Softball | 2/25/2016 1:05:00 PM
In its second year as a varsity program, the New York University softball team kicks off the 2016 season when it travels to Raleigh, NC, for the Triangle Grand Slam Classic. The Violets will play William Peace University and Greensboro College on Saturday, February 27, and North Carolina Wesleyan College and Wilson College on Sunday, February 28.
NYU took to the field for its first-ever varsity season in 2015 and posted a 12-24 overall record , including an 8-4 mark at their home, the Bahoshy Softball Complex on the campus of Fordham University in the Bronx, NY.
Head Coach
Now-Allah James will be at the helm for his second season with the Violets. He will be assisted by first-year assistant coaches
Samantha Miller and
Julia Kuhn.
The Violets' roster has increased for 2016 with the addition of 13 freshmen. The squad now consists of 22 players.
Several returnees will help lead the young squad, led by shortstop
Kahala Bonsignore. In 2015, the senior captain led NYU in batting (.491), RBIs (36), doubles (17), hits (56), on-base percentage (.512), and slugging (.693). The Ventura, CA, native also garnered University Athletic Association (UAA) All-Tournament honors, as well as First Team All-UAA accolades.
Also returning to the squad will be sophomore captain
Sage Scheiwiller. The pitcher and second baseman hit .471 last season and led the team in runs scored (36). The Spokane, WA, native was named Second Team All-UAA.
A plethora of juniors return, as well. Catcher
Val Schwein (.397 BA), utility player
Rachel Fulton (.360), third baseman
Molly Webber (.354, team-high four home runs), and pitcher Jacqueline Trembley (team-best 11 complete games, three shutouts and 110.1 innings pitched) will continue to be leaders for the Violets.
"I think in a lot of ways, we exceeded expectations last year," said James. "After returning from the UAA Championship, we played .500 ball. For a first-year program, we accomplished a great deal. You could really see the progress as the season went on."
Following the Triangle Grand Slam Classic, the Violets then head down to Altamonte Springs, FL, for the UAA Championship from March 8-13.
NYU hosts its first home games of the season on March 17 against Baruch College.
