Each week for the remainder of the spring we will honor the seniors from two NE10 softball programs as our teams of the week for each player's dedication to their program and teammates.
FRANKLIN PIERCE
Coach Andrew Klaus on his senior class - "I'm extremely proud of our seniors and how they persevered through some challenging times at Franklin Pierce. Since I took over the program a year and a half ago, they have worked tremendously hard to turn our program around by setting the tone with energy, excitement, knowledge, and passion. They have our team heading in the correct direction.
Our seniors led us to a school-record 10-1 start this year, winning their final six games in-a-row. Dating back to last season, they won 15 of their last 20 games, something that has never been done at Franklin Pierce. They have changed Franklin Pierce Softball in such a positive way. I am proud of their contributions to our program and forever thankful."
Seniors
- Madie Killebrew - Infield - Dana Point, Calif.
- Sarah Ernst - Outfield - Ayer, Mass.
- Amelia Mamone - Pitcher - Averill Park, N.Y.
- Kaitlyn Rooney - Infield - Shirley, Mass.
Season Recap
Franklin Pierce won its first four games of 2020 and finished its abbreviated season at 10-1, the best start to a season in program history. The ten wins is just one win from matching the team's win total in each of its last two years. Madi Killebrew and Kailtyn Rooney combined for 12 hits on the year while Amelia Mamone was 2-0 in the circle with three saves and a 0.81 ERA.
LE MOYNE
Coach Tracey Roman on her senior class - "The 2020 seniors will always hold a special place in my heart and the Le Moyne College Softball program. Their place has nothing to do with wins or losses on the softball field or what we had hoped to accomplish down the stretch as a team, but more to do with the quality of their character as human beings in the face of adversity. They embraced challenges with passion, courage and tenacity while remaining selfless leaders among teammates. My words feel pathetically inadequate in describing how important this core of six seniors has been to the growth of our program in less than one year. I am grateful for each of them and value their willingness to have faith and trust in a new process. I will never forget their unwavering loyalty to Le Moyne Softball during this year of transition. Although we grieve for a season that will never come to fruition, I cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings for these six strong, intelligent women. Their stories have only just begun. PHINS UP!
- Ally Nicolosi - Catcher - Auburn, N.Y.
- Peyton Bellrose - Pitcher/DH - Liverpool, N.Y.
- Taylor Artley - First Base/Pitcher - York Haven, Pa.
- Jillian McManus - Second Base - Kingston, N.Y.
- Chelsie Delperuto - Utility - Syracuse, N.Y.
- Mia Pollino - Infield - Canadaigua, N.Y.
Season Recap
Le Moyne started the 2020 season with a 3-2 record in February and then finished the year with a 7-8 mark overall. Ally Nicolosi earned NE10 Player of the Week honors after the opening week of play when she hit .529 with ten RBI and six runs in just five games. Taylor Artley, meanwhile, concluded the year third on the team with a .333 average as the team hit .235 overall.
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 student-athletes compete in conference championships, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.