2019 Softball Preview

Salem, Mass. – Salem State will once again have a new coach at the helm this year as former Wentworth head coach Alex Campione takes over in 2019. The Vikings, who finished with a 13-21 record and 7-7 mark for fifth place in the MASCAC a season ago, lost in the opening round to Bridgewater State in the conference tournament. Coach Campione looks forward to the challenges this year of building a young squad into a conference contender.

The loss of five seniors including all-conference infielders Marisa Sanchez (Framingham, Mass.) and Jen Crovo (Melrose, Mass.), who provided a solid nucleus in the infield and at the plate, will be a tough task for new head coach Alex Campione.

This year's team will rely on four key returning veterans to push Salem State higher in the standings. Led by seniors Chloe Manousos (Lowell, Mass.), Kasey Nolan (Braintree, Mass.) and Courtney Kilgore (Malden, Mass.), who were all elected captains, and assistant captain Dominique Del Vecchio (Stoneham, Mass.), these players will be relied upon to set the tone and shape the culture for this year's squad. "We're a new team this year. We have a lot of new faces, new goals, new leaders, and new expectations. Each returning player will have a key role in the success, culture, and fight of this team.," added Campione.

Manousos is the top returning hitter, finishing 2018 with a .350 batting average, and 24 RBI. The senior had 12 extra base hits a year ago and was fourth in the conference in triples with four. Nolan and Kilgore combined to play in 34 games last year, and both outfielders will provide valuable experience to a roster that features seven new players.

Del Vecchio is a sold infielder, who once again will man first base. The junior was one of the top defensive players at her position, making just three errors for a .987 fielding percentage which led the MASCAC for players with over 200 chances.

One newcomer to keep an eye on is freshman Gracie Hogan (Northbridge, Mass; Northbridge), who is expected to impact the team on both sides of the ball. Hogan, who carries herself like an upper-classmen, will be a key addition in building the future of this program.

Coach's Take

"We open our season on March 10^th at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic in Myrtle Beach against a strong LaRoche team. We will play eight games down South before traveling home to grind out the rest of our season. If our offense can string together some quality at- bats, and our defense can play sound and steady, we will be able to compete with the toughest of opponents. Our players have really embraced a "team- first" mentality this year and our chemistry is strong. I look forward to taking the field with this group in March and watching them compete for each other."

First Game

LaRoche on March 10^th at the Fastpitch Dreams Classic in Myrtle Beach

2019 MASCAC Softball Pre-Season Coaches Poll

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)