2009 Wellesley Softball

Wellesley Softball Welcomes Additions to Coaching Staff

2008-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Wellesley College head softball coach Keri O’Meara is pleased to announce the hiring of Danielle Mason and Lacy Gillotti as assistant coaches for the 2008-09 school year.

Mason, a 2008 graduate of Stonehill College, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Studio Arts. Gillotti, a 2005 graduate of Fitchburg State College with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science also received her masters degree in Physical Education from Springfield College in 2007.

Mason, who also serves as a pitching instructor at RBI Academy in Wrentham, MA, will serve as Wellesley’s pitching coach. Demonstrating leadership throughout her college Career, Mason organized and held "Work Hard Win Hard," a softball camp for girls between the ages of 10-14.

Gillotti, coming to Wellesley most recently from her position as the first assistant softball coach at Western New England College, will serve as Wellesley’s assistant coach. Gillotti brings a background in coaching and athletic administration to Wellesley. She is a private softball instructor at Extra Innings in Agawam, MA and has experience coaching youth teams and the junior varsity team at Springfield College. Gillotti also served as a graduate intern in the Fitchburg State Athletic Department before coaching at Western New England College.

Coach O'Meara is excited for this new coaching transition and is looking forward to working closely with Mason and Gillotti. According to O'Meara: "Both coaches bring new ideas and great energy to the program, and these are two elements consistent with successful teams; we will need these elements as we head into our fifth year, a year with heightened expectations. While expectations have been elevated, our team views this positively. Our new coaching staff will help to make this transition manageable for our student-athletes. We are fully confident about that."

Wellesley softball finished the 2008 season with a school record 30 wins and ranked #22 in Division III. The Blue finished as the NEWMAC Tournament Runner-Up after winning the regular season title with a 13-3 conference mark.

Wellesley Blue Return For New Season!

2008-08-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Wellesley softball is back in action! Following an incredibly successful 2008-2009 season, the Blue are gearing up for another campaign. Long-anticipated fall season practices begin September 8th for the squad, and the Blue will return to competitive action the weekend of Saturday, September 20 at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament to be held in Leominster, Massachusetts. Wellesley softball will compete against the following institutions at the tournament:

Wellesley versus Assumption 11:00am
Wellesley versus Franklin Pierce 1:00pm
Wellesley versus Worcester State 3:00pm

ECAC Fall Tournament Link:
http://www.ecac.org/news/2007-08/softball_classic_schedule

This fall, Wellesley will practice and compete with eleven players as four team members, Juniors, Megan Wood (Croatia), Alex Warren (Scotland), Ilana Orloff (Australia), and Shawna McCreadie (Ireland) are studying abroad.

Grundlock, Littlejohn, Tai Selected as Captains to Head Up 2008-2009 Campaign (5/30/08)

2008-06-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Wellesley softball recently announced that their squad will be captained for the 2008-2009 campaign by the senior-trio of Beej Grundlock, Samantha Littlejohn, and Amanda Tai as voted on by their teammates.

2008 Wellesley Softball Team

2008-06-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Five Blue Softballers Named to NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team (5/20/08)

2008-06-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Five members on Wellesley's 2008 softball squad were recently named to the NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team. The Blue were represented by:

Alex Coari, 2008, Geneva, Illinois
Jenna Harvey, 2008, London, Ontario
Samantha Littlejohn, 2009, Dayton, New Jersey
Ilana Orloff, 2010, Weston, Massachusetts
Meghan Sullivan, 2008, Markham, Ontario

To qualify for this Conference distinction, student-athletes must earn a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or a 4.35 GPA on a 5.0 scale following the 2008 spring semester, must have achieved second year academic status at her representative institution, and must be a member of the varsity team for the entire season.

The NEWMAC is comprised of Babson College, Clark University, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Wellesley's Coari, Harvey, Tai, and Orloff Earn NCAA All-Tourney Team Recognition (5/20/08)

2008-06-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

Upon the completion of DIII softball action for the 2008 season, NCAA All-Tournament teams were recently announced. The Wellesley Blue were represented by four team members on the New England Regionalal All-Tournament team. Wellesley's honorees were: Seniors, Alex Coari and Jenna Harvey, Junior, Amanda Tai, and Sophomore, Ilana Orloff.

Coari hit an impressive .545 clip in the New England Regional tournament and was named to the team as the top shortstop. Her on-base percentage was tops for the Blue at .615, and Coari also scored three runs during the tournament and collected three RBIs. Over the duration of her career, Coari is ranked #1 in sacrifice hits (35) and in 2007 she amassed 15 sacrifice hits (single season record). Coari is ranked #2 for games played in a career (138) and stolen bases in a career (16). She sits at the #3 spot for career runs scored (52) and career hits (96).

Harvey earned the New England Regional Tournament Team nod as the top Designated Hitter/Utility Player. From the mound during the Tournament, Harvey struck out seventeen batters, had a 2.83 ERA, won one game, and lost two games. From the plate, the senior led the Blue with five RBIs. Harvey hit .500 and one homerun throughout five games. Harvey also led the team in a number of categories over the duration of her career and the 2008 season.

Orloff was named to the New England Regional Tournament Team in one of only three outfield positions awarded a designation. During the Tournament, Orloff hit .353, scored three runs, and added an RBI to her list of statistics. Overall during Wellesley's post-season NEWMAC and NCAA runs, the sophomore was the most consistent batter for the Blue as her batting average was .379; she hit eleven times and she was responsible for three RBIs. Her season batting average basically shadowed her post-season efforts. Orloff his .327 during the 2008 season and she lead the Blue with 14 sacrifice hits. The sophomore also nabbed five bases.

Tai was the New England Regional Tournament Team selection for third base. In addition to this honor, she was represented on the All-Conference and All-Region teams following the 2008 campaign. At the New England Regional, Tai hit four times while also driving in four runs. On the season, the junior led the team with her .351 batting average; she drove in twelve runs and stole seven bases. Tai drove in six runs, a team best, in NEWMAC and NCAA post-season action.

