Feb. 22, 2005
The Endicott softball program is coming off another outstanding season. For the second year in a row the Gulls won the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship, and competed in the NCAA Regionals. The Gulls were seeded fourth in the NCAA Regionals, and won their first game 4-1 before losing the next two, 1-0 in ten innings, and 2-1 in nine innings to \#1 seeded Wheaton and \#2 seeded Williams, respectively. The team posted a final record of 29-10-1.
The Gulls started the year at the Rebel Games in Orlando, FL competing against some of the strongest programs in the country, and more than held their own going 4-3 on the trip. The team then started their schedule back home, and proceeded to extend their CCC regular season winning streak to an incredible 56 games before falling 1-0 in a hard fought battle. Endicott played many close games throughout the course of the season, winning their share of one run ball games.
As a team the Gulls finished 2nd in the CCC in pitching with a 0.95 ERA and struck out 197 batters in 257.2 innings of work. The Gulls also had a great defense beyond whoever took the mound. They finished 1st in team fielding. They only made 44 errors all season for a .961 fielding percentage.
The Gulls also placed Outfielder Jennilee Danielson (Jr. Salisbury, MA), Catcher Megan Young (Jr. Portland, ME) and Designated Player Ashley Labella (Fr. Saugus, MA) on First Team All CCC. Second Team All Conference selections included Pitcher Robyn Savitske (Fr. Hellertown, PA), First baseman Megan Huckins (So. Bangor, ME), Shortstop Elyse Colby (Jr. Manchester, NH), and Outfielder Laura Schack (Fr. Milford, CT). Pitcher/second baseman, Nicole Reather (Fr. Riverton, UT) was named All CCC Honorable Mention. Robyn Savitske was also named CCC Rookie of the Year.
The Gulls piled up more awards when Colby and Young were named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Region Second Team. Colby and Savitske were also selected to the NCAA Div. III New England Region All Tournament Team.
In addition to the post season honors, Elyse Colby managed to compile a .328 average, smack 9 doubles and drive in 22 runs. Colby also had a .410 slugging percentage while being solid defensively at shortstop. Jennilee Danielson finished the season strong as well. Danielson batted .311, while scoring and batting in 15 runs. Danielson manned the outfield in center making only 1 error all season. Megan Young was a force behind the plate, throwing out 15 attempted base stealers. At the plate, she batted .299 scoring 22 runs and knocking in 11, while also stealing 11 bases.
The future looks bright for the softball team, as they will be returning eight out of nine starters. The eight returning starters were All Conference selections and look to make an impact once again in 2005. Along with the returnees, Coach Veilleux brings in a highly touted freshmen class. Freshman Kelly Bregman, Chelsea Conant and local standout Paula McGinn will be looked upon to make solid contributions. The Gulls will be looking to capture their third straight conference championship, along with a third straight trip to the NCAA Regionals.
