LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University softball is set to open the 2024 season at the CSU Kickoff Tournament hosted by Charleston Southern Feb. 9-11. The Red Flash will face Charleston Southern and Siena twice, and face Bellarmine once.
 
Saint Francis Quick Hits
» Grace Vesco returns for her graduate season already with the program record of 586 strikeouts in her career. She led the NEC with 183 strikeouts last season and was top-five with a 2.60 ERA, 13 wins, four shutouts, 156.1 innings pitched and .177 batting average against.
» Rachel Marsden returns this season after back-to-back seasons as an NFCA All-Region selection as a two-way player. On the mound, she was top-five in the NEC with a 2.44 ERA, 12 wins, 137 strikeouts and a .221 batting average against. At the plate she was top-five with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 27 RBIs. Her .292 batting average last season is tied for the lead among returners.
» Ashley Wruble also carried a .292 batting average last season and added five doubles, two triples, two home runs and 22 RBIs.
» Olivia Ulam was second on the team last season with six home runs and 26 RBIs. She has started 105 consecutive games at first base to begin her collegiate career.
 
Scouting Bellarmine
The Knights owned a 4-45 overall and 1-23 record in Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) play last season. Bellarmine was selected to finish last out of 12 teams in the ASUN Preseason Coaches' Poll. Chloe Collins returns a team-high .246 batting average, eight home runs and 17 RBIs. Olivia Bricker (17) and Megan Konermann (10) were the only other Knights' players with double-digit RBIs last season. Claire Lehmkuhler led the team last season with a 4.42 ERA, 12 complete games, one shutout and 104 strikeouts in 160 innings pitched.
 
Scouting Charleston Southern
The Buccaneers are coming off a 22-27 overall and 11-9 Big South record during the 2023 season. Charleston Southern was selected third out of seven teams in the 2024 Big South Preseason Poll. Pitcher Annah Junge is coming off a Second Team Big South selection last season and returns a team-high 3.21 ERA, 19-9 record, 25 complete games, eight shutouts and 158 strikeouts in 199 innings pitched. Weslin Jones returns a team-high .261 batting average, while Harper Schoeneweis returns 18 RBIs. No returning player hit more than three home runs for the Buccaneers last season. Junge and utility player Maddie Lee were selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team.
 
Scouting Siena
The Saints held a 32-21 overall and 11-9 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) games last season. Siena was selected fifth out of 11 teams in the 2024 MAAC Preseason Poll. Second Team All-MAAC selection Isabella Pardo returns a team-high .343 batting average. She added 13 RBIs, 10 walks and 11 stolen bases last season. MAAC All-Rookie Team pitcher Alissa Eimont leads qualified returning players with a 3.26 ERA, 10 wins, 11 complete games, three shutouts, 74 strikeouts and 122.1 innings pitched. Siena looks to replace the production of two-way star Ava Fitzmaurice, who was a two-time NFCA All-Region selection in two seasons with the program prior to graduating.
 
All-Time vs. Bellarmine
Saint Francis and Bellarmine are set to face each other for the first time in program history. The Knights are the first of two ASUN opponents for the Red Flash this season – the other is preseason ASUN favorite Central Arkansas.
 
All-Time vs. Charleston Southern
Saint Francis and Charleston Southern will face off for the first time in program history. The Buccaneers are the only Big South opponent on Saint Francis' schedule this season.
 
All-Time vs. Siena
Saint Francis and Siena own an even 1-1 all-time record. Saint Francis won the first meeting 11-5 in 2009 before Siena won the last meeting 9-3 in 2012. Siena is the only MAAC opponent for the Red Flash this season.

Next
Saint Francis continues its non-conference tournament schedule at the Wofford Invitational Feb. 16-18.