2008 NCAA DIII New England Regional Softball All-Tournament Team

Christie Lotti, First Base, Rhode Island College
Danielle Lopez, Second Base, Tufts University
Alex Coari, Shortstop, Wellesley College
Amanda Tai, Third Base, Wellesley College
Maria Barbuto, Catcher, St Joseph's College (Long Island)
Michelle Perrin, Outfield, Rhode Island College
Roni Herbst, Outfield, Tufts University
Ilana Orloff, Outfield, Wellesley College
Jennifer Martinez, Pitcher, St. Joseph's College (Long Island)
Melanie Neece, Pitcher, Rhode Island College
Jenna Harvey, Designated Hitter/Utility Player, Wellesley College
Kayla Jandreau, At-Large, Rhode Island College
Casey Sullivan, At-Large, Tufts University
Kelsey Souza, At-Large, Rhode Island College
Monica White, At-Large, Rivier College

Awards Continue for Harvey: NFCA Second-Team National All-American (5/19/08)

2008-06-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) recently announced their National All-American selections and for the second straight year, Wellesley pitcher, Jenna Harvey, made an appearance on the list. Following the 2007 season, Harvey was named to the Third-Team. This season, Harvey was named to the Second-Team, a complement to an extraodinary year and a stellar career both on the mound and at the plate for the Blue. Last season's Third-Team honor was the first time ever in Wellesley softball history that a player received an All-American nod.

Harvey's statistics:

Three-time All-Region selection
Two-time NEWMAC Player of the Year
Two-time NEWMAC Pitcher of the Year
Career Wins: 48
Career Strikeouts: 741
Career Innings Pitched: 473
Career Strikeouts Per Game: 10.97
Career Opposing Batting Average: .156
Career No-Hitters: 6
Career Perfect Games: 1
Second All-Time (Team) Hits: 118
Second All-Time (Team) RBIs: 79
Fourth Highest Career Batting Average (Team): .308

Harvey and Wood Receive NEISCA Regional Accolades (5/19/08)

2008-06-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

The New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association (NEISCA) recently named Wellesley College senior, Jenna Harvey, as their Player of the Year for the 2008 softball campaign. She was also amongst the First Team awardees. Wellesley sophomore outfielder, Megan Wood, was named to the NEISCA Honorable Mention Team.

Harvey collected seventeen wins on the season and only lost five times. She tossed four no-no's and had 255 strikeouts on the season. On average opposing teams were not even able to earn one run off of her as her 2008 ERA was a 0.81. Harvey completes an illustrious softball career at Wellesley as she set career records with 48 wins, 741 strikeouts, 473 innings pitched, 10.97 strikeouts per game, and held opposing batters to a batting average of .156. The senior ace threw six no-hitters and one perfect game over the span of her career. Harvey's clutch presence in the batter's box will also be missed for the Blue; she is second all-time in hits with 118 and RBIS with 79. In Wellesley history, she owns the fourth highest career batting average (.308).

Wood, a two-time All-NEWMAC and All-Region pick, was flawless in the field this season (1.000 fielding percentage) and also hit .333 from the plate, collected 20 RBIs, and owned opposing pitchers with a .551 slugging percentage. In only two seasons for the Blue, Wood's .364 career batting average and .420 on-base percentage place her at the number one positions for these categories. With 32 career RBIs, she ranks fifth; she jumps to a sixth ranking with her 75 career hits. Statisitcally, Wood is ranked third on the career homerun list, and for the 2008 campain alone, she left the yard five times (a new single-season record).

New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association
2008 Division III All-Star Teams

Player of the Year: Jenna Harvey, Pitcher, Wellesley College

First Team

Jenna Harvey, Pitcher, Wellesley College
Shelby Slie, Pitcher, Western Connecticut State University
Krystie Denny, Catcher, Eastern Connecticut State University
Christy Tinker, First Base, Tufts University
Lauren Blake, Second Base, Clark University
Katie Allenson, Third Base, Keene State College
Joey Lye, Shortstop, Williams College
Ashley Sullivan, Outfield, Eastern Connecticut State University
Jackie Tyler, Outfield, Amherst College
Courtney Romyns, Outfield, Western Connecticut State University
Kate Streilein, Designated Hitter, Brandeis University
Amanda Frederick, Utility Player, US Coast Guard Academy

Second Team

Laura Bower, Pitcher, Western New England College
Monica White, Pitcher, Rivier College
Michelle Wlosek, Catcher, Springfield College
Rachel Denny, First Base, Eastern Connecticut State University
Kristen Lugovich, Second Base, Western Connecticut State University
Megan Kiefer, Third Base, Smith College
Jess Ferreira, Shortstop, Suffolk University
Alyson Durben, Outfield, Lesley College
Jessica Tait, Outfield, Trinity College
Danielle Sargent, Outfield, Endicott College
Alysia DiMuzio, Designated Hitter, Curry College
Jenna Patnode, Utility Player, Keene State College

Honorable Mention

Samantha Rhodes, Pitcher, Springfield College
Megan Sargent, Catcher, Endicott College
Talia Bernstein, First Base, Wesleyan University (CT)
Danielle Lopez, Second Base, Tufts University
Lindsay DeStefano, Third Base, Emerson College
Jenna Lazar, Shortstop, Endicott College
Megan Wood, Outfield, Wellesley College
Alyson Ludwig, Outfield, St. Joseph's College (ME)
Meaghan Noyes, Outfield, Bridgewater State College
Cara Hovhannessian, Designated Hitter, Tufts University
Meghan Dendy, Utility Player, Wesleyan University (CT)

Tufts Triumphs Over Blue Dashing Their Chances at DIII World Series' Appearance (5/10/08)

2008-06-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

In the tenth game of the 2008 NCAA DIII New England Regional Softball Tournament, the Wellesley Blue found themselves on the short end of the stick as they lost to Tufts in an elimination contest by a final score of 5-1. Tufts' decision gave them their 30th victory of the season.

