SOFTBALL'S ‘GOLDEN ERA' SET TO CONTINUE IN 2008

CHICOPEE, MA, March 5, 2008 - The last five years has been the Elms College's softball program's "golden era."

Since 2002, the Blazers have earned three berths in the NCAA Division III Championship (2003, 2006, and 2007), claimed five regular season North Atlantic Conference (NAC) titles, and won 144 of their 211 total games for a .682 winning percentage.

With the return of 11 players from last year's 18-13 team that earned its third NCAA Division III Championship berth in five years, including three All-NAC selections, Elms College appears poised to make a serious run at the program's fifth 20-plus win season in the last six years.

INFIELDERS

Although the on-field personnel has changed over the past six seasons, one thing has remained constant for the Blazers - their commitment to team defense.

Last year, Elms College, which was once again selected as the NAC preseason coaches poll favorite, committed just 46 errors in 31 games for a fielding percentage of .950.

Those numbers are likely to improve with the return of senior shortstop Karyn Palomba (Enfield, CT), senior first baseman Christina Giampetruzzi (Westfield, MA), sophomore catcher Kim Lastowski (Turners Falls, MA) and junior second baseman Kerrie Bowden (Chicopee, MA). The four combined for just 17 errors all last season.

Giampetruzzi, a First Team All-NAC selection in 2007, returns as the Blazers' most consistent offensive threat, as she registered a team-best .430 batting average that included eight doubles and 34 RBI. Giampetruzzi also begins the season with a 22-game hit streak.

Palomba, who has seen playing time at both shortstop and second base, has proven to be the quietest, yet most fundamentally reliable middle infielder in recent years. Last season, she batted .283 and committed just four errors in 31 starts (.971 fielding percentage).

Lastowski, an Honorable Mention All-NAC selection, anchored the Blazers defense with near flawless play behind the plate, as she had just one error and a stellar .993 fielding percentage in 28 starts.

Bowden, who held down second base as a freshman in 2006, returns to the middle infield after spending last season in the outfield. Her speed, experience and versatility should prove vital to the Blazers' success in 2008.

Sophomores Tiffany Williams (Berlin, CT) and Gina Gilday (Hampden, MA) provide the Blazers with depth behind the plate. Williams also has the ability to be an effective designated player for the Blazers, as she batted .379 in 16 games last season.

The hot corner will be Elms College's lone spot in the infield lacking significant experience, but sophomore Allyson Graffum (Ipswich, MA) appears ready to make the transition from the middle infield to third base a smooth one. Last season, she appeared in all 31 games and committed just two errors.

OUTFIELDERS

The return of junior Danielle LaPlante (Randolph, VT) and sophomore Krystyna Gagne (Methuen, MA) provides the Blazers with plenty of speed, athleticism and experience in the outfield.

Sophomore Danielle Gero (Holyoke, MA) also returns from last season and will vie for playing time with sophomore newcomer Serina Percoski (Westfield, MA), and freshmen Alison McBride (East Providence, RI) and Arianna Graveline (Springfield, MA).

PITCHERS

The return of senior Tammie Tremblay (Springfield, MA), a First Team All-NAC selection, as well as the addition of freshmen hurlers Destinee Meeker (Bantam, CT) and Andrea Ramsdell (Gardner, MA) gives the Blazers versatility and quality depth in the circle.

Tremblay, who was named NAC Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), posted an 11-6 record and 2.72 earned run average in 121.0 innings last season. All 11 of her wins, and 64 of her 66 strikeouts came in conference play.

Though she is the veteran of the pitching staff, Tremblay will share innings with both Meeker and Ramsdell. The three should provide the Blazers with the versatility displayed by most NCAA Division III Championship qualifiers.

WRAP-UP

The cornerstone of the Blazers' recent successes has been its pitching and defense. With 11 of its 16 players returning from last season, 2008 should prove no different.

The key to defending its conference championship and returning to the NCAA Division III Championship, however, will hinge upon the team's ability to be more effective offensively.

Last season, the Blazers had just 25 of their 228 total hits go for extra bases and the team stole just 32 bases in 31 games.

The team's continued commitment to defense and more efficient production at the plate could punch the Blazers' ticket for a return trip to the NCAA Division III Championship come May.