Defending Champions Fastpitch Team Opens Season on Saturday, February 1 in Clearwater

January 31, 2014

January 31, 2014

SF FASTPITCH

Gainesville, FL – The defending 2013 Mid-Florida Conference and NJCAA Atlantic District champion Santa Fe Saints begin their title defenses on Saturday, February 1 in Clearwater at the JUCO Kickoff Classic.  SF will play four games, the first starting at 9:00 AM against Pensacola State College.  They follow that up with games against Abraham Baldwin College at 11:00 AM, South Georgia College at 11:20 AM, and wrap up the day against South Florida State College at 5:45 PM.

The first home double header is on Monday, February 3 at 2:00 PM against Georgia Highlands CC at 2:00 PM.  Santa Fe Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Naima Brown will be in attendance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"The girls are anxious to play, and have been wishing away all this rain and cold weather so they could be back out on the field," said Coach Chris Ahern.  "Returning almost the entire infield, we have added some depth there, as well as a couple of new faces in the outfield and on the mound."

The Saints return 13 players from last year's championship team, including First Team MFC honoree Sid Masso who hit .312 with 33 RBI and eight doubles.  Power hitting outfielder Megan McDonald also returns to build on the nine homeruns she blasted in 2013.

Other returners include: INF Geena Capitini, OF Celeste Bradshaw, P Ashley Chapman, 2B Erin Marsh, C Yanira Sanchez, P Alysia Camelo, INF Alexis Camelo, OF Kali Maurer, 3B Rachel Hoeft, OF Rachel Brown, and P Amber Maxey.  In all, eight starters return for Coach Ahern.

Eight freshman and one transfer, Ashley Rey (Lamar University), round out the Saints roster.

"We are looking to the sophomores to contribute their experience, and to both freshman and sophomores alike to show leadership and determination to go with their hard work," said Ahern.  "They are a talented group, and if they can put it all together when they need to we could see a good season."

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Fastpitch please visit santafesaints.com.  To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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