The Blue found themselves down early after Tufts erupted for a three-run lead in the top of the first inning. Tufts would add two additional runs in the top of the sixth inning. In an attempt to answer to the Jumbos' five runs, Sophomore, Megan Wood, would hit a double that allowed Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, to score. That, however, would be all of the significant offensive output that the Blue would be able to muster for the remainder of the contest.

Defensively, Senior ace, Jenna Harvey, recorded the loss on the day placing her season record at seventeen wins and five losses. Harvey allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out six batters in just over five innings of pitching duties. Junior hurler, Beej Grundlock, tossed the final inning and a half of the game, allowing one run and three total hits.

Though a tough loss for Wellesley, the Blue, in only their fourth year of existence, finished their season with thirty wins, a College record, a ranking of #4 in New England, and a #22 ranking in all of DIII softball.

Wellesley Head Coach, Keri O'Meara, is one game shy of reaching her one-hundredth victory and in the program's four-year existence, O'Meara averages just under twenty-five wins per season.

Wellesley Knocks 7th-Seed, Rivier Raiders, Out of NCAA Regional Tournament (5/10/08)

2008-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Wellesley Blue only needed five innings Saturday morning to eliminiate the Rivier Raiders (25-14) from the 2008 NCAA DIII New England Softball Regional Tournament. In an 8-0 decision and do-or-die game, Wellesley jumped on the board early in the game as they scored runs in the second, third, and fourth innings. The win enables Wellesley to face off against Tufts University, the Tournament's second seed, in Saturday's 4 p.m. match-up. Senior, Jenna Harvey, who served as a designated player for the game scored the Blue's first run on a passed ball after she had reached base via a single in the bottom of the second inning. Harvey would once again play a part in Wellesley's second tally of the game as her RBU single in the bottom of the third inning led to a Senior, Meghan Sullivan score. After Sullivan's homeplate crossing, Sophomore, Alex Warren, looped a double to the outfield and eventually scored on a Senior, Alex Coari, RBI single.

Heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Blue, still up 3-0, erupted with five runs, thus ending the game. Of these five runs scored in the bottom of the fifth inning, a First-Year, Alison Davis double contributed to two runs being scored; she picked up two RBIs on the blast. Offensively, Coari led Wellesley with two RBIs and was a perfect 3-3 at the plate in the game. Junior hurler, Beej Grundlock, picked up her fourth shutout on the year, her tenth W, allowed three hits, and struck out eleven Raider batters.

Wellesley Beats Bridgewater State College With Definitive W (5/9/08)

2008-06-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

With an 11-0 victory over Bridgewater State College, the Wellesley Blue have lived to see another game in the 2008 NCAA DIII New England Regional Softball Tournament. Looking to prove themselves after a previous 3-1 defeat by host-Rhode Island College, Wellesley jumped on the board early in the top of the first inning, 2-0. Seniors, Kara Wong and Jenna Harvey picked up RBIs, both with bases loaded. In the bottom of the first inning, the Bears threatened to score with bases loaded as a result of two walks and a hit, but Harvey was on fire and retired the side with a strikeout. Wellesley continued their offensive hitting streak in the top of the second inning as Sophomore, Megan Wood, added an RBI complement to Wong's and Harvey's previous inning batting prowess. After two innings, Wellesley was up 3-0.

The Blue contributed three runs to their game tally in the top of the third inning as Senior, Alex Coari added an RBI with a bunted single. Junior, Amanda Tai, roped a double to left center field that enabled two more runs to cross the plate. As if six runs were not enough, Wellesley decided to pad their lead in the top of the sixth inning when Harvey jacked a three-run homerun over the left field fence. The other two runs were scored as result of a Tai single. Harvey and Tai each contributed four RBIs on the game.

Defensively, Harvey won her seventeenth game of the season and her tenth shutout victory. She allowed three hits and struck out four Bears in six innings.

Blue Drop 3-1 Game to Rhode Island College in NCAA New England Regional (5/8/08)

2008-06-11T17:29:00.001-07:00

Fourth-seeded Wellesley College dropped a 3-1 decision to host and first-seeded Rhode Island College in Game 4 of the 2008 NCAA DIII New England Regional Softball Tournament. The loss places Wellesley in an elimination game tomorrow with sixth-seeded Bridgewater State College.

Rhode Island College's three runs would come for them in the bottom of the fifth inning with patient at-bats and hits that came at opportune times. Not willing to give up, the Blue remained strong in the sixth inning and broke the Anchorwomen's chance at a shutout in the top of the seventh inning. Leading off the inning, Sophomore, Alex Warren, doubled to right centerfield and Senior, Alex Coari, reached first base on a RIC error. Runners were at the corners with zero outs. The Blue's next batter, Junior, Amanda Tai, would then make solid contact for an eventual groundout. Aggressive baserunning by Warren was thwarted as she was nabbed at homeplate. On RIC's second error of the inning, Coari would score to bring the score to 3-1. The Anchorwomen were able to preserve the victory when they got Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, to hit a pop up to RIC Shortstop, Kelsey Souza.

In only her fourth loss of the season, Harvey allowed three runs on five total hits. She struck out seven Rhode Island College batters.

Wellesley Defeats Lesley University in Opening Round NCAA Regional Play (5/8/08)

2008-06-10T18:25:00.001-07:00

In the first game of the 2008 NCAA DIII New England Regional Softball Championship, Wellesley College defeated Lesley University by a final score of 3-2.

The Blue scored the game's first run in the bottom of the second inning off of a Junior, Amanda Tai, RBI single. The offensive cycle was started in the bottom of the second by Senior designated player, Jenna Harvey when she singled and Sophomore first basewoman, Shawna McCreadie, reached base on an error. Harvey and McCreadie advanced to third and second bases, respectively on a groundout. Harvey would score on a Tai drop shot that extended just beyond the reach of Lesley's shortstop.

