University of Massachusets Athletics
Alumnae Weekend Closes Out Softball Fall Exhibition Season
October 12, 2015 | Softball
AMHERST, Mass. - With Sunday's golf scramble and now alumnae weekend over, the UMass softball fall exhibition season has ended, with the Minutewomen earning a 3-2-1 record.
UMass picked up wins over Army West Point, American International College and Sacred Heart. The two losses were to Boston College and AIC, with the team's lone draw coming against Sacred Heart.
Meg Colleran was a highlight for the Minutewomen in the fall season. She threw two complete game shutouts, one over Army West Point and the other over Sacred Heart. UMass coach Kristi Stefanoni said that Colleran has looked like a different pitcher in the circle.
"Meg's going to be our ace this year," Stefanoni said. "She's really embraced that role so far."
Stefanoni also used Taylor Carbone and Tara Klee in the circle to compliment Colleran. Carbone has not pitched collegiately, but Klee appeared in 19 games as a freshman in 2014 before being inserted as an outfield regular last season.
Jena Cozza did not play in the fall exhibition season due to an ACL tear in the team's opener a season ago. However, she is near 100 percent and is expected to be on the field on opening day.
The UMass coach also spoke highly of the freshman class. "They have all fit in great so far," Stefanoni said. "Sometimes freshmen take a while figuring out how they fit in, but this group fit in right away."
After the Sacred Heart doubleheader on Oct. 7, the softball program held their annual alumnae weekend.
Among the returning players was Brandice Balschmiter ('09), the all-time wins leader for the program. Balschmiter said she had a great time being back in Amherst.
"I haven't been to the area in a few years," Balschmiter said. "This is home. This is something really special."
Stefanoni, an alumna of the Class of 2005, shared sentiments with Balschmiter.
"I always say it's the best time of the year," Stefanoni said.
The Minutewomen now wait for winter to pass before they open play in February. They kick off their season at the Charlotte First Pitch Classic, taking on former-Atlantic 10 foe Charlotte on Feb. 13.
