2014 Preview: Fordham

Fordham

2014 Fordham Rams (Tom Wasiczko)

The Rams come into 2014 as the defending champions and they have won 2 championships in the past three years. Bridget Orchard will once again have the Rams at top of the conference and in the national conversation. Fordham loses three starters from their 2013 NCAA squad, but some talented freshmen and a key transfer should help offset those losses. Jamie LaBovick was one of the top two-way players in the country and will be missed, but the Rams are not short on firepower in the circle or at the plate.

Losses: Jamie LaBovick, Chelsea Palumbo, Sammi Smith, Jess Crowley,  Taylor Pirone
Additions: Lauren Quense, Amy Van Hoven, Sydney Canessa, Stephanie Ferri, Rachel Gillen

Michele Daubman (Tom Wasiczko)

Pitching: Michele Daubman returns to anchor the pitching staff after a breakout 2013 season, which saw her go 18-8 in the circle and she also hit .318 with 6 HR and 31 RBI. Patti Maloney got off to a slow start in 2013, recovering from injuries, but she finished the season on a high note in postseason play. Transfer Rachel Gillen and freshman Lauren Quense will also play major roles in the circle and at the plate for the Rams. Fordham's depth in the circle should be second to none in 2014.

Elise Fortier (Tom Wasiczko)

Offense: The Rams hit .306 with 69 HR in 2013 and those numbers should be even better in 2014. Elise Fortier leads the way, coming off of one of the best power seasons in Atlantic 10 history. Fortier .362 and blasted a conference record 20 HR to go along with 54 RBI. Fortier is not alone as she is protected in the Rams' lineup by Atlantic 10 Tournament MOP Paige Ortiz who hit .272 with 6 HR and 30 RBI in 2013, Gabby Luety who hit .351 with 13 HR and 51 RBI, and Kayla Lombardo who hit .293 with 7 HR and 39 RBI. Fordham isn't going to outrun anyone in 2014, but they will run through teams. The Rams are built on power and look poised to set school and potentially conference records at the plate in 2014.

Gabby Luety (Tom Wasiczko)

Defense: The Rams didn't have the best defense in 2013, compared with previous Fordham squads, but they will return to top form in 2014. Gabby Luety anchors the defense at catcher and her arm helps hold opposing defenses in check. Luety threw out 16 runners attempting to steal in 2013. Most of the infield returns as Elise Fortier is back at shortstop, Kayla Lombardo at third base, and Brianna Turgeon at second base. The Rams will be looking at newcomers to fill holes at first base and in the outfield.

Overall Prognosis: This team is going to be something special and it has the potential to compete with any team nationally. The offense for Fordham is going to being ridiculous and if an ace emerges in the circle, they will be unstoppable. If the Rams can get it done in non-conference play, then they should have a great shot at an at-large bid.