Season Preview: La Salle

La Salle Explorers
Last Year's Record (A10 Play): 13-30 (2-18)
Coach (Record): Brianne Brown, 3rd Season (22-59)
Returning Starters: Ali Shepherd SS, Heather Brabazon OF, Liz Reed 2B/OF, Brianna DiTomasso OF, Shannon Skmorucha C, DJ Guinn P/DP, Laura Beth McCreesh P
Other Returnees: Rebecca Turygan 2B, Tristan Musho C, Kristen Paoletti P, Megan Codagnone OF
Key Losses: Gina Massaro P/DP, Mary Pat Conville 3B, Erica Vile OF/SS, Angelia Bisbiglia 1B, Laura Gallagher OF
Newcomers: Megan Hodgson UT, Jackie McBride 3B, Kati Cooper C/OF, Jamie Dellinger OF, Danielle Cullen 2B/OF, Emily Moran UT

Outlook:
2011 in all likelihood could be very similar to 2010 for the Explorers. Coach Brianne Brown must replace Gina Massaro and Mary Pat Conville who were absolute stalwarts in the lineup for all of their years at La Salle. In addition to losing Massaro and Conville, La Salle must also replace 3 other starters, which will be no easy task.

DJ Guinn

The Explorers return the most experience in the circle, where DJ Guinn, Laura Beth McCreesh, and Kristen Paoletti will see most of the work. Guinn has improved each year and should the majority of work in the circle. Guinn throws a heavy ball and is the closest thing La Salle has to a shutdown pitcher with 84 SO in 91 innings. Guinn is also one of the top returning hitters in terms of both average and HR (despite limited AB) so she will play a big role for La Salle this year. Laura McCreesh is a 5th year senior who has had her ups and downs in the circle. In 2008, McCreesh had an outstanding campaign going 11-6 with a 2.45 ERA and at the plate she hit 0.305 with 5 HR and 26 RBI. In 2009 and 2010, she dealt with an injury which saw her production and playing time decrease. If McCreesh can return to her 2008 form La Salle could possibly be a sleeper team in the A10. Kristen Paoletti is the 3rd Explorer pitcher and she should see some action as well both at the plate and in the circle.

At the plate, the Explorers will need some big improvements from returnees and some big contributions from freshmen. Mary Pat Conville and Gina Massaro were the only two La Salle hitters to hit above 0.300 and along with fellow alum Erica Vile, they were the only Explorers to hit above 0.174 in Atlantic 10 play. It may come down to the previously mentioned pitchers (McCreesh and Guinn) to lead the way at the plate. Ali Shepherd is the top returnee on offense and she should have another solid campaign in 2011. Beyond her however, the offense is a giant question mark. Shannon Skomorucha and Liz Reed have shown flashes of power, but they will need to show more than that this season. Last year, La Salle hit 0.237 with 22 HR and 16 SB that number must improve if La Salle wants to avoid the bottom.

Ali Shepherd

La Salle has an intriguing freshmen class and it is really Coach Brown's first true class. A10 fans may recognize the name Moran, as La Salle freshman Emily Moran is the younger sister of St. Joseph's standout Bernadette Moran. If she can perform like her sister La Salle may have a good one on its hands. Jackie McBride comes into 2011, as the prohibitive favorite to take over 3B from the graduated Conville. Beyond these two it is hard to project, but this is a very diverse and talented freshmen class and one that will get to play right away.

In 2010, La Salle finished 7th or 8th in offense, defense, and pitching, but they could not translate that to finishing 7th or 8th in terms of wins. La Salle is going to need some career years from almost the entire team to make the A10 tournament. I do however believe the Explorers will avoid last place in 2011.

Schedule:
In a rather pleasant surprise, La Salle has upgraded its schedule for 2011. The Explorers will head down south three times, highlighted by the USF Under Armour Showcase, which will see La Salle matched up against NCAA Regional participants Nebraska, Radford, and Boston University. La Salle will have to go on the road to face UMass and Fordham, but they get Dayton and George Washington at home, two series that will be crucial to the Explorers postseason chances.