Dukes Softball eager to begin 2023 Season

VINELAND- The RCSJ-Dukes softball team is set to begin their 2023 season! Head Coach Magic Mears enters his 5th season as the Dukes head coach with a roster that boats 5 2nd-year players, and 9 freshman.

Three of the top offensive performers from a year ago will be back for the 2023 season. Those players include Olivia Powers, Bailey Pennino, and Sayde Nichols. Powers hit 7 homeruns last season while bringing in 35 RBI's and hitting for a .440 average, at the conclusion of the season Powers was named 2nd team All-Region. Sayde Nichols was 2nd on the team in batting average last season as she hit for a .454 average while stealing 16 bases. Bailey Pennino contributed both on the mound and at the plate as she hit .431 with 3 homeruns and 30 RBI's. In the circle, Pennino pitched 111 innings with a 3.09 ERA and 75 strikeouts.

Madison Sloan and Lazaya Rosario are also back for their sophomore season. Last season, Sloan played both middle infield and 1st base for the Dukes. At the plate, she batted .311 with 3 homeruns and 28 RBI's. Rosario dealt with an injury early last season, but she would battle back to make big contributions to the Dukes. Rosario hit .273 with 13 RBI's and played steady defense in all positions in the outfield.

Transfers Anita Hassen (Montclair State) and Mollie Reece (Hilberton) look to make an immediate impact as Hassen is expected to hold down centerfield while Reece will be the everyday 3rd baseman. Coach Mears expects both players to hit in the top to middle of the order.

The freshman class for the Dukes will include Abby Pino (Cumberland Regional), Angelina Figuero (Cumberland Regional), Jordan Spates (Williamstown), Adrianna Cortes (Buena), Ashley Brag (Millville), Arianna Santiago (Vineland), and Karly Smaniotto (Vineland).

 The 2023 schedule will include 36 games with 20 of them taking place at the Dukes Softball Complex. The team will play their first games of the season in Eastern Shore Maryland when they travel to CCBC Catonsville, Chesapeake College and Anne Arundel Community College from March 15th to March 17th. For all updates on Dukes softball and all other athletic programs, follow us on all social media platforms (GoRCDukes).