ST. AUGUSTINE – The Flagler College softball season opens this weekend with the Flagler Invitational. The Saints play on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Barry University in a doubleheader. They will wrap up the tourney on Sunday, at 11 a.m., with a double-dip against Lynn University.
Third-year head coach
Kathryn Geouge welcomes back 12 players, including five starters, from a 30-23 club that turned in a 13-7 record in the Peach Belt Conference.
"I am definitely excited about this year," said Geouge. "We return a lot of players with a lot of experience to help lead. On the other side, we do have a lot of new kids who are bringing in a lot of skill."
Second-team all-conference pitcher
Kyra Gipson is back for her senior campaign. She went 19-11 with a save, six shutouts, and a 2.13 earned run average.
Around the infield, the Saints have everyone back except third base and catcher. The Murphy twins, Morgan and Natalie, anchor the right side of the infield at first and second for the fourth consecutive season.
Maria Kappos, the team's leading returning hitter with a .296 average, returns at shortstop.
Genevieve Mangini is back to patrol right field.
The newcomers include freshman
Mackenzie Smith who can play third base or catch and provide some pop at the plate.
Alex Vitola and
Courtney Robinson are a pair of middle infielders who have speed and range. Tallahassee Community College transfer
Sidney Mathis has plenty of collegiate experience already while freshman
Madelyn Wise comes in with a lot of velocity and movement on her pitches. Florida Gulf Coast University transfer
Kyleigh Taylor is a solid defensive catcher and has some power at the plate.
The Saints open the conference season on March 8 against USC Aiken. Flagler was picked to finish in fourth place.
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