The Blue led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a Senior, Alex Coari, bunted single, but she was stranded at third base and would not score.

Lesley University would make their move for the comeback in the top of the sixth inning and took a 2-1 lead with some timely hitting. Wellesley would not let Lesley's offensive surge deter their quest to secure the W and tied the game in the bottom of the sixth off of a Senior, Meghan Sullivan, single and a Senior, Kara Wong, center field single that enabled Sullivan to cross homeplate.

Wellesley captured the 3-2 advantage and the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when First-Year, Alison Davis, buried a liner deep into the right field corner that landed her on third base. The Blue's next batter, Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, hit a grounder to second that was misplayed; Davis scored the winning run off of the error.

Defensively, Junior hurler, Beej Grundlock, earned the victory, her ninth of the season. Grundlock allowed two runs and three hits and struck out nine Lynx batters.

Wellesley Lands Four Players on NFCA All-New England Region Team (5/6/08)

2008-06-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

The National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) recently announced their All-New England Region team. Four Wellesley softball team members were amongst softball players in the region named to this team. Senior pitcher, Jenna Harvey and Sophomore left fielder, Megan Wood, earned first-team regional nods while Senior catcher, Kara Wong, and Junior utility player, Amanda Tai, earned a spot on the regional third-team.

Harvey's appearance on New England Regional team marks her third time on the list; during her 2007 campaign she also earned First-Team recognition. Harvey topped statistical charts this season as she tossed four no-hitters, collected 238 total strikeouts, had a 0.55 ERA, and a 16-win and 3-loss record. She is tops in NCAA DIII in most strikeouts recorded on average per game, ranks second in fewest hits allowed per seven innings, and sits at the number three spot in all of DIII with her Earned Run Average. Harvey was named the NEWMAC Player and Pitcher of the Year a week ago.

Wood was a Third-Team NFCA All-New England Region selection following the 2006-2007 softball season and made an appearance on the First-Team this year. Currently, she is batting a .361 clip for Wellesley, and her slugging and on-base percentages are tops on the team, .602 and .459 respectively. Wood has collected three doubles, one triple, five homeruns (a team best), 18 RBIs, and has been flawless defensively with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 28 games thus far. In addition to NFCA Regional honors, Wood has appeared on the All-NEWMAC team twice.

Wong, appearing on the NFCA All-Region time for her third time, leads Wellesley with 28 RBIs this season, and her 33 hits are third-best on the team. At the plate, the senior captain, has hit four homeruns, five doubles, and one triple. She was named to the NEWMAC All-Conference team all four years as a catcher for the Blue.

This season was Tai's first-ever appearance on the NFCA All-Region Team. She currently leads Wellesley with a .365 batting average and 35 hits. Thus far, she has knocked in eight runs, stolen six bases (team leader), and has hit six doubles and one triple. Tai was also named to the All-NEWMAC Team last week.

2008 NFCA All-Region Selections (New England)

First Team

Jenna Harvey, Pitcher, Wellesley College
Shelby Slie, Pitcher, Western Connecticut State University
Krystie Denny, Catcher, Eastern Connecticut State University
Christie Lotti, First Base, Rhode Island College
Lauren Blake, Second Base, Clark University
Megan Kiefer, Third Base, Smith College
Joey Lye, Shortstop, Williams College
Ashley Sullivan, Outfield, Eastern Connecticut State University
Jacqueline Tyler, Outfield, Amherst College
Megan Wood, Outfield, Wellesley College
Stacey Kelleher, Designated Hitter, Wheaton College (MA)
Kaitlin Streilein, Utility Player, Brandeis University
Christy Tinker, At-Large, Tufts University
Michelle Wlosek, At-Large, Springfield College
Jenna Lazar, At-Large, Endicott College

Second Team

Jodi Moynagh, Pitcher, Wheaton College (MA)
Laura Bower, Pitcher, Western New England College
Meghan Sargent, Catcher, Endicott College
Rachel Denny, First Base, Eastern Connecticut State University
Kristen Lugovich, Second Base, Western Connecticut State University
Krystal Bilek, Third Base, Rhode Island College
Heather Warren, Shortstop, Clark University
Danielle Sargent, Outfield, Endicott College
Jessica Tait, Outfield, Trinity College (CT)
Alyson Durben, Outfield, Lesley University
Alysia DiMuzio, Designated Hitter, Curry College
Amanda Frederick, Utility Player, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Katie Allenson, At-Large, Keene State College
Cara Hovhanessian, At-Large, Tufts University
Jenna Patnode, At-Large, Keene State College

Third Team

Kara Wong, At-Large, Wellesley College
Maria Mangine, At-Large, Endicott College
Alexandra Chang-Graham, At-Large, Amherst College
Courtney Romyns, At-Large, Western Connecticut State University
Meaghan Dendy, At-Large, Wesleyan University (CT)
Kayla Jandreau, At-Large, Rhode Island College
Talia Bernstein, At-Large, Wesleyan University (CT)
Amanda Perry, At-Large, Rhode Island College
Alyssa Verronneau, At-Large, Bridgewater State College
Ashlee Nicholson, At-Large, Keene State College
Melisa Cager, At-Large, Brandeis University
Natalie Volpe, At-Large, Brandeis University
Amanda Tai, At-Large, Wellesley College
Allie LeBlanc, At-Large, Bridgewater State College
Megan Cusick, At-Large, Tufts University

Wellesley Softball to Represent in NCAA Tournament Regional Play (5/5/08)

2008-06-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Late Sunday night (5/4/08), Wellesley softball learned that they had earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. After completing a 27-9-1 regular and NEWMAC post-season record performance, the Blue have earned a spot in the Tournament in a field of 64 teams.

Wellesley will compete in the seven-team New England Regional to be hosted by Rhode Island College (5/8/08-5/11/08) in Providence, Rhode Island. The Blue will face Lesley University at 10:00am on Thursday, May 8.

