GLENSIDE - The Arcadia University softball team will be looking to make a leap in year two of head coach Sarah Birchmeier's tenure as the squad kicks off its 2025 season this Saturday at home against Haverford.

"The expectation for the season is to compete," Birchmeier explained. "That's always the goal and premise of how we lead, how we speak, and what our intentions are."

In the outfield, Nathalia DiIanni returns after being named First Team All-Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) and Second Team All-Region IV by the National Fastpitch Coaches Associatuon (NFCA) last season. Returning in the outfield with DiIanni are Zoey Ritter, Grace Caldwell, and Nora Zekkaria. 

On the infield, Abby Jones, Alexa Kozarski, and Sydney Steiner saw a large chunk of playing time and will be joined by returner Taylor Migliore, transfer Samantha Guercia, and first-years Sybella Demaio, Kyleigh Mihalik, and Stephanie Binek. 

Behind the plate, Taylor Sommer brings back the most experience with returners Molly Delio, who appeared in 14 games as a sophomore, and Breanna Farrow looking for time.

In the circle, Juliana Presto returns as one of the most decorated hurlers in program history. Paige Nolan, Dakota Fanelli, and Mac Champion all made at least six starts, and will be joined by returners Lizie Lopez and Caity Hinton.

"It has been a strong conference and it's going to continue to be a strong conference," Birchmeier said of the MAC Freedom. "I appreciate that thaty forces us to bring our best game every single Saturday when we compete conference-wise and it prepares us for hopefully what is a very long road ahead."

The Knights begin the 2025 season on Saturday when they host Haverford for a 1:00 p.m. non-conference doubleheader at Blankley Field. Conference play starts March 15th at Misericordia, while the MAC Freedom tournament commences May 1st.