| ROSTER | SCHEDULE | RECRUITS |

The Marian University Ancilla softball program enters the 2024 season having hit the "reset button". Following a 2-34 season in 2023, they welcome a new coach and an entirely new roster. Head Coach Josh Pitts enters his first season in the third base coach's box after serving as an assistant with the MUAC baseball team a season ago. Coach Pitts has kept the expectations simple, "our motto is 100% effort all the time." He goes on to add, "we are a young team, starting a newcomer at every position. At the same time, I love their belief in their ability to be successful. These girls are setting the foundation for the future of this program."

Missed most from last year's team are Izzy Johnson, Victoria Franklin, and Hannah Goldsborough at the plate, as well as Jessica Dineen and Franklin in the pitching circle. Johnson led the Chargers with a .392 batting average, a .455 on-base percentage, 31 hits, 9 walks, 16 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. She is now a Junior playing at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus. Franklin finished second in average (.288), on-base percentage (.325), and stolen bases (6 SBs), plus she logged the second most innings pitched with 44 1/3 innings in 14 appearances, including registering a team-high 19 strikeouts. Goldsborough was third in average (.275), second in hits (25 hits), third in on-base percentage (.305), plus she led the team with 24 runs batted in. Dineen was the team's top pitcher, tallying 60 innings in 22 appearances.

Now the Chargers turn the page and welcome 12 newcomers to the fold. MUAC welcomes an influx of talent from the Fort Wayne area, with five ladies coming from Northeast Indiana. Freshman Samantha Hoffman should be the team's top pitching option after a nice high school career at Concordia Lutheran. She has great control and should be able to locate pitches well for the Chargers. Former high school teammate, Freshman Abigail Heaston, will likely play in different spots around the field. She should bring a steady bat and the ability to play station to station around the bases. Fellow Summit City residents Kylee Heard of Bishop Luers and Justice Billingsley of Fort Wayne's South Side High School are athletes who, once on base, could cause havoc for opposing catchers. Heard should see a majority of time in the infield, while Billingsley could patrol the outfield with her speed. Both are Freshmen.

Early this season, Coach Pitts anticipates Freshman Ambrosia Mason of Lafayette Jefferson at first base. She is currently a solider in the Indiana National Guard, and she can hit the ball solidly but also has the ability to slap at times. Look for Freshman Alyssa Mulbarger of Clinton Prairie to be at shortstop, as she is one of the best defensive infielders on the roster and has a great arm. Freshman Samantha Perry of Winamac will likely round out the infield at third base, as she isn't afraid to attack the ball defensively. Freshman Abby Witt of River Forest will be the backstop to begin the year, as she has experience behind the plate. She could also be a big run-producer when at bat. Freshman Keely Qualkenbush of Westville will have opportunities in the infield as well, and she is a hard worker. Sophomore Samaria Freeman of Gary's Thea Bowman is playing for the first time but brings elite speed and athleticism to the field. Sophomore Audrey Schmidt of Milan can serve as a relief arm out of the bullpen and possibly play some at first base, while Freshman Alex Gierke of Leo will likely be a reserve outfielder for the Chargers.

Once again, Coach Pitts reitterates, "giving 100% effort, fighting for wins regardless of the situation, and minimizing mistakes from game to game, inning to inning, are going to be our key focal points and expectations throughout this season. There are going to be ups and downs, like any season, but they want to win and understand what that takes. I am excited and proud to be their Coach."

The Chargers begin their season at the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic on Monday, March 4th, as the take on Lincoln Trail College in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They will play six games next week at that showcase before returning home to face MCCAA rival Kalamazoo Valley in a double-header on the MUAC home field, March 19th. Please come out and support these hard-working ladies this season!!