The New England NCAA Regional teams include:

(1) Rhode Island College (33-7)
(2) Tufts University (28-9)
(3) St. Joseph's (Long Island) (30-6)
(4) Wellesley College (27-9-1)
(5) Lesley University (30-10)
(6) Bridgewater State College (26-15)
(7) Rivier College (24-12)

Harvey and Fox Earn Top Hardware at Wellesley Athletics Award Banquet (5/4/08)

2008-06-10T08:13:00.001-07:00

Wellesley College student-athletes, administrators, coaches, staff members, and guests met Sunday evening to celebrate the academic and athletic accomplishments of all Wellesley student-athletes and the efforts of the Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics (PERA) Department. Wellesley softball team members and Seniors, Allie Fox and Jenna Harvey, took home two top departmental honors. Team manager, Fox, was presented with the department's Outstanding Contribution Award while Harvey was selected as the Barbara B. Hauptfuhrer Award recipient.

The Barbara B. Hauptfuhrer Award is "awarded annually to [a] Wellesley senior who best combines excellence in scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, and athletic achievement." This year, this honor was bestowed upon Wellesley softball's Senior pitcher, Jenna Harvey. Harvey was selected from a pool of three accomplished Wellesley student-athlete finalists. Throughout her softball career at Wellesley, Harvey received a number of awards. In 2006, she was named to the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team and to the NFCA All-Region 3rd Team and she earned NEWMAC Pitcher of the Week distinction twice and New England Intercollegiate Softball Coaches Association (NEISCA) Pitcher of the Week honors once. In 2007, Harvey was named to the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team, the NFCA All-Region First Team, and the NCAA All-American Third Team. In the NEWMAC, she was named both the Conference Player and Pitcher of the Year and earned NEWMAC Pitcher of the Week honors three times. Regionally, Harvey was the NEISCA Player of the Week one time. She was also the Blue's Most Valuable Player for her contributions on the mound and at the plate. From the mound, she tossed two no-hitters, a feat that she doubled during the 2008 season. In addition to her four no-hitters during the 2008 campaign, she also threw one perfect game against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in mid-April.

Harvey's athletic accomplishments alone are worthy of decoration, however, her contributions to the Wellesley College softball program, PERA Department, and Wellesley College community did not end there. Both on and off of the softball diamond, Harvey served as an example for teammates, fellow athletes, and members of the College community at-large. Her work ethic and drive to succeed were unmatched by any other as evidenced by the countless number of extra hours that she logged in at the gym, in the weight room, in the classroom, and with extracurricular organizations.

During her academic and athletic career at Wellesley, Harvey received a number of collegiate, conference, and national honors highlighting not only her prowess on the softball diamond but in the classroom, as well. As a First-Year student, she was awarded First-Year Distinction. Upon the completion of her season as a junior, she was one of three Wellesley softball players named to the 2007 NEWMAC Academic All-Conference Team. She currently holds a 3.5 G.P.A.

Harvey's contributions to Wellesley extended beyond the classroom and fields, reflecting her abilities to maintain a healthy life balance. During her first-year, she served as the House Council Treasurer. As a sophomore, she was the House Council Vice-President of Programming and throughout her senior year she served as the House Council Fire Chief. In addition to House Council, Wellesley's Canadian Club benefitted greatly from Harvey's work ethic and spirit. In her sophomore year, Harvey was the Club's Co-President and was the Club's Secretary as a junior. She currently serves as a Member-At-Large.

As for post-graduation plans, Harvey has been accepted into the teacher certification program at Wellesley College where she will pursue a teaching degree in French and Spanish. She aspires to teach French at the collegiate level.

The Outstanding Contribution Award is "awarded to the student who has made significant and positive contributions to the athletic program as demonstrated by her vital involvement." Award winners promote and contribute to the entire Wellesley athletic program and serve the department and/or athletics teams. Softball team manager, Allie Fox, served in this capacity for two years and served on the PERA Student Advisory Team during the 2007-2008 Academic Year. Prior to managing several aspects of the Wellesley softball program, Fox contributed to the team as a pitcher. As a First-Year and as a Sophomore on the team, she recorded solid pitching statistics that were competitive in comparison to other Wellesley pitchers and within the NEWMAC. In her first year, she played in eleven total games, starting ten, while compiling a 0.91 ERA en route to a seven win-two loss season. In eleven total games, Allie pitched 61.1 innings, gave up 56 hits for 16 runs, walked only fifteen batters, and recorded 46 strikeouts. In all of her appearances, Fox never allowed a homerun and held opposing batters to a .230 average. In her sophomore season, she started one game, had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, and held batters to a .241 batting average.

After contributing on the field during her first two years at Wellesley, Fox made the decision to continue her relationship with the softball program as team manager and served the team reliably and diligently. In four years as a member of the program, Fox never missed a practice or a game and took on any responsibility that was thrown her way. Her coaching staff came to depend on her for her accuracy with scorekeeping and other record-keeping. In addition, her initiative and insightful and honest feedback during team discussions proved to be beneficial for the growth of the program. Outside of her statistical responsibilities, Fox assisted with recruiting, the creation and development of practice and game plans, game line-ups, and pre-game and practice drills. Day in and day out Fox exemplified characteristics of an ultimate team player; her actions served for the betterment of the team even if she was not a direct recipient of individual playing honors.

As a member of the PERA Student Advisory Group during the 2007-2008 Academic Year, Fox also contributed significantly. The Group, in its first full year of existence, was largely dependent on student member involvement for the implementation of programming. At times during the year when attendance at meetings was low, it was a sure thing that Fox would be at the meeting; she never once missed a meeting and offered helpful suggestions to improve recreational and intramural programming for the Wellesley student population. In addition, she volunteered at events hosted by the PERA Student Advisory Group on a number of occasions.

Suffice it to say that on the field, in the classroom, and through extracurricular group work, Fox served as a team leader and significantly impacted the Wellesley College campus.

