Glenside, PA (March 1, 2013) - The Arcadia University softball team starts the 2013 season on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Grantham, PA to face Messiah College. The Knights finished in sixth place in the MAC Commonwealth in 2012 and were picked to finish fifth in the 2013 preseason poll. Arcadia has a good mix of veterans and newcomers entering the season.

"Although our thirteen returning players will be relied upon to lead the team, I expect major contributions from the eleven rookies as well," said Head Coach Lindra Detra. "Four starters graduated last May, but all starting lineup positions are still up for grabs.We have experience returning at every position, and our goals of improving depth and increasing speed have been met with a very talented class of recruits."
Returning pitchers include graduate student Erin Ficca, and juniors Jessica Wood and Heather Buriak. Newcomers who will be asked to step up are Sarah Gunia, Sarah Falcon, and Brianna Kiesel. The Knights' top recruit Erin Wilson is currently sidelined with an injury, but hopefully will be able to take the ball in big situations later in the spring.
 
The senior leaders on the squad are returning All-Conference selection Marissa Perez who will anchor the outfield, and Corrin Showalter and Brandee Zablotsky, who will take charge of the left side of the infield. All three are four year starters with the ability to play many positions. Showalter has been asked to pitch on at least one occasion the last three seasons, and she has proven that she can handle that pressure as well. Zablotsky, hobbled by injuries her entire career, was a Commonwealth All-Conference selection her sophomore season. Behind the plate, junior catcher Leanda Helms has started for two seasons. She will lead a catching group that will be counted on to handle the pitching staff and gun down opposing runners.
 
"The 2013 edition of Arcadia softball has a lot of potential," said Detra. "Ultimately, our team success will depend on how well and how quickly we jell as a team. Everyone has a job to do, and the team has been working extremely hard to prepare for the season. This year we need to win the close games, and we need to play to our full potential every time we step on the field. No team can afford to have an "off day" with the tough competition in our conference. Every day, every game, could be that one game that determines if a conference championship is within our grasp."