Orange Softball Takes to the Field in 2009

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse head softball coach Leigh Ross and the 2009 version of the Orange softball team began practice last week in the Carrier Dome. The team will practice daily before taking the field for the first time at the University of New Mexico the weekend of February 6 for a three-game series.

"We are excited to get our 2009 season started," Ross said. "We can tell at practice that the girls worked very hard over break. The intensity and focus they are bringing to practice is a sign that they are determined to get their shot at a BIG EAST title."

Coach Ross and associate head coach Kyle Jamieson are beginning their third year at the helm of the Syracuse program. This year they are joined by first year assistant coach Wallace King and second year graduate assistant Abby Habicht.

The coaching staff welcomes back seven starters and nine letterwinners from the 2008 squad, that made its fifth postseason appearance, and the addition of eight freshmen. Among the top returners are All-BIG EAST second team honorees Jamie Kelling and Amy Kelley. The pair is a part of a very experienced senior class including Nicole Miller, Lindsay Wasek and Jorden Rosen.

Kelley, who earned Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Region first team accolades, led the team with a .346 batting average, 11 homeruns and a .627 slugging percentage. Kelling set the SU single-season record in 2008 for plate appearances with 181 and was the Orange leader with eight stolen bases. Junior Brittany Gardner returns to the circle this year after appearing in 34 games last year and is joined by sophomore Angie Sagnelli.

After its trip to take on the UNM Lobos, the Orange will head to four tournaments around the country before beginning BIG EAST play on March 21 at Seton Hall. SU fans can catch their first glimpse of the team at the SU Softball Stadium on March 27 when it hosts Pittsburgh. Action is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Syracuse University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos