Softball opens non-traditional season this weekend

Get the scoop on this weekend's events and expand your background on this year's team.

September 15, 2014

St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne University softball just concluded their 7th Alumni Game Saturday evening including a fun night of bbq, babies, puppies and of course some fun softball.

The Griffins look to kick off their non-traditional season this Sunday as they host their 12th Annual Reverse Exposure event at ABC Ballpark. The Griffins are set to play Maryville at 10am, Missouri S&T at noon and UMSL at 2pm. All games are broadcast live with Tim Miller at collegecasts.com.

Fontbonne welcomes newcomers Courtney Kedroski, Samantha Brown, Isabel Hotop and Lauren Faulstich to the team who will get a taste of what being a Griffin is all about this weekend.

Kedroski was a strong recruit out of Washington, Mo./ Washington HS that will fill a big void at the middle infield position. She can hit for average, covers a bunch of ground on the infield, runs well and has strong arm.

Brown (Webster Groves, Mo./Webster) also brings pop with the bat, being a versatile player that will compete for time in the outfield, but can also play both corners if needed. She has good hands and understands how the game is played.

Faulstich (Arnold, Mo./Seckman) was an early commitment, a middle infielder that provided the Griffins immediate relief. Recently released to compete full speed following a bad accident breaking her leg, her progress has been unmatched and her form and talent will help the Griffins fill either middle infield position lost to last year's graduates.

Hotop (Perryville, Mo./Seton Home Study) was a late commitment some pitching and second base talent to the roster. She too is working through a health issue this fall, limiting her competition time. Hotop's tremendous work habits and listening skills have already proven her willingness to improve her already good swing.

Fontbonne will look to returning starting pitchers Madi Leonard and Lindsay Schaefer to continue great work from the mound. Backing them up after getting her first season under her belt is Michelle Boyer.

Calling the shots behind home plate is returning catcher Emily Smith. Anchoring the corners are Cassi Glixman (1st) and Danni Glixman (3rd), the "Twin Powers". Both are previous All-Americans. Leadoff hitter and centerfielder Shannon Fitzpatrick is back for another season. Her ability to get on base is unmatched. Outfielder Caitlin Nappier hopes to add her two cents in the Fontbonne softball record books after missing the end of last season. Morgan Baer and Courtney Kraus return as juniors. Both are solid players with good gloves that are competing for an open position in the outfield.

Fontbonne lost five key players in shortstop Marissa Simon, center fielder Sarah Cerutti, second baseman Cara Hargate, outfielder Jessie Pratt and pitcher Kourtney Von Behren, all of whom were starters their entire careers.