Blue Goes 1-1 Against the Judges (4/30/08)

2008-06-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

In a Wednesday afternoon match-up at Brandeis, the Wellesley Blue split with the Judges, winning the first game 2-0 and losing the second game 5-3.

Wellesley, who beat and tied against Brandeis earlier in the season, used a solid mix of dominant pitching from Senior hurler, Jenna Harvey, and some early-offensive output to secure the victory in Game 1. For the game, Harvey (16-3) allowed two Brandeis hits and four base-runners for a complete-game shutout. Additionally, she surrendered just two walks and struck out thirteen batters.

In the top of the first inning, Wellesley jumped on top with a Sophomore, Megan Wood, homerun, her fifith of the season. The Blue would not score their second run of the game until the top of the sixth inning off of an RBI groundout by Senior, Kara Wong. Defensively, Wellesley quelled any offensive threat that Brandeis offered throughout the duration of the game.

Game 2 started off well for the Blue as the Judges gave up two first-inning walks that would circle the bases on a Wong homerun shot. In the bottom of the first inning, Brandeis responded with two runs of their own against Junior pitcher, Beej Grundlock, to bring the score to 3-2. Wellesley's bats were aggressive again in the third inning, but Brandeis was able to escape the Blue attack without allowing a score. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Brandeis would surge ahead off a single, a double, a walk, and an unlucky Wellesley error. In the top of the seventh, Wellesley attempted to make a comeback with the score at 5-3, but the attempt was short-lived as Brandeis pitcher, Kaitlin Streilein, earned the win.

Wellesley Blue Collect NEWMAC All-Conference Awards; Harvey Repeats as Top Player and Pitcher (4/29/08)

2008-06-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, Wellesley Senior, Jenna Harvey, earned NEWMAC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year honors. These awards were announced today. Joining Harvey on the NEWMAC All-Conference First-Team was Senior captain and catcher, Kara Wong. Wong was also a repeat on this list. Junior, Amanda Tai, received All-Conference Second-Team accolades as did Sophomore, Megan Wood. Wood was honored with a place on the Second-Team last year, as well.

Harvey, 15-3, was the Conference's most dominant pitcher. On the season, she has amassed 225 strikeouts and has tossed four no-hit games; her ERA sits at a mere 0.58. In NEWMAC play, she chalked up 107 strikeouts, had a 0.26 ERA, and held opposing batters to a paltry .104 batting average. Harvey is currently the DIII leader with fewest hits allowed per game and is second in strikeouts per game.

Wong led Wellesley in run production this season. So far she has tallied 24 RBIs (1st statistically for the Blue), 32 hits (2nd statistically for Wellesley), has hit a .308 clip overall, and hit .346 with two homeruns and 16 RBIs in NEWMAC play. On the year thus far, Wong has thrown out ten baserunners, has allowed only four passed balls, and has provided a dominant presence behind the plate for the Blue.

Tai served as a versatile utility player for the Blue this year as she excelled at both second and third bases. Her .365 batting average and 35 hits are curently the best on the team. Tai also leads the team with six doubles, one triple, and six stolen bases. In NEWMAC play, Tai hit .302, two doubles, and was responsible for five RBIs.

Wood was a consistent force in the outfield and at the plate this season for the Blue. As the starting left fielder, Wood made zero errors this season. Her current batting average sits at .351, she has 17 RBIS, and is tied for the Wellesley team-lead with four homeruns. The Sophomore leads the team in slugging and on-base percentages, .571 and .451, respectively. In NEWMAC play, she hit a .380 average and owned an eight-game hitting streak.

2008 NEWMAC Softball All-Conference Team and Award Winners

Player of the Year
Jenna Harvey, SR, Wellesley College, Pitcher

Pitcher of the Year
Jenna Harvey, SR, Wellesley College, Pitcher

Rookie of the Year
Amanda Frederick, Coast Guard Academy, Catcher

Coach of the Year
Kathy Mangano, Springfield College

Sportsmanship Award
Smith College

First Team All-Conference
Heather Warren, SR, Clark University, Pitcher/Infield
Lauren Blake, SO, Clark University, Infield
Amanda Frederick, FY, Coast Guard Academy, Catcher
Samantha Rhodes, JR, Springfield College, Pitcher
Michelle Wlosek, SO, Springfield College, Catcher
Kara Wong, SR, Wellesley College, Catcher
Jenna Harvey, SR, Wellesley College, Pitcher
Stacey Kelleher, JR, Wheaton College, Infield
Jodi Moynagh, SR, Wheaton College, Pitcher

Second Team All-Conference
Jess Byrn, SR, Babson College, Pitcher/Outfield
Melissa Traft, SO, Clark University, Pitcher/Outfield
Leanna Minto, SO, Coast Guard Academy, Second Base
Megan Kiefer, SO, Smith College, Infield/Catcher
Denise Fumicello, SR, Springfield College, Infield
Danielle Spiro, JR, Springfield College, Infield
Amanda Tai, JR, Wellesley College, Outfield
Megan Wood, SO, Wellesley College, Outfield
Audrey Poulton, SR, Wheaton College, Utility

Wellesley Falls To Springfield in NEWMAC Title Games (4/27/08)

2008-06-09T15:43:00.001-07:00

Final game scores of 2-1 proved to be unlucky tallies for the Wellesley Blue Sunday afternoon as they fell to Springfield in two games by the same score. The NEWMAC Championship title enables Springfield to advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2000. Wellesley advanced to the Championship games with wins over Babson and Wheaton earlier in the tournament. Capturing one victory on the day would have secured the NEWMAC title for the Blue. The Pride advanced to the title games by eliminating Babson, Clark, Wheaton, and finally, Wellesley. Wellesley now awaits an at-large bid as their only chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

In the Championship game, Springfield's Sam Rhodes (22-5) pitched superbly and picked up her third win of the day. After the first inning, the score remained tied at 0-0. The Pride would notch a run on the board in the top of the second with a solo homerun shot. The Blue would respond favorably in the bottom of the fourth inning as Sophomore, Alex Warren, blasted a homerun over the right centerfield fence. Wellesley pitcher, Beej Grundlock, disrupted a Springfield scoring threat in the top of the fifth inning with one out and loaded bases by striking out two consecutive Pride batters. The score was still tied after the completion of the seventh inning thus forcing extra innings. Utilizing the international tie-breaker rule, Springfield would score in the top of the eighth inning off of solid and timely hitting. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Wellesley, too, would place a runner on second due to the international tie-breaker rule. Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, would advance to third on a Sophomore, Megan Wood, sacrifice bunt. Third base would be as far as Orloff would advance, however, as Springfield was able to force a pop-up and a groundout to capture the NEWMAC Championship.

