MANSFIELD, Pa. – As another glorious season is upon us at Helen Lutes Field, the Mansfield softball team will open their 2024 campaign, starting off at Lincoln (Pa.) on Saturday, March 2 for a non-conference doubleheader.
Entering her 33rd year with the Mounties, head coach Edith Gallagher will lead a bright roster, with the chance to reach 500 wins in her career, looking to be the first Mountaineer women's coach to reach that milestone. She currently sits at 487 wins, needing 13 to reach the illustrious accolade.
"We'd love to start strong and look to focus on the process of getting better as we go along," said Coach G. "We have a more experienced group in many areas, so a strong start and a strong finish is what we want for the season".
Leading a roster of 24 student-athletes, the team will consist of seven seniors, three juniors, ten sophomores, and four freshmen. With such leadership and experience from the upperclassmen, the Mounties look to improve off their 10-34 record in 2023. "Team 44" is poised to start off on the right foot, with a goal of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2019.
"When we're done at the year, we want to be able to look back and be proud of the product that we put out on the field, and we gave our best effort that day" said Coach G.
SEASON OUTLOOK
The Mounties begin their 2024 schedule at Lincoln (Pa.) on Saturday, March 2 for a non-conference doubleheader. The two teams will meet for the second time, with the first game ending in a Mansfield victory back in 2018.
Mansfield will then compete in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic, a four-day, eight-game tournament from March 11-15.
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action will begin on March 19 at Lock Haven before beginning a six-game home stretch in five days, starting with the 2024 home opener versus Millersville on March 22.
Mansfield softball's 2024 schedule holds 46 games, consisting of 32 conference matchups, 19 doubleheaders, and 16 home games, before the PSAC Postseason Tournament begins on May 1.
To visit the 2024 schedule, click HERE.
For the full 2024 roster, click HERE.
For all live coverage of the 2024 season, click HERE.
THE TEAM
INFIELD
Seniors - Madison Bailey, Gabby Drumm, Fallon Kelley, Kayla Vonstein, Lauren Watson
Juniors - Natalie Blackstone
Sophomores - Caydence Macik, Kaelyn Watson
Freshman - Olivia Ackerson, Aubrey Reinert, Sarah Shupp
Coach G's Chat: "I look at the infield as one of the strengths of the team. We return every starter and great depth such as Kayla Vonstein, Caydence Macik, Madison Bailey, Gabby Drumm, and others to make a significant strength for us. I feel good about the work they've put in. They're putting the work in and when they get playing time, I think they'll be a strong unit".
OUTFIELD
Juniors - Melissa Demo
Sophomores - Shannon Perlungher, Madison Stahli, Emma Wonsick, Carly Wywoda
Freshman - Aubrey Reinert, Rachel Sherman, Sarah Shupp
Coach G's Chat: "It's a strength in a different way, we have center fielder, Melissa Demo, and our left fielder returning, with two returners looking to step in and two rookies as well and Shannon Perlungher returning from a season-ending injury will make a significant piece when we get into conference play.
ON THE MOUND
Seniors - Danielle Goff
Sophomores - Annabella Putnam, Sarah Sherman, Sam Stanton
Coach G's Chat: "I feel good with this group, looking at the hard work they've put in during the off-season and in the weight room. We have all three returners in Danielle Goff, Sarah Sherman, and Annabella Putnam, and Sam Stanton has been pitching in the fall, joining the group in relief to help solidify a good core group".
BEHIND THE PLATE
Seniors - Anastasia Berardi
Juniors - Katelyn Mesch
Sophomores - Kylie Bornman
Coach G's Chat: "They improve every year and handle their situations well. They know the personalities of the pitchers and how to calm them down. One skill they've gotten stronger when needing to throw runners out and their hitting has improved much over the off-season".
