Lehman Softball Looks To Make Strides In Upcoming Season

With the change of seasons taking place, and the weather starting to get warm, the start of the 2007 Lehman College women's softball season is amongst us, and expectations are extremely high this season. After finishing in fifth place last season, the Lightning look to emerge on the scene and compete for a shot at the conference championship.

Leading the charge for the Lightning this season will be the return of CUNY conference Rookie of the Year Miguelina Reyes. Reyes, a native of the Dominican Republic led the nation last season with a .603 batting average. Other than the CUNY honor, she was also named as an ECAC Metro All-Star. Reyes also gives the Lightning a defensive presence at the shortstop position.

Joining Reyes as the Lightning's double-play counterpart will be senior second baseman Marleny Felipe. Felipe, a four year senior has been a steady presence for the Lightning and will be called upon to provide leadership for the squad.

"Marleny and Miguelina give us a great defensive presence in the middle of our infield," said fourth-year head coach Kim Santoiemma. "This duo ranks as one of the top combinations we have had in some time at Lehman."

The pitching rotation is solid for the Lightning, as senior Olga Torres returns to the Lightning. After an intense off-season program, Torres has developed her change-up and fastball to compete in the ultra competitive CUNY conference.

Joining Torres in the rotation, is freshman Meghan Moran. Moran, a 5'10" hard-thrower from Yonkers High School has the potential to be the ace of the staff, and emerge as one of the top pitchers in the CUNY conference. In Lehman's season debut this past weekend against SUNY Purchase, Moran picked up both the victories for the Lightning.

"Olga and Meghan give us a dynamic duo which should keep us very competitive in the CUNY conference," added Santoiemma.

Lehman will not be lacking in power at the plate, as the Lightning have a very competitive line-up that should provide power at just about every position. Besides the nation's leading hitter in Reyes, senior Shirley Arrieta provides a spark for the Lightning squad. Arrieta, a member of the 2007 CUNY champion women's basketball squad will have a spot at the top of the line-up. In the 2006 season, Arrieta ranked nationally in triples.

Junior first baseman Nicole Petralia will be one of the sluggers that coach Santoiemma will look to produce runs. Petralia, who played catcher for Lehman last season is a threat every time she comes to the plate. She will be joined in the middle of the line-up by the return of third baseman Cristina Bernardini. Bernardini who took off a season to focus on her academics gives the Lightning a much needed power boost. In her return to the line-up this season, Bernardini belted her first home run of the season, showing her power was truly missed last season.

Senior Lianne Torres will also provide speed and excitement for the Lightning. Torres, a second team CUNY conference all-star last season provides excellent speak at the centerfield position, and gives the Lightning a stolen base threat. Classmate Lucia Sufran also provides a threat on the bases, and will be called upon to assist in the outfield position.

"This year's squad will be very powerful at the plate," added Santoiemma. "We have a good mix of veterans and a great deal of newcomers to help us become very solid on the offense."

Lehman will look for an immediate impact from newcomers this season. Sophomore Stephanie Palmer is a transfer from Madison, Alabama. Palmer will take over the catching duties for the Lightning. Freshman outfielder Maria Cruz should see immediate playing time in the Lightning outfield..

Lehman will once again compete in the very competitive CUNY conference. The Lightning who are in the CUNY "A" division will look to battle the likes of College of Staten Island, Baruch and Hunter for a shot at the conference championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III tournament. The Lightning will also take on non-conference foes like the College of Mt. St. Vincent, New Jersey City University and SUNY maritime.