The Saint Joseph's softball team opens its 2020 season this Friday as the Hawks take part in the Diamond 9 Citrus Blossom Classic in Orlando, Florida. Returning 13 letterwinners, including seven starters, Saint Joseph's third year head coach Erin Brooks is excited for the season and the strong competition to open up the schedule.

"We play fewer games than some of our A-10 competition, but the games that we are playing, I think we have the opportunity to get a lot out of them and learn who we are early on," Brooks said. "It will help us set our sights on where we need to grow, and stay along that tangent line throughout the season to keep getting better."

Watch the District 9 Citrus Blossom Stream

Around the horn, the Hawks return five starters, led by 2019 Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team selections Sarah Ostaszewski and Molly Kapala. Arguably the top catcher in the A-10, Ostaszewski tossed out a conference-leading 15 base runners a year ago, while leading the Hawks in batting average (.351), hits (60) and doubles (19). A three-year starter up the middle, Kapala earned her second consecutive All-Conference honor last year as she led the team in RBI (48) and tied for the team lead in home runs (six), while hitting .327.

One of the top power hitters in the A-10, Caela Abadie anchors the Hawks at first base after a junior year that saw her hit a career-best .331 and drive in 39 runs, while slugging a team-best .554. On the left side of the field, Taylor Marinelli and Carly Rybinski's defense helped a youthful Saint Joseph's squad advance to the semifinals of the A-10 Championship in 2019 and looking to further that trip this year.

Veterans Kirstin Cox and Jancarla Herrera serve as the backbone of the Hawks' outfield. As a junior, Herrera collected a career-best 16 RBI, while Cox ranked second on the team in average (.333) and stolen bases (16). Providing versatility, Ashley Hession split time between the infield and left field last season and will compete for the third starting spot.

Adding depth to the lineup, while vying for playing time, are sophomore Jordan Hinkle and a talented group of newcomers in Madison Fife, Jessica Gaughan, Erica Lawrence and Alyssa Notarianni.

"I am most excited about the offensive opportunity with our freshmen. I think they are really going to step up, and hopefully that happens sooner than later," said Brooks.

In the circle, Saint Joseph's enters the season with talent and depth in returning pitchers Chelsea Evans, Amanda Herr, Carlie Mertz and Ashley Stokes, to go with the addition of rookie Saige Stutz. The team's returning leader in ERA (3.65), Evans went 5-3 last season, while Herr finished with an 8-5 mark and captured A-10 All-Rookie Team honors. Hampered by injuries last year, but ready for the upcoming slate, Stokes picked up a pair of saves in two outings as a junior, with Mertz allowing just one earned run in 7.0 innings of work as a freshman.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how things play out (with our pitching staff). Right now they each have an opportunity to step up and get more innings," said Brooks. "We have five solid arms, it's just how well can we use them. They all compliment each other, but it'll come down to who is on that day and who is pitching more consistently. Everyone has a great go to (pitch), but it's how consistent can we be in setting that up."

Picked to finish fifth in the A-10's preseason poll, Brooks views the prediction as fair as she knows her squad will be challenged this season.

"I think our schedule is a little bit tougher this year overall. Before conference, and in conference too. We have some big conference home series with UMass, Fordham and Dayton. We don't play home often, but when we do, it will be good games," she said.

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