Expectations are high once again for the 2010 Moravian College Softball Team as the Greyhounds look to defend their 2009 Landmark Conference title and make a return to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. Having competed in two of the last six Division III World Series, the ultimate goal of a National Championship is the focus for the 2010 season.

Head coach John Byrne enters his 17th season with an excellent veteran coaching staff. Ron Cardinal, assistant head coach, will enter his 12th year as the team’s infield and first base coach. Former Moravian player, Leah Holmes ’05, continues in her second year as outfield coach.

Leading the returning infielders is junior shortstop Stephanie Falzarano (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield HS). Falzarano, pictured at right, is a two-year starter for the Greyhounds and was named First Team All Conference shortstop for 2009. Juniors Maura Agnew (Doylestown, PA/Lansdale Catholic HS) and Jennifer Schmitt (Mendham, NJ/Mendham HS) return experience at third and first base respectively. Incoming freshman Rebekah Battersby (Dingmans Ferry, PA/Delaware Valley HS) will compete for an infield position along with fellow freshman Shannen Mohr (Slatington, PA/Parkland HS) from Pennsylvania 4A State Champion Parkland HS. Another incoming high school all-star, Samantha Young (Pen Argyl, PA/Pen Argyl HS) will compete for playing time in both the infield and outfield. Amanda Dizinno (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt Olive HS) coming off an all county high school season, will add depth at first base.

Leading the outfield is junior Amanda Paulus (Easton, PA/Easton HS), who was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-East Region First Team. The team’s leading hitter last season, Paulus, pictured at left, was also named to the Landmark All-Conference First Team. Returning sophomore centerfielder Olivia Evanko (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth HS) comes off a very solid rookie season. High school all-star Katie Gross (Allentown, PA/Parkland HS), another member of Parkland’s 4A State Championship team, will challenge for a spot in the outfield. Versatile freshman Brook Kowal (Port Jervis, NY/Port Jervis HS) could see playing time at both the outfield and third base. Freshman Samantha Mulderig (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township HS) will add depth to the outfield corps.

The pitching staff returns sophomore Jenna Carmon (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central HS), who was the Landmark Conference Pitcher of the Year. Carmon, pictured at right, a Landmark All Conference position player as well as pitcher, returns a strong bat to the Greyhound line up. 2008 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, Louie Python (Huntington Station, NY/Walt Whitman HS) returns for her junior season after coming off a win in the Landmark Conference championship game. Sophomore Jenna Gonzalez (Annandale, NJ/North Hunterdon HS) will look to compete for additional time in the circle. The pitching staff will add all-state Pennsylvania high school pitcher Alyssa Fegely (Mertztown, PA/Brandywine Heights HS). Fegely, the three- time Berks County Player of the Year, will also contend for outfield and infield positions.

Returning utility players include senior Katie Flood (Somerville, NJ/Somerville HS), senior Kelly Maressa (Allentown, PA/William Allen HS) and sophomore Katie Lynn (Carbondale, PA/Carbondale HS). Freshmen Marla Bianca (Reinholds, PA/Wilson HS), Patty Clark (Harwinton, CT/Lewis Mills HS) and Tori Thomas (Wappingers Falls, NJ/Roy Ketchem HS) will compete for time at the catching position along with Lynn and Maressa.

Coach Byrne feels he has a nice blend of experience and new talent to compete for a third straight Landmark Conference title.

The Greyhounds will begin the 2010 season with their fourth appearance in the prestigious NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic held in Panama City, Florida. Picturesque Blue & Grey Field, host site of the first two Landmark Conference championships, will welcome The College of New Jersey on March 20th for the home opening doubleheader.