Season Outlook
2005 Women’s Softball

The Holy Family University women’s softball team made a late season run and just fell short of a conference title in 2004 losing a heartbreaker in 12 innings to Caldwell College. The squad finished the 2004 season with a record of 25-22, 15-5 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, which was good enough for second place tie with Georgian Court University. The team started their season in Ft. Myers, Florida where they had a 3-7 record. They came home and lost their next four games bringing their record to 3-11. Then, things started to fall into place as they went 22-11 to end the season, finishing with a strong record of 25-22.

This year’s squad will have to fill huge gaps left by graduation of some key players from last year’s team. Heading the list of returnees are juniors Kim Joyce (Wilmington, DE / St. Elizabeth) and captain Tara Debes (Erial, NJ / Gloucester Catholic), sophomore Jennifer Escheman (Deptford, NJ / Gloucester Catholic) and senior Emily Kerner (Morrisville, PA / Morrisville) This group of upperclassman will be crucial for the Tigers success in the 2005 season. Joyce, the team’s top pitcher is coming off a 13-5 record and 1.55 ERA in 135.1 innings last season. The speedster Debes is lethal on the base paths as she converted 15 steals in as many attempts last season. Escheman’s behind the plate presence and strong bat made her an impact player during her freshman season and led the team in RBI’s. Kerner’s consistent hitting and stellar defense will be the anchor of a strong infield group. Sophomore Alison McBryar (Fairless Hills, PA / Pennsbury) fields the hot corner at third base and was an honorable mention all conference selection last season. Seniors Maria Miller (Philadelphia, PA / Archbishop Ryan) and Meghan Kerns (Warminster, PA / Archbishop Wood) and sophomore Stephanie Mongiello (Levittown, PA / Conwell Egan) provide a tremendous amount of outfield depth. Senior Jeanette Rinker (Springville, PA / Seton Catholic) and junior Rachael Mudry (Millville, NJ / Millville) along with Joyce combine for a talented pitching core. Sophomore first baseman Lindsay Notarfrancesco (Fairless Hills, PA / Conwell Egan) is a solid hitter and good defensive player.

McGroarty’s recruiting class is shaping up to be a good one for the next few years. Heading the list of newcomers are freshmen Francesca Garzio (Hamilton, NJ / Steinert), Kimberly Hockenbrock (Eagleville, PA / Methacton), Lauren Armstrong (Williamstown, NJ / Williamstown) and Bridget Robinson (Philadelphia, PA / St. Hubert’s). Garzio will look to fill the void left at second base with the graduation on former standout Melissa Zebley. Hockenbrock will look to provide some much needed depth at catcher position. Armstrong will provide a strong arm and speed in the outfield to go along with her outstanding hitting. Robinson should look to jump right into the pitching rotation as a freshman. Kristilyn Obert (Levittown, PA / Pennsbury) will be the starting shortstop, while Nicole Gramiak (Philadelphia, PA / St. Hubert’s) will provide more speed to the outfield.

This year’s squad is shaping up to have a perfect mix of youth and experience that should drive this team deep in the CACC playoffs.