2014 SOFTBALL SEASON IN REVIEW

BOSTON, Mass. – The 2014 Emmanuel College Softball team enjoyed one of the better years in program history, coming just one win shy of the program-record with 17 wins to go along with a berth to the GNAC tournament for the first time since 2006. The Saints will look to build off the success in 2014 in years to come, losing just three players to graduation.

The squad kicked off the year down in Myrtle Beach, S.C. playing in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic for the second consecutive season. Despite returning home with just a 3-7 record, Head Coach Rob Spofford was pleased with the way his team competed against most of the tournament field. The three wins came against Pitt.-Greensburg (2-1), Eureka (6-2) and Cazenovia (2-0).

Despite the cold weather and non-ideal playing conditions, the Saints returned north and opened up regional play on a three-game winning streak. EC swept Fenway neighbor Wentworth in a doubleheader on March 19 with an 11-0 win in game 1 followed by a 21-4 win in game two. Freshman Samantha Adams (Sanford, Maine) connected on a grand slam in the opening win while senior catcher Julia Levins (Uxbridge, Mass.) went 3-4 with five RBI in the game two victory.

On March 21, the Saints faced off against NESCAC foe Colby College for their home-opener at Roberto Clemente Field. Sophomore pitcher Val Kiers (West Warwick, R.I.) scattered four hits over five innings of work before rookie pitcher Jill Kilcoyne (Worcester, Mass.) came on to work the final two frames for the save in a 5-3 win. The victory was the program's first-ever over a NESCAC opponent and regardless of the outcome, the game was special for Coach Spofford who was able to coach against his daughter Robin who started in the Designated Player position for the Mules.

The Saints opened up Great Northeast Athletic Conference play against the defending GNAC Champs in Saint Joseph's College (ME) and were one out away from a game-two victory before the Monks rallied for three runs in the seventh to steal a 4-2 win. EC would capture its first GNAC win the following afternoon in a 3-1 win over Lasell College in extra innings as sophomore shortstop Catherine Davis (Wethersfield, Conn.) went 3-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Emmanuel opened April with a doubleheader sweep over Framingham State before GNAC splits with University of Saint Joseph (CT) and Mount Ida College.  The Saints dropped a pair of close games to Johnson & Wales but still remained in the playoff hunt for the final spot heading into the last few weekends of GNAC play.

Over the weekend of April 11-13, the Saints were able to pull off doubleheader splits with Albertus Magnus, Rivier and Norwich. Kilcoyne pitched a gem against the Raiders, allowing just one hit while striking out six in an 8-0 win and was equally impressive the next day against the Cadets, earning another win allowing just two hits while striking out four in a 10-1 win over the 2013 regular season champions.

Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Saints were still in the running for a playoff berth but had to go through Suffolk and Anna Maria to do so. After dropping a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the Rams in game one, the Saints responded with a huge 2-1 victory in game two, giving them control of their own destiny. If the Saints could sweep Anna Maria in the season finale, they would clinch the program's first playoff spot since 2006. Kilcoyne made sure to take care of business in game one, hurling a five-inning perfect game in Emmanuel's 8-0 win. The rookie struck out 10 in the win and put Emmanuel just a win away from the playoffs. In game two, freshman first baseman Susie Kieselback (Wethersfield, Conn.) went 4-4 with 4 RBI and homer to lead EC to an 8-1 win, clinching the playoff spot.

Ultimately, the Saints fell to Suffolk University 4-2 in the GNAC Quarterfinals but Emmanuel had much to be proud of during the campaign. Davis was named to the GNAC First Team All-Conference squad as well as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region Second Team while Kilcoyne was tabbed an All-GNAC Second Team selection after leading the GNAC in strikeouts.

With 17 wins, the Saints were just a win away from the program-record of 18 set in the 1999 season. Along with Levins, EC bids farewell to senior Jennifer Garrity (Lynn, Mass.) and Kayla Howard (Belmont, N.H.).