EDISON, NJ (February 19, 2003) - The Manhattan College softball team has been picked to finish eighth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, as selected by the league's head coaches.
The Lady Jaspers are under the direction of first-year head coach Lois J. Kahl and are coming off a 15-27 season in 2002. Manhattan finished sixth in the MAAC last season with a 6-1 conference mark. Kahl and the Lady Jaspers return 13 letterwinners from last year's squad including seven starters.
Among the returning veterans are senior pitcher Candice Aulogia (New Windsor, NY), junior pitcher
Brianne Illanovsky (Matamoras, PA) and sophomore infielders
Margaret LaFex (Syracuse, NY) and
Erika Kostik (Orangeburg, NY). Aulogia posted a 4-9 record and a 2.43 ERA last season while amassing 35 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched. Illanovsky notched a 5-6 record, the most wins on the staff, and was third on the team with a 2.52 ERA. She struck out 32 batters in 64 innings of work. LaFex and Kostik each had fine rookie campaigns in 2002, and are the top two offensive threats returning to the Lady J's. LaFex batted .232 with 19 hits and eight RBI, while Kostik batted .231 with 24 hits and 13 RBI.
Manhattan kicks off the 2003 campaign at the Georgia State Tournament March 1-2. The Lady Jaspers take on host Georgia State at 12:15 PM on Saturday March 1.
2003 MAAC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll1. Fairfield 75
2. Canisius 72
3. Saint Peter's 67
4. Iona 56
5. Rider 32
Siena 32
7. Marist 31
8. Manhattan 219. Niagara 19
