Second year head coach Moo Moyer has his work cut out for him entering the 2003 season. How can he replace four three-year starters from last year's team and continue to improve upon the program's tremendous success over the past decade? "It is always a challenge replacing players, especially ones that have been integral parts of the team's success over an extended period of time," states Moyer, who compiled most wins by a first-year coach (32) in SJU history last year. "But we feel we have a very talented group of newcomers who should blend in with our veteran players to help lift the Saint Joseph's program to even greater heights." Moyer and his staff which includes his daughter Dana, a standout player at SJU in the mid-90s, and Mike Cooperstein feel that this year's team will be led by its pitching. And thankfully, the Hawks have two veteran hurlers that ranked among the Atlantic 10 Conference leaders in ERA last season. Junior Dana Travis, who set the school single season record for strikeouts (179) and shutouts (9), leads the Hawk hurlers. Travis, who also tied the single season win mark in compiling a 19-9 record, was superb on the mound in 2002, especially in the Hawks' stretch run. Travis, who won her last five A-10 games to help SJU solidify third place in the conference standings (12-9), posted a 1.45 ERA, ranking third in the A-10. Senior Brandie Adams, who earned third team Academic All-America last year, will be looking to cap a stellar career with a strong senior season. Adams, who was hampered with a sore shoulder, rehabbed the injury in the off-season and missed the 2002 fall campaign. If Adams, one of three captains on the squad, can equal or better last year's performance, which included a 12-6 record with four shutouts and a 1.94 ERA, the Hawks will have a one-two pitching tandem to rank among the conference's best. "We are hoping Brandie can come back strong for us this year. She really worked hard this off-season to regain her form. She will be one of the keys to our season." Sophomore Cara Deldeo, who pitched well in the fall, will log innings on the mound this spring for the Hawks. Deldeo, who will be a starting middle-infielder, compiled a 6-2 fall record with a 1.62 ERA. She was the team's second leading hitter with a .331 average as a freshman, leading the squad with 14 doubles and 38 runs scored. Sophomore transfer Kate Reisch will also log innings on the mound for the Hawks. All-Region selection Alicia Cunic will anchor the staff as the team's primary catcher. Cunic, a sophomore, second for the Hawks in home runs (7) and first in RBI's (37) while tying for third on the squad last season with a .316 batting average. She split time last year behind the plate with Teresa Andreani, a three-time all-Atlantic 10 Conference selection and second team Academic All-America, one of the four seniors lost to graduation. "T's (Andreani) leadership will be difficult to replace," says Moyer. "But Alicia has strong leadership and solid defensive skills to go with her big bat, and she is ready for the challenge." Sophomore transfer Lynn Ravert will firm up the signal calling, allowing Cunic to move to designated player at times while freshman Jessica Flear will also see time behind the plate as well as in the outfield. Besides Deldeo, Moyer has a sound infield with the return of senior co-captain Desiree McGhie, junior Lindsey McNamara, and sophomore Robin Berry. McGhie, who had a solid season last year (.261, 2HR, 14 RBI) after missing all of 2001 due to injury, will move from third base to first base, replacing graduated senior Missy Rhoades. McNamara, the most versatile player on the squad, will see time at a variety of positions. "Because of Mac's ability to adapt to many positions she solves many personnel situations." An All-Region selection as a freshman, Lindsey led the squad with eight homeruns last year while ranking second in RBI'S with 31. Berry, who split time with McNamara last season at second base, will remain in the middle-infield. Having Berry and Deldeo as middle-infielders makes the graduation loss of Kristin Nau a little easier to handle. Look for freshman Jill Clementi, a strong two-way player out of Immaculate Heart Academy (Bloomfield, NJ), to get the nod as the team's starting third baseman. Freshman Meghan Leaver will add depth to first base and outfield, while another freshman Meghan McKeever a steady performer will see time at third base. Sophomore Megan Richardson will anchor the outfield in center. The team's leading hitter last year with a .339 average, Richardson uses her exceptional speed (team high 13 steals) to flag down balls all over the field. Senior co-captain Gale Treskot is the other outfielder who is back and will vie for the starting spot vacated by departed senior Megan Brown. McNamara and incoming freshmen Kate McCann, Meghan Leaver will all see action in the Hawk outfield. "I think we are going to surprise some people," stated Moyer. "We lost a lot from last year, but our pitching should keep us competitive. We have good team chemistry." "With an upgraded schedule, our younger players will be forced to step up to meet the challenge. This should be an exciting year on Hawk Hill."