The 2007-08 Wheeling Jesuit University Softball Team looks forward to another competitive season in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  Nine starters are returning from last year’s squad, which finished fifth in the conference tournament. 

On the mound, Sophomore Rachelle Carello (Ambridge, PA) will be a main force against opponents.  One of only two pitchers on the team last year, Rachelle gained a tremendous amount of experience against top teams in the conference.  Carello earned consecutive wins in the WVIAC tournament last season, as the Cards beat Salem and WV Wesleyan in nail-biting finishes.  The freshmen class adds depth to the pitching rotation with the addition of Brandy Jester (Georgetown, DE,) Heather Karasek (Linthicum, MD,) and Stacey Spicer (Akron, OH.)  All four pitchers will vie for time on the mound, while all of them will help their cause as capable hitters as well. 

Returning starter Audrey Tucholski will have help with catching duties from freshmen Amanda Cordrey (Millsboro, DE) and Caitlin Morris (Washington, PA.)  Tucholski was the #3 hitter, and led the Cards past Salem International University in the WVIAC tournament with the game winning single in the bottom of the seventh inning last year, and went 4-8 in the win over Wesleyan.  When relinquished from catching duties, all will likely find themselves somewhere in the offensive stratedgy.

The infield will be as solid as it’s ever been.  Sophomore Ashley McSweeney (New Martinsville, WV) was voted WVIAC Freshman of the Year last season and returns as the Cards starting shortstop.  “Mac” led the squad in most offensive categories, while batting in the lead-off spot last season.  Three freshmen will try to fill the void from the graduation of Carrie Swart at second base.  Ashley Morris (Fairmont, WV,) Amanda Weightman (Greensburg, PA,) and Gina Hicks (Mt. Pleasant, OH) will compete to earn a starting spot as Mac’s partner up the middle.  On the corners, sophomore Courtney Kurowski (Washington, PA) and senior Becca Nusbaum (Toledo, OH) return at third and first base respectively.

All three starting outfielders return from last year’s squad.  Junior Renee Bailey (Pomeroy, OH) led the outfield in centerfield.  Sophomores Jordan Burkhart (Parkersburg, WV) and Angela Petros (Wheeling, WV) served time on either side of Bailey at left field and right field respectively.  Sophomore Teresa Petit (Marietta, OH) and freshman Leah Vereb (Pittsburgh, PA) will find time in the outfield as well.  Petit’s role was primarily in the DP spot last season, as she led the squad with a .378 batting average.

Most importantly the Cards look to continue a year of tremendous academic standing and service to others.  The squad finished second in the athletic department with a 3.4 cumulative team grade point average.  The team will also continue supporting the community by participating and serving in various functions.  Success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community will continue to define who we are as the Wheeling Jesuit University Softball Program.