Women's Softball

The North Country Community College Women's Softball Team open their 2008 season on Thursday, April 10th at Jefferson Community College.

Head Coach Meredith Chapman is anxious to get outside and see what her new team can do. "It's really hard for me to gauge where we are, in terms of actual game preparation, in a gymnasium. It's difficult for certain skill-sets, the outfielders in particular because the lighting is artificial and the ceiling puts a definite damper on hitting realistic fly-balls."

North Country will take the field with a small but enthusiastic lineup under coach Chapman.  The Saints lineup features six sophomores and five freshmen.  The lone returner for the Saints Janelle Charland (Latham, NY/Brushton-Moira)will get her first collegiate softball start behind the plate and will do the bulk of the catching for the Saints this year. Janelle’s knowledge of the game and playing experience will prove invaluable for all the rookies.

The new additions to the team this year are certainly green but excited to get their feet wet.  Keene Central graduate and Saints women’s soccer player, Sunny Reed (Keene Valley, NY/Keene) has joined the team this year and will split time on the left side of the infield.  Seeing some time in the infield and outfield this season will be Katie Thomas (Lacona, NY/Sandy Creek), Cristie Heath (Bloomingdale, NY/Saranac Lake), JJ Wolstenholme (Norwood, NY/Norwood-Norfolk), and Chelsie Geesler (Lake Placid, NY/Lake Placid)

The freshman will provide a youthful energy and spark to the team. In the circle this year will find two hardworking freshmen; Morrigan Burrows (Willsboro, NY/Willsboro) and Jenny Zagrodski (Wilmington, NY/Lake Placid) will split the pitching duties, and also tandem on the left side of the infield.  Newcomer Mindy Bush (Lowville, NY/Beaver River) is the speed demon of the class of 2009, she supplies some spectacular plays in the field.  At first base will be the Pennsylvania kid, Loretta Mundy (Kittanning, PA/Kittanning), not only providing some exciting plays on the field but at the plate as well. Hailing from the Capitol region, Amber Thomas (Schenectady, NY/Schenectady) will anchor the outfield as well as provide a quick bat and much needed speed on the base paths.

With the leadership of the sophomores and the exciting debuts of the freshmen, this should be another successful year for the Saints at North Country. “I’m really excited to get going, I am confident that the ladies on this team will exude our team concept of ‘First Class’ and play with integrity and determination,” said Chapman.