2006 Binghamton Softball Preview


Following a tough 2005 campaign, the Binghamton softball team heads into the season with a renewed optimism. After a season plagued by injuries, the squad is healthy this year. A strong senior class and a promising group of freshmen and transfers make this a squad head coach Holly Brown feels confident about heading into the year.

"This is a very balanced team with a lot of depth and versatility," she said. "Our senior class has been here for four years and is ready to make the (America East) Tournament. We had a good fall and we're ready for the season."

INFIELD

Senior shortstop Rose Barre, a three-year starter at the shortstop position, returns for her final season. The past two seasons, she has a combined batting average of .306, belted nine home runs and has recorded 44 RBI. More important, however, has been her leadership on the field, something the team has come to depend upon.

"Rose has been the anchor of our team," Brown said. "She is a smart player who understands the game and knows what it takes to be successful."

The Bearcats other top returnee from the infield is senior Nicole Vitello, who has been named second-team all-conference the past two seasons. She has drilled 14 home runs the last two years and in 2005, she led the team with 28 RBI.

"Nicole improved last season even though opposing pitchers were better prepared to face her," Brown said. "She surprised a lot of teams her sophomore year but they scouted her, she had to become a smarter hitter to keep up her progress."

Junior third baseman Sara Eppolito, who was named to the America East Conference All-Rookie team in 2004, missed most of last season with a back injury. This year, she returns and will be able to play either third or first base. Sophomore Meghan Quinn, who started at third base last season in Eppolito's absence, also returns.

Behind the plate, sophomore Devin Glezen had big shoes to fill last season taking over for the since-graduated Jessica Chellis. She more than held her own, batting .275 with three home runs as a freshman. This year, she is the top returner. Also capable of catching, as well as playing first base is junior Christina Quijano. Junior transfer Mia Bieman will also see time behind the plate.

The top two newcomers in the infield are junior Emelie Palmcrantz, who plays primarily at second base, and freshman Michelle Robb, who plays first base.

OUTFIELD

Freshman Sandy Meadows, who arrives from Huachuca City, Arizona, is ready to step into the center field position. She played for a Buena High School squad that was ranked number one in the state and No. 12 in the nation during her career.

"Sandy has come in and done a good job so far," Brown said. "She had a good fall and is the type of player who knows how to stay within herself and not to try and do too much.

In right field, Lauren Verrusio returns, having started 38 games last season. Palmcrantz, Glezen and junior Stephanie Woodcock are all capable of playing in left field.

Freshman Amanda Mills will see playing time in center or right field while junior Amanda Dorrell has also been in center field.

PITCHING

Binghamton got a big boost this past summer with the hiring of Missy Bieman as its assistant coach in charge of pitching. She came from Briarcliffe Community College (located in Bethpage, N.Y.), where she was the pitching coach the past three seasons. She helped lead her squad to the JUCO World Series twice, including a third-place finish in 2004.

"Missy has already been a great addition to our program," Brown said. "The pitchers have improved since she came last fall. Duirng games, she will be a big help in giving the players feedback."


Senior Katie Hansen, who has been in the starting rotation since 2004, is the number one pitcher heading into the new season. She led the staff in wins (seven), innings pitched (122.1) and strikeouts (88) as a junior.

"Katie has continued to improve," Brown said. "Our defense has also improved so she knows she will have a lot of help behind her this year.

Sophomore Patty Egan, a teammate of Meadows at Buena HS, was the Bearcats other starter in 2005. Arriving from Salinas, California is freshman Jessica Whitaker, who played for a Notre Dame High School team that was ranked No. 9 in the nation by USA Today and No. 1 in Northern California by the San Jose Mercury News.


Quinn pitched for Temecula Valley (Calif.) High School before arriving at Binghamton, but due to injuries, was unable to throw last season. This year, he is healthy and will add further depth to the rotation. Freshman Michelle Robb, an honorable mention all-state state selection from Cumberland, Maine, could also see time on the mound.

SCHEDULE

Binghamton starts its season off at the at the Hampton Inn Pirate Clash, which will be hosted by East Carolina March 3-5. From there, the Bearcats return to the Rebel Spring Games in Orlando for the first time in four years (March 13-19). Other non-conference games come against Army, Fordham, Colgate, Syracuse and Manhattan.

In conference action, the Bearcats open up at defending champion Albany April 1-2. The Bearcats also travel to Boston April 22-23 and to Maine April 29-30. At home, the Bearcats face Stony Brook (April 8-9), Hartford (April 14-15) and Vermont (May 6-7). Once again, Binghamton and UMBC play a home-and-home series.