
"Margaret is stronger, quicker and is really focused this year," said Bryant. "Her swing is coming along and she is working well with the pitchers and has good presence behind the plate."
The Schedule
With a challenging non-conference schedule on tap that includes tournament appearances at UNC-Wilmington, Charleston Southern and San Diego, the Seawolves will be well prepared to make a run for the program's first America East regular season and tournament championships.
"If we stay healthy, keep elevating our game and our seniors provide leadership, good things will happen for us," said Bryant. "Our goal of winning a championship is certainly within reach."
