Softball | 8/25/2026 9:41:00 AM

LORETTO, Pa. — Saint Francis University softball welcomes 14 newcomers for the 2026-27 academic year. The incoming group features student-athletes from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia and brings a combination of championship experience at both the high school and travel ball levels.
 
Maddie Yost | INF/RHP
Catawissa, PA | Southern Columbia Area High School | Stripes and Strikes
Yost comes to Saint Francis from Catawissa, Pa. She is a graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and was a member of the Stripes and Strikes travel team. The sure-handed infielder also has pitching experience. Her coaches say she has a high softball IQ.
 
Aubri Cimba | OF
Elizabeth, Pa. | Elizabeth Forward High School | Team Pennsylvania Kowalski
An outfielder for Team Pennsylvania Kowalski, Cimba was recognized by PennLive as one of Pennsylvania's top softball outfielders in 2026.
Cimba had a very successful career at Southern Columbia High School where she was a part of four section championship teams, two district championship teams and a state runner-up squad.
 
Lara Bongiorni | P/1B/OF
Pittsburgh, Pa. | CAPA 6-12 | PA Firecrackers
A versatile player, Bongiorni can contribute in the circle, at first base and in the outfield. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native competed in travel ball for the PA Firecrackers.
Bongiorni attended the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts magnet school. She earned high honors in each of her four years and received the school's Outstanding Leadership Award.
 
Jordyn Sneathen | P/UT
LaVale, Md. | Allegany High School | Mountain Thunder
A pitcher and utility player, Sneathen brings extensive championship experience to Loretto.
Sneathen helped Allegany capture four consecutive WestMAC Region championships from 2023-26 and the 2024 Maryland Class 1A State Championship. Individually, she was named WestMAC Player of the Year in both 2025 and 2026. 
 
Grace Torano-Conway | OF
Myersville, Md. | Middletown High School | Heartbreakers
Torano-Conway joins Saint Francis from Myersville, Md. In her senior season she helped lead Middletown High School to a 22-8 record and a deep run in the playoffs.  An outfielder, she competed in travel softball for the Heartbreakers.
 
Mackenzie Cox | C
Irwin, Pa. | Penn-Trafford High School | Lady Dukes
A gold glove catcher, Cox was part of a Pennsylvania Class 5A state championship at Penn-Trafford High School.
She who competed in travel softball for the Lady Dukes. A hire honors student Cox is from Irwin, Pa.
 
Carmela Tenaglia | OF
Mechanicsville, Md. | Chopticon High School | Starz Gold
Tenaglia, an outfielder, comes to Saint Francis from Mechanicsville, Md. She played travel ball for Starz Gold. She helped lead Chopticon High School to a state championship in 2025.

Brinley Hallman | P/SS
Punxsutawney, Pa. | Punxsutawney Area High School | Young Guns-Hallman
Hallman's ability to contribute both as a pitcher and shortstop adds versatility to the incoming class.
Hallman had a very successful career as a member of the Lady Chucks Softball team. The four-year letter winner from Punxsutawney earned Pitcher of the Year and Team MVP Honors
 
Kaily Anderson | C/SS
Creekside, Pa. | Marion Center Area Jr./Sr. High School | Velocity 18U
Anderson also played catcher and shortstop with Velocity 18U and is a graduate of Marion Center Area High School.
As team captain she helped her school capture the Heritage Conference championship and received all-conference honors.
 
Cara Welton | MI/P
Aldie, Va. | Lightridge High School | Starz Gold Fishburn
Welton joins Saint Francis from Aldie, Virginia, and Lightridge High School. A middle infielder and pitcher, she competes in travel softball for Starz Gold Fishburn.  The freshman was accepted into the Honors Program at Saint Francis.
 
Madison Snyder | MI/OF/P
Liverpool, Pa. | East Juniata High School | Tripletown Aces
Snyder enjoyed a standout career at East Juniata High School. A versatile athlete capable of playing middle infield, outfield and pitcher, she competed in travel softball for the Tripletown Aces.
Snyder earned TVAA First Team All-Star honors as a senior after receiving Second Team recognition during both her sophomore and junior seasons. She also received the PIAA District 4 Female Sportsmanship Award and served as a team captain.
 
Addy Nigut | 1B/3B
Elizabeth, Pa. | Elizabeth Forward High School | Team Pennsylvania - Hall
Nigut is a corner infielder who competed in travel softball for Team Pennsylvania.
Nigut earned First Team All-State honors three times and First Team All-Section honors in each of her four high school seasons. She also helped Elizabeth Forward capture WPIAL championships in 2024 and 2026
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Mecca Smith | C/INF
Brockway, Pa. | Brockway Jr./Sr. High School | St. Mary's Pounders
A catcher and infielder, Smith led Brockway capture the 2026 District 9 Class 2A championship. It was the school's first district title in 24 years.
Smith earned District 9 Honorable Mention and District 9 All-Star recognition during her career. She also competed for the St. Mary's Pounders travel ball team.

Anita Szymoniak | C/INF
Baden, Pa. | Ambridge Area High School | Saint Vincent College
With the ability to play catcher and infield, Szymoniak brings great experience to the Red Wolves after a successful career at Saint Vincent College.
Szymoniak earned her bachelor's degree in marketing and management from Saint Vincent, graduating as an Honors Scholar. She was a two-time Easton/NFCA Academic All-American honoree in 2025 and 2026 and was named to the Presidents' Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll both years.