Monsignor Martin Softball Conference Preview
School Name: Mount Mercy Academy
Head Coach: Mary Kate Dougherty (Year 1)
2021 Varsity Record: 2-9
Key Players Returning: Emma Caughel (10), Trinity Kehoe (11), Emma Labby (10), Madison Serafini (11)
New Players to watch out for: Rilee Farrell (9), Mia Freedenberg (9), Taylor Jahn (9)
Any Additional Information: Losing one player to graduation in 2021, Mount Mercy hopes to have a statement year in Monsignor Martin for 2022. Led by 1st year head coach Mary Kate Dougherty (MSM Grad ’13), freshman pitcher Taylor Jahn is tasked with leading the Wizards on the mound with hopes of returning Mercy to the playoffs. Jahn will have support from returning starters Emma Caughel, Emma Labby, Trinity Kehoe, and Madison Serafini,. A young core of talent will be the difference for Mercy in this season in what hopes to be a turning point for the school and turn Mercy into a perennial playoff team. While there may be some growing pains for the young core facing more experienced teams, the lessons learned and experienced gained from this season will be invaluable for freshmen Rilee Farrell and Mia Freedenberg who are also expected to see a lot of the field this season.
School Name: Mount St Mary’s
Head Coach: Paul Prytula
Assistant Coaches: Julia Blujus
Key Players Returning: Sophia Young, Alexa Persico, Gracie Curella
New Players to watch out for: Taylor Zajac, Maddie Van Dusen , Sophia Wolf, Molly Reynolds
Key Losses due to Graduation: Grace Bargnesi
Any Additional Information: Excited for this years team. We have some huge additions which is going to play a major part at the plate and in the field. Bringing back are 3 seniors is going to be huge this season as they are very important to this very young team . We are really leaning on the seniors to step up so these young girls can look up to them and set the bar for next season.
School Name: Nardin Academy
Head Coach: Jordan Dudish
Assistant Coaches: Jim Dudish
2021 Varsity Record: 13-5
Key Players Returning: Julianna Verni, Erin Nuwer, Molly Stamm and Emily Gorman.
New Players to watch out for: Maddie Dehn (freshman)
Key Losses due to Graduation: Anna Castlevetere and Meredith Stamm
Any Additional Information: The Gators have many returning players as well as talented varsity rookies who are looking to take back the Monsignor Martin title.
Players committed to Playing in College and Where if known? Julianna Verni -Purdue
School Name: Nichols School
Head Coach: Molly Gasuik
Assistant Coach: Allysa Taborn
2021 Varsity Record: 5-6 in Monsignor Martin League. Lost to Nardin in the Semi-Final game.
Key Players Returning: Catcher Seina Spadone, 3rd base Maeve Hourihan, CF Caroline May, Lily Colpoys, Lauren Geyer
New Players to watch for: Freshman Brynn Bacak & Freshman Ellery Jaworowicz
Key Losses due to graduation in 2021: 1B/Catcher/CF Isabella Russo, she is now playing at Case Western
Pitcher : Abby Marzec
Any Additional information: Really looking forward to this season. I have a great group of girls who work very hard. Excited to see what is in store!!
School Name: Sacred Heart Academy
Head Coach: Karen Conway
Assistant Coaches: Jill Hamilton
2021 Varsity Record: 9-6
Key Players Returning: Gabbie Petroski (junior)-P, Molly Kuhn (junior)-P, Taryn Mason (senior)-1st base, Sydney Mosher (sophomore)-C, Alli Morgante (sophomore)-SS
New Players to watch out for: Emma Popp-OF & P (freshman), Barb Kunz (junior)-C, Genevieve Bell (sophomore) infield, Mia Tobia (junior)-1st and OF, Eileen Maney (freshman), Lily Keidel (junior), Lily Panepinto (junior)
Key Losses due to Graduation: shortstop and outfield
Any Additional Information: Heading to Clarence for a non-league DH with Grand Island and Clarence on April 2. Gentner Just Show UP tournament April 30 and Mudville tournament (Utica, NY) April 23. This year’s team captains are Taryn Mason and Gabbie Petroski. Taryn Mason is our lone senior on this year’s team and will be heading to St Bonaventure in the fall studying to become a physician’s assistant.
School Name: St. Mary’s Lancers
Head Coach: Kevin Hufford
Assistant Coaches: Mike Rappl, Missy Hufford, Catie Bish, Erin Hufford, Joe Fahey
2021 Varsity Record: 12-3
Key Players Returning: Anna Dovey, Bella Farina, Lily Lauk, Chloe Sell, Lauren Henrich, Paige Wentland, Alec Packard
New Players to watch out for: Bella Backer, Brooke Dobson, Ella Dovey
Key Losses due to Graduation: Katie Fahey, Aly Beardi
Any Additional Information: Coach Kevin’s last ear as head coach (he will be assisting his daughter Erin Hufford going forward) Thankfully Missy and Mike Rappl will be staying as well.
Players committed to Playing in College and Where if known?
Bella Farina (Houston), Lily Lauck (UB), Anna Dovey will be playing high level college softball but is still uncommitted