Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (1/27/2022) – "We subscribe to the phrase "On the Mile"," stated Gwynedd Mercy University Head Softball Coach Dave Hoch. "It means that each individual student-athlete will do individual work over and above what is required in order to perfect their skills." He added, "That is what this program is about and we will find our greatest success when everyone takes in upon themselves to go above and beyond what is required." In 2022, Gwynedd Mercy University looks to improve from a 4-20 record that included Atlantic East Conference (AEC) victories over Marywood University (W, 6-1 on Apr. 15) and Immaculata University (W, 12-1 on Apr. 23/W, 15-11 and W, 8-6 on Apr. 24). To do so, the Griffins will rely on an experienced pitching staff, several live bats, and the desire to go above and beyond what is required for success.
 
As in 2021, junior Maddy McBride (Sharon Hill, Pa.) and a trio of sophomores; Jocelyn Baumeister (Willow Grove, Pa.), Ashley Focht (Harrisburg, Pa.), and Ashley Haggerty (East Norriton, Pa.) comprise the Gwynedd Mercy University pitching staff. McBride headlined last season's success with a 5.47 earned run average (ERA) and a 1-9 record in 12 appearances (11 starts). Focht was a strong second starter for the Griffins, offering a 5.64 ERA and a 2-5 record in 10 appearances (9 starts).
 
Beyond her work in the circle, Baumeister's greater impact came at the plate where she knocked in a team-high 17 runs with a .352 (25-for-71) batting average and a team leading .549 slugging percentage (SLG). Her All-AEC Second Team (Utility/Designated Player) selection was only surpassed by sophomore infielder Shylynn Cordero (Allentown, Pa.), who garnered All-AEC First Team honors at second base with a .390 (23-for-59)/.446/.407 (AVG/OBP/SLG) slash line. Focht and junior outfielder Emma Carney (Plymouth Meeting, Pa.) also offered quality 2021 stats with the former contributing nine runs and 10 runs-batted-in (RBI) in a .317 (19-for-60) batting average and the latter factoring into 14 runs and 13 RBI with a .469 slugging percentage (SLG). Also returning to the fold in 2022 will be fifth year outfielder Emily Shaheen (Pottstown, Pa.), junior infielder Katelyn Barker (Newtown Square, Pa.), junior catcher/infielder Hannah McLaughlin (Stratford, N.J.), junior infielder Alison Ross (Philadelphia, Pa.), sophomore catcher Abigail McCoy (Woodlyn, Pa.), sophomore infielder Grace Scally (Philadelphia, Pa.), and sophomore infielder Moira Ryan (King of Prussia, Pa.). Shaheen scored a dozen (12) runs on a .246 (14-for-57) batting average, while Scally knocked in nine runs with her .262 (11-for-42) clip at the plate.
 
New to the roster in 2022 are five freshmen; middle infielder/outfielder Ashley Berry (Philadelphia, Pa.), catcher/outfielder Kaylee Colantano (Clinton, N.J.), middle infielder/outfielder Carly Maw (Bensalem, Pa.), outfielder Ally McDaid (Maple Glen, Pa.), and catcher/infielder Shannon McLaughlin (Haddon Heights, N.J.).
 
"Our strength is our depth. This is a great group of athletes, who each bring different talents and attitudes to our team." stated Coach Hoch. "We are all very excited about the opportunity to play a full season and we're looking forward to showing what we can do."

Already "On the Mile", Gwynedd Mercy University arrives at their first contest on Monday, March 7, when they begin their stay at the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic (North Myrtle Beach, S.C.) with contests versus Saint Elizabeth University (9:30 a.m.) and Montclair State University (11:30 a.m.).