UMass Dartmouth will count on three experienced veterans to lead in 2001

(Dartmouth, MA) - UMass Dartmouth softball coach Marilyn Ritz is going to have to carry a lineup card around with her for the first few weeks of practice this season. As the Corsairs prepare for the 2001 softball season, UMass Dartmouth's roster consists of only three returning players from last season and 16 newcomers to the program.

"The coaching staff is very excited about the upcoming season," said Ritz who is entering her 18th season as UMass Dartmouth's softball coach. "Although 16 players will be experiencing their rookie season at UMass Dartmouth, they come to with a great deal of softball skill and enthusiasm for the game."

The core of the team will be built around senior Jennifer McGuinness (E. Taunton, MA) and sophomores Amy Mogardo (Stoughton, MA) and Lauren Johnson (West Boylston, MA). The three veterans will serve as key starters in the lineup and also share the tri-captain responsibilities as well.

For McGuinness, this season is a second attempt at completing her senior year. In only her second game last spring, McGuinness was lost to the Corsairs with a season-ending leg injury. But in those first two games, she had six hits in seven at bats and was off to a great start. One year later, she will return to the Corsairs' lineup as the lone senior on the roster.

McGuinness will be an important player for UMass Dartmouth based on her contributions to the team during the 1999 season. In 30 games as a junior, McGuinness led the Corsairs in several offensive categories, including total bases (31); hits (25) and runs scored (13), while finishing second on the team in hitting with a .272 average.

"Losing Jen last season was a big loss for us," said Ritz. "She can play just about any position. She started her career at second base before she moved to shortstop. She's a strong hitter who can hit to all fields and knows how to move runners along. We're going to be looking to her for leadership and experience."

In only her second season with the Corsairs, Mogardo has already established herself as a solid player for UMass Dartmouth. Mogardo led the Corsairs in runs scored last season (13), doubles (4), was second in at bats (95), and third in total bases (24) and hits (20).

"Amy is an extremely versatile player. She started for us at third last season then moved to shortstop when Jen got hurt," Ritz said. "Amy is going to give us a great deal of depth with her skill as an infielder and outfielder."

Rounding out the trio of experienced veterans returning for UMass Dartmouth this season is Johnson. As a first-year player last year, Johnson led the Corsairs in RBI with 10 and split the catching duties. The experience she gained working with the Corsairs' pitching staff last year will come in handy this year working with a very young staff.

"She has a very good understanding of the game," Ritz said. "She's got a very strong arm and we will be looking for her to be a key player for us on offense."

While the core of the Corsairs roster is made up of players without much collegiate experience, Ritz said her team would be solid on defense with plenty of depth at several key positions.

"These young players know how to win and expect to win because of the high school and summer programs they have been involved with have winning traditions," said Ritz.

Among some of the schools from which the Corsairs' roster has drawn players are Apponequet, Boston Latin, Dartmouth, Durfee, Fontbonne New Bedford, Shrewsbury, Taunton and West Boylston.

Leading the Corsairs in 2001 will be a new pitching staff consisting of three newcomers to the program. Jennifer Ayotte (Swansea, MA) comes to UMass Dartmouth after playing at Case High, while Mary Beth Lima (Norton, MA) played at Norton High where she pitched and played third base as well. Sara Charbonneau (New Bedford, MA) pitched for New Bedford High and transferred to UMass Dartmouth after attending Quinnipiac College for a season.

In addition to Johnson behind the plate, Angela Todisco (Shrewsbury, MA) may also see some action or could play third base as well. At first base Ritz could use Sarah Johnson (Taunton, MA), Alisha LaFrance (Fall River, MA) or Beth Varone (Seekonk, MA). Johnson and LaFrance may also see some action in the outfield. Jennifer Kelly (Taunton, MA) and Jillian Morris (Shrewsbury, MA) are the likely contenders at second base. Morgado could see some action at third or in the outfield along with Sara Erwin (Rockland, MA) or Meghan Fenton (Dartmouth, MA). Both Fenton and Morris also have experience on the mound.

McGuiness will probably return to shortstop to bolster the Corsairs' defense but could also move to second if needed. Jessica Macedo (Dartmouth, MA), a transfer student from Barry University, and Christine Sullivan (Plymouth, MA) could also play shortstop as well.

In the outfield, Ritz has several options with some of the infielders also having experience catching fly balls. Heather Lomuscio (Boston, MA), Heidi Rose (Lakeville, MA) and Kerin Rousseau (Plymouth, MA) could also earn a starting spot in the outfield as well.

As they have for the last several years, the Corsairs will open their season at the Gene Cusick Classic in Fort Myers, Florida in mid-March before returning to New England for the rest of the regular season schedule. In addition to several challenging non-conference opponents, the Corsairs schedule is filled with Little East Conference opponents who are among the top softball teams in New England.

"We're in one of the strongest NCAA Division III conferences in the country with the winner getting an NCAA bid," said Ritz.

"Our goal is to experience the success we enjoyed in the 80's and 90's and qualify for post season competition," said Ritz. "This year's team has the ability and commitment to achieve this success. We are all looking forward to a challenging, fun and exciting softball season in 2001."