Simmons Softball returns to the field in 2009 after a strong 2008 performance, in which the Sharks achieved program-best records of 35-12 overall and 21-5 GNAC to finish ranked second in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference after the regular season. The Sharks went on to a third place finish in the GNAC Tournament, and made the program's first appearance in the ECAC tournament seeded third, and finishing third.

Anne Hennigan returns to lead Simmons Softball as Head Coach in 2009, after serving as the Assistant Coach for the past three seasons. Simmons enters the season ranked third in the GNAC preseason polls, but Coach Hennigan and her Sharks have set their sights even higher, and look to win the GNAC conference and earn an NCAA bid.

"The sharks will look to feed off of last year's record breaking season," said Hennigan. "We have the talent and the drive to surpass last year's accomplishments, and we have our eyes on the conference championship."

Several standout athletes returning from last year's roster aim to lift the Sharks to new heights this spring. Junior pitcher Sammi Letizio (Windham, N.H.) set the program's single-season record for wins by a pitcher in 2008, posting a 22-6 record in 21 games with 158.2 innings pitched, striking out 165 batters and posting a 1.54 ERA. Letizio received GNAC First Team All-Conference and NFCA's Third Team All-Region recognition for her efforts.

Sophomore catcher Emily Nalband (Litchfield, Conn.), Letizio's battery mate, also had a stellar 2008 season. Nalband had a .341 batting average with 11 doubles and 5 triples. In addition, she posted a .987 fielding percentage. Nalband will resume her position as starting catcher and will continue to be an offensive power.

Sophomore Annie Thompson (Pacific Palisades, Calif.) will take the field as starting shortstop in 2009. Thompson was the ultimate utility player last season, seeing time in the outfield, at second base and even behind the plate. She started 41 games for the Sharks and posted a .352 batting average. Thompson was named to the GNAC Second Team All-Conference and the GNAC All Tournament Team in 2008.

The Sharks will have a solid infield with returners Keely Brinchman (Litchfield, Conn.) and Leah Derderian (Boylston, Mass.) at the corners, and returners Thompson and Sam Green (Bridgewater, Mass.) controlling the middle infield.

The infield will also benefit from the additions of Emily Colligan (Leominster, Mass.), Kelly Garrity (Reading, Mass.), Amanda Gould (Fremont, N.H.) and Ashley Wheeler (Nashua, N.H.).

The outfield will be lead by returners Meredith Burr (Londonderry, N.H.), Kelsey Hasick (Santa Monica, Calif.), Stephanie Murray (Groveland, Mass.) and Kristen Souza (New Bedford, Mass.), who will all split time in the three outfield positions. First years Desiree Bourassa (Rochester, V.T.) and Candice Byers (Southbury, Conn.) will also provide speed and depth to the already potent outfield.

Battery mates Letizio and Nalband will return as one of the best in the conference. Transfer Courteney Collier (Bolton, Mass.) will also be seeing many valuable innings in the circle and will be a huge asset to the pitching staff. First year Liz Dahlgren (Chelmsford, Mass.) will spend some time behind the plate, and will provide a stellar arm and great game instinct.

"With ten strong, determined returners to lead the team and eight first year players to provide talent and depth to the roster, the Sharks are sure to be a GNAC contender in 2009," said Hennigan. "The team had a very successful and productive fall, and they have been working hard during the off-season in preparation for the 2009 season. The team's cohesion and work ethic are sure to pay off this spring."

The returners and new faces will leave the chilly Boston weather for a week of spring training in Orlando, Fla., where Coach Hennigan will cement their lineup and the Sharks will test themselves against tough non-league competition. Simmons will play ten games during their trip, three of which will be against nationally ranked teams: Cortland State College (#6), Rhode Island College (#18), and Ithaca College (#21). Simmons will also face teams from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri. The team will open their week on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00pm, when they square off against Cortland State.

"Simmons softball is ready and eager to compete nationally," said Hennigan. "I'm excited to play against top caliber teams to not only evaluate how we're doing as a team, but to also get Simmons' name on the national level. I strongly believe that this year's roster has the potential to do great things and the level of competition in Florida will prepare us well for conference and post-season play."