William Paterson came tantalizingly close to the program's third bid to the NCAA Division III Softball Championship Finals a year ago, as the Pioneers were stymied in the NCAA Mahwah Regional final by the eventual national champions. Compiling a 35-9 overall record while winning the program's fourth New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament title, the Pioneers reclaimed their place as one of the region's most successful teams.

Despite losing some key pieces of that championship team, the 2010 Pioneers will feature a roster full of successful veterans and talented newcomers.

“Michele Graham had an outstanding rookie year inside the circle last season, and her stability will help us,” said Hallie Cohen, who begins her 31st season as a head coach with 595 victories. “Our entire starting outfield returns, we have a solid nucleus of returning players, and we have some strong freshman hitters who should be able to help us right away.”

INFIELD
The Pioneers will have a familiar look up the middle of the field, but will welcome some new faces at the infield's corners this spring.

Junior Nicole Jimmerson (North Bergen, N.J./High Tech) has become a consistent performer behind the plate, as her ability to keep the ball in front of her has been tremendous and she has improved her arm while hitting .293 in 71 career starts. A good decision maker, she helped to stabilize the Pioneer infield.  Freshmen Kaitlyn Brock (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) and Justine Sebastiano (Lyndhurst, N.J./Lyndhurst) can both swing the bat and will compete for innings behind Jimmerson.

Freshman Kelsey Hand (Mountainville, N.Y./Cornwall Central) brings knowledge, a good glove and an excellent arm to first base. She will share time with junior Jenna Vitale (Kenilworth, N.J./David Brearley), who will see action at both first and designated player when she is not pitching. Vitale, who tied the school record with 19 doubles while hitting .391 and ranking third in Pioneer history with 44 RBI, earned spots on the All-NJAC and All-East Region First Teams and the NCAA Mahwah Regional All-Tournament Team. Vitale and freshman Nicole Walls (Bordentown, N.J./Bordentown Regional), a physically-strong hitter with a smooth and effortless swing, will likely find a daily spot in the lineup so that the Pioneers can benefit from their offensive skills at the plate.

A two-time all-NJAC selection as well as a first-team all-region honoree last spring, junior second baseman Lindsey Nadolny (Belford, N.J./Middletown North) can be explosive in the batter's box, a fact evidenced by her .447 average, 11 doubles, 36 RBI, 33 runs scored and .660 slugging percentage last year. She will be pressed for time by sophomore Raquel Roder (Hoboken, N.J./Hoboken), one of the team's best base runners and a hitter who seemed to find a way to consistently get on base in 27 appearances a year ago. Mandy Muraca (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place) is a solid fielder who is unafraid to dive to make a play, and her hustle and work ethic could put her in a position to contribute as a freshman.

Also returning in the middle infield is senior shortstop Lacey Santone (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield), who hit .313 with eight doubles in her first season after transferring to William Paterson from Wagner College. Nadolny will serve as Santone's back-up at short.

The toughest player to replace from last year's conference-championship team will be third baseman Meghan Reilly, a second-team all-American who served as the Pioneers' leadoff hitter (.447, .546 on-base percentage, 49 runs scored). Stepping into the role of team captain is senior Casey Sierra (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional), who has worked hard on her own to be ready to seize the opportunity at third. According to Cohen, Sierra's calmness and confidence give her the demeanor necessary to be successful at the hot corner.  Junior Samantha Koenig (Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman), a transfer from Briarcliffe College, could see time at third base thanks to her strong arm, good lateral movement and power at the plate. Freshman Alexa Veniero (Belleville, N.J./Belleville) could also contribute at third or designated player.

OUTFIELD
William Paterson should be solid in the outfield, as all three starters return from the 2009 squad.

Junior Heather Mendez (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge) started in 33 games last spring and proved to be a dangerous presence at the plate, hitting .322 with seven doubles, 17 RBI and a .489 slugging percentage. Mendez, who could also see at-bats as the team's designated player, will split time in left field with Roder.

Senior Christina Zippler (Blackwood, N.J./Washington Twp.) has been one of the program's most consistent hitters during her career, including a .370 average, .563 slugging percentage, 38 runs and 31 RBI to earn honorable-mention all-NJAC accolades in center last season.

Rounding out the group of returning starters is junior Jillian Mulderig (Sewell, N.J./Washington Twp.) in right field, who led WP with a .385 average during NCAA Tournament play and finished the year with a .315 overall batting average, 11 walks and six stolen bases.

Joining the Pioneer outfield is freshman Allyson Scerbo (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg), a multi-sport athlete who possesses natural ability and is capable of stepping right in to the lineup if needed.

PITCHING
Two proven veterans will be joined by four newcomers inside the circle this spring for William Paterson.

Michele Graham (Hawthorne, N.J./Hawthorne) quickly became the Pioneers' number-one pitcher as a freshman a year ago, posting a 16-5 record, a 2.23 earned-run average and 97 strikeouts with just six walks (0.31 per game, second in Division III) in 135.0 innings. Graham also proved to be steady in postseason play, earning a spot on the NCAA Mahwah Regional All-Tournament Team (2-1, 1.93 ERA).

Vitale has made 30 appearances and 25 starts in two seasons, compiling a 13-10 record and 2.74 ERA. Vitale, who looked solid in indoor workouts according to Cohen, could have another excellent season if she continues to throw hard and keep the ball down.

Freshman Jaclyn Masterson (Park Ride, N.J./Park Ridge) displayed good velocity and excellent movement down and away during pre-season practices, a year after posting a 1.01 ERA and 237 strikeouts as a scholastic senior. Hand, who will also see significant time at first, has excellent location and will be successful if she can keep hitters off-balance.

A transfer from C.W. Post, junior Morgan Bell (Branchville, N.J./High Point Regional) is mature and even-tempered inside the circle, and her excellent defense and quality curve ball could earn her innings this spring. Finishing off the staff is freshman Alyssa Errico (Edison, N.J./J.P. Stevens), who could contribute as a pinch runner, utility player and pitcher this year.