Defensively, Grundlock pitched all eight inning for the Blue, allowed only two runs (only one of these was earned), and allowed seven hits. She struck out thirteen batters and walked three. For Wellesley, Orloff was .500 on the game, going 2-4. Warren was responsible for the Blue's lone RBI of the game.

Wheaton Defeat Moves Wellesley Into NEWMAC Championships (4/26/08)

2008-06-09T15:41:00.001-07:00

In the second game of the NEWMAC Softball Tournament for Wellesley, the Blue used a 4-0 victory versus Wheaton College to advance into Sunday's Championship game(s). The game remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the top of the fifth inning. Prior to Wellesley's score in the fifth, the only hit of the game came from Wheaton in the bottom of the first inning. Wheaton was able to record two quick outs against the Blue in the top of the fifth, but they were unable to stop the offensive prowess of Senior, Jenna Harvey. Prior to her double to deep center field, Senior, Meghan Sullivan, had reached base via a Wheaton error. Harvey's shot allowed Sullivan to circle the bases to give Wellesley a 1-0 lead. More scoring would come from the Blue in the top of the seventh inning. Sophomore, Megan Wood, earned a walk and moved to second on a Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie, groundout. Sullivan singled and stole second base. With one out, Wellesley threatened a score with runners at second and third bases. Harvey would then walk to load the bases. The situation led to a Wheaton pitching change that enabled Senior, Alex Coari, to work Wheaton for a one-out, RBI walk that scored Wood. The Blue's next batter, Junior, Amanda Tai, once again came up big with a clutch double to left center field that scored Sullivan and Harvey. Returning to the mound to finish the game, Harvey retired the first three batters she faced. She completed the seven inning victory with a two-hit shutout while recording two walks and seven strikeouts. With the victory, the Blue move into tomorrow's NEWMAC Championship game.

Wellesley Downs Babson in First Round of NEWMAC Tournament (4/26/08)

2008-06-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

In a first-round NEWMAC tournament playoff game, Wellesley outlasted town rival, Babson College, by a final score of 2-0. The loss bumped Babson to the loser's bracket while enabling Wellesly to remain in the winner's bracket. The Wellesley win pits the Blue against second-seeded Wheaton College for this weekend's tournament continuation.

After the Beavers threatened to score in the top of the third inning, Senior pitcher, Jenna Harvey, was able to rescue Wellesley from the jam by forcing a pop-up out and by striking out two Babson batters. Wellesley would strike first in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two Wellesley outs, Sophomore, Megan Wood, displayed a stellar and patient at-bat that earned her a trip to first base after she forced Babson pitcher, Jess Byrn, to throw her fourteen pitches. After Wood's at-bat, Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie, tagged bags on a two-base error that would allow Wood to advance to third base. Senior, Meghan Sullivan, would then drive Wood home on a line drive rope up the middle of the field. In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Blue scored their second run of the game as Junior, Amanda Tai, scored off of a Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, sacrifice fly. Earlier in the inning Tai reached first base after being hit by a pitch and moved around the bases on a First-Year, Alison Davis, single. To preserve the Wellesley W, Harvey struck out three Babson batters in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Wellesley's Senior Ace, Harvey, Dubbed NEWMAC Pitcher of the Week (4/21/08)

2008-06-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wellesley Senior hurler, Jenna Harvey, was named the NEWMAC Pitcher of the Week for the week ending April 20, 2008. In a five-win, one-loss week for the Blue, Harvey went 3-0, tabulated two no-hit games, and had a 0.00 ERA.

To begin her week, Harvey pitched five innings against Framingham State and struck out fourteen batters en route to earning her first no-hitter. In a NEWMAC contest versus Wheaton College, she tossed all nine innings of the game, allowed just five hits and no earned runs, and copied her strike out performance total as she had against Framingham State. In five innings against WPI, Harvey chucked her second no-hitter of the week and struck out twelve Engineers. To close out her week, the senior ace tallied forty strikeouts and zero earned runs.

Blue Doubleheader Wins Against WPI Secure #1 Ranking for NEWMAC Post-Season Tourney in Senior Day Celebration (4/19/2008)

2008-04-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

On an historic day for the Wellesley College softball program, the Blue were able to win two games in a total of eleven innings on the day. Wellesley won Game 1 in five innings by a score of 8-0 and won Game 2 in six innings, 11-3.

Prior to the commencement of Game 1, Wellesley softball honored six seniors who have helped to lay a firm foundation for the program. This year's class is the first four-year class to graduate from the softball program. These six seniors included: Alex Coari (Shortstop/Infield), Allie Fox (Team Manager), Kristie Gola (Pitcher), Jenna Harvey (Pitcher), Meghan Sullivan (Outfield), and Kara Wong (Catcher). After celebrating the contributions and commitment of these players, Game 1 started with a bang for the Blue.

In Game 1, Senior pheonom, Jenna Harvey, tossed a masterful, n0-hitter to celebrate her Senior Day in style. The win and fourth no-hitter moved Harvey to thirteen wins and two losses on the season. She struck out fifteen of the nineteen Engineers that she faced. Harvey was assisted with some stellar hitting in the first two innings, as well. First-Year, Alison Davis, started the game with a single to center field and Wong, batting clean-up, found herself on first base after being hit by a pitch. Sophomore, Megan Wood, ensured the early Wellesley score when she cleared the left field fence with a three-run dinger. Five more runs were scored by the Blue in the bottom of the second inning after Coari and Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, singled and then were singled home on a like-hit from Wong. Two more runs would come across the plate for Wellesley after Sullivan roped a double to center field. With Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie, and Wood already on base due to earlier-inning walks, the Blue would benefit from Sullivan's timely hitting. WPI threatened to score in the top of the fourth inning, but Harvey silenced the attempts from the mound.

In Game 2, the Blue scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning compliments of a Wong sacrifice fly and a McCreadie single. Wellesley collected another run in the bottom of the second inning after Junior, Amanda Tai, hit a grounder that enabled Sullivan to score. Sullivan and Coari started the inning with back-to-back singles. In the top of the third inning, WPI tied the game at three runs apiece. After making some solid defensive stops in the inning, Wellesley retired to the bottom of the third. Here, they scored three runs to push the score to 6-3. Harvey and McCreadie singled and an Engineer error allowed Sullivan to touch first, as well. The Blue would score on a WPI miscue, and Tai would knock in two runs on a right field single to account for the three runs scored in the inning. As the Blue headed into the bottom of the fourth inning, Wong doubled to right, Wood singled, McCreadie grounded out that also served as an RBI, and Harvey hit a sacrifice fly to the outfield. Three more runs would come for Wellesley in the bottom of the fifth inning that resulted in the game's early completion. Tai's single and theft of second base, Davis' single to center field, Orloff's infield single, and Wood's double to left center field that allowed the final two runs of the game to be scored accounted for the early exit.

Gola collected the W for the Blue after throwing five innings, allowing three runs and six hits, and striking out five Engineers. The sweep clinched the top-seed for the Blue in the NEWMAC playoffs and secured the opportunity to play host to the tournament.

Wellesley Splits With Wheaton (4/18/2008)

2008-04-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

With their NEWMAC split against Wheaton College on Friday afternoon, the Wellesley Blue were able to capture one of the two top positions in NEWMAC rankings. The split places Wellesley at 11-3 in the Conference, 22-6-1 overall, and a 21st ranking by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Wheaton finished with a 12-4 NEWMAC record and 28-10 overall.

Wellesley earned the victory in Game 1 after nine innings of play. The final score was 6-2. The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when the Blue were able to score two runs as a result of a single, a walk, a Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie RBI double, and a Senior, Jenna Harvey, RBI on a sacrifice fly. Harvey allowed just two hits in the first five innings, but Wheaton's bats tied the game in the sixth inning.

With the game knotted at two runs apiece, Wellesley threatened to score in the top of the eighth inning but in an attempt to score the go-ahead run, Wellesley was thrown out at the plate. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Wheaton, too, threatened to score and take the game, but with two runners on base and two outs, the Lyons were unable to plate their runner. As the game moved into the ninth inning, Sophomore, Megan Wood, broke the tie with an RBI double, and a Harvey blast locked the game at 6-4. Wheaton was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth inning, despite loading their bases. For the game, Wood went 3-for-3 on two doubles and scored two runs. Harvey amassed two-thirds of Wellesley's scoring output with four RBIs. Harvey went two-for-two in Game 1. On the mound, she allowed two unearned runs over nine innings, walked three batters, and chalked up fourteen strikeouts.

Wellesley also scored first in Game 2. Throughout the first four innings, however, Wheaton would only allow one hit and held on to a 4-1 lead. The Blue added another run in the top of the seventh off of a couple of Lyon errors and two singles to notch the game at 4-2. A sharp defensive play by Wheaton helped to keep the score locked at game-ending 4-2. Offensively, First-Year, Alison Davis, swung a 3-for-4 bat. Junior, Beej Grundlock, suffered only her second loss of the season. Grundlock allowed two runs and seven hits and accumulated three strikeouts.

Harvey No-Hitter and McCreadie Grandslam Lead to Wellesley Sweep of Framingham State (4/16/2008)

2008-04-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

Behind strong performances from Senior, Jenna Harvey, and Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie, the Wellesley Blue captured their 20th and 21st victories of the season with a sweep of Framingham State. Wellesley now sits on a 21-5-1 record, the program's best record in its four-year history.

In game 1, Harvey pitched her third no-hitter of the season. Wellesley scored first in the bottom of the first inning when Sophomore, Ilana Orloff, singled and later touched home on a Sophomore, Megan Wood, single to right field. At the conclusion of two innings, Wellesley sat on a 5-0 lead after scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning. In the bottom of the second inning, First-Year, Alison Davis, roped a two-run triple to right center field. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Blue added an additional three runs to the scoreboard. Senior, Alexandria Coari, Davis, and Wood punched singles through for Wellesley which would contribute to the early game-ending 8-0 victory after five innings. Harvey struck out the next three consecutive Ram batters to close the game in the top of the fifth inning. Overall, the senior allowed no hits, struck out 14, and walked only two over the period of five innings.

In game 2, Wellesley tallied their first run in the bottom of the second inning after Senior, Meghan Sullivan doubled to left field, stole third base, and scurried home on a Sophomore, Alex Houghtalin, single to right field. Sophomore, Shawna McCreadie's damaging batting attack came in the bottom of the fifth inning. Already on base, McCreadie's grand slam, line drive homerun over the right centerfield fence would score Coari, Junior, Amanda Tai, and Senior, Kara Wong. Coari, Tai, and Wong had reached base prior to McCreadie's bomb with solid singles. Also solid on the day at the plate were Tai, Sullivan, and Houghtalin as they added two hits each.

Senior, Kristie Gola, earned the win in game 2 while she struck out six Rams and held a no-hitter up until the top of the seventh inning.