Table of Contents S o ft b a l l

Table of Contents ...... 1 2003 Minutewoman Opponents ...... 26-27 Quick Facts & Media Information ...... 2 Roster & Breakdowns ...... 3 2002 Senior Tribute ...... 28 2002 Season In Review ...... 29-32 2003 Season Outlook ...... 4-5 2002 Statistics ...... 33

Head Coach Elaine Sortino ...... 6-7 All-Time Individual Records ...... 34-38 Assistant Coach Danielle Henderson ...... 8 Single-Game & Single-Season Records ...... 39 Assistant Coaches Kim Burke and Lizzy Lemire ...... 9 No-Hitters ...... 40 Support Staff ...... 9 Honor Roll ...... 41-43 All-Americans ...... 44-45 Jessica Bartlett ...... 10 Brandi Cross ...... 11 1978 Team ...... 46 Kaila Holtz ...... 12 Team ...... 47 Anna Perey ...... 13 1992 World Series Team ...... 48 Emily Robustelli ...... 14 Team ...... 49 KC Budrewicz ...... 15 Team ...... 50 Jamie Cahalan ...... 16 All-Time Letterwinners ...... 51-52 Aisha Franke ...... 17 Nicole Wilson ...... 18 Athletic Success at UMass ...... 53-55 Kelli Arnold ...... 19 Amherst & The Pioneer Valley ...... 56-57 Denise Denis ...... 19 The University of Massachusetts ...... 58-59 Jasmine Edwards ...... 20 Academic Success & The Student Athlete ...... 60 Hilary Puglia ...... 20 Varsity M Club ...... 61 Pam Sulick ...... 21 Corporate Sponsorships ...... 62 Jenna Busa ...... 22 The UMass Athletic Fund ...... 63 Sharon DeMello ...... 22 UMass Athletics Hall of Fame ...... 64 Lesley Ferrara ...... 23 Shannon Houle ...... 23 Katie Jo Kelley ...... 24 Barb LaFogg ...... 24 Kristi Stefanoni ...... 25

The 2003 University of Massachusetts softball guide is a publication of the UMass Media Relations Office. Writing, design and lay-out by Media Relations assistant Seth Gerard. Editing by Ruthie Drew, Kathy Henneman, Mary Motzko and Nick Joos. Special thanks to Kim Burke, Misty Cole, Kyle Harris, Danielle Henderson and Molly O’Mara. Cover design by Ralph Loos, RL Sport Design. S O FT B A L L Photography by Steven Frischling, Thom Kendall (UMass Photo Services) and Derek Fowles. Printing by Tiger Press, Northampton, Mass.

Publicity and media information for the 2003 Massachusetts softball team will be handled by UMass Media Relations assistant Seth Gerard. Photographs, game results and feature ideas are always available from the UMass Media Relations Office. To request a coach or player interview, please contact Gerard in the UMass Media Relations Office at (413) 545-2439.

12 NCAA Regional Appearances 1 Quick Facts & Media Information S o ft b a l l

President ...... William Bulger Head Coach ...... Elaine Sortino Chancellor ...... John V. Lombardi Alma Mater ...... Oneonta State, 1971 Athletic Director ...... Ian McCaw Record at UMass / Years ...... 785-340-3 / 23 Years Office Number ...... (413) 545-9652 Overall Record / Years ...... Same Office Fax Number ...... (413) 545-1727 Office Number ...... (413) 545-2342 Athletic Department Phone Number ...... (413) 545-2691 Fax Number ...... (413) 545-1404 Assistant Coach ...... Danielle Henderson Senior Associate A.D. / Finance & Administration . . . . .Al Rufe ...... Massachusetts, 1999 Office Number ...... (413) 545-2691 Assistant Coach ...... Kim Burke Associate A.D. / Student-Athlete Services ...... Mike Jenkins ...... Central Michigan, 2001 Office Number ...... (413) 545-4379 Academic Advisor ...... Donna Heinel Associate A.D. / Media Relations ...... Nick Joos Athletic Trainer ...... Amanda Wolf Office Number ...... (413) 545-2439 Strength & Conditioning ...... Anthony Catterton Associate A.D. / Development ...... John Nitardy Softball Secretary ...... Kathy Henneman Office Number ...... (413) 545-4290 Associate A.D. / Compliance Services ...... Betsy Mosher 2002 Overall Record ...... 53-13 Office Number ...... (413) 545-1823 2002 Atlantic 10 Record / Finish ...... 21-0 / First Associate A.D. / Facilities ...... Jim Patulak Home Field ...... UMass Softball Complex Office Number ...... (413)545-0075 Capacity ...... 500 Associate A.D. / Sports Medicine ...... Jeff Smith Letterwinners Returning / Lost ...... 13 / 4 Office Number ...... (413) 545-2866 Starters Returning / Lost ...... 6 / 4 Associate A.D. / Sports Programs & Student Services . . . . .Elaine Sortino Atlantic 10 Championships ...... 15 Office Number ...... (413) 545-2342 NCAA Regional Tournament Appearances ...... 12 Associate A.D. / External Affairs ...... Bill Strickland Women’s College World Series Appearances ...... 3 Office Number ...... (413) 545-4086 AIAW College World Series Championships ...... 2 Assistant A.D. / Tickets & Game Operations ...... Bill Chaves Last Postseason Appearance . .2002 (NCAAReg.; Lafayette, La.) Office Number ...... (413) 545-0810 Result ...... 1-2 Assistant A.D. / Student Employment & Alumni Aff a i r s . . .Mike Hodges All-Time Record ...... 851-367-4 (28 years) Office Number ...... (413) 545-4592 Assistant A.D. / Marketing & Promotions ...... Bill Lockey Office Number ...... (413) 545-1401 Office Phone Number ...... (413) 545-2439 Compliance Coordinator ...... Carol Ford Office Fax Number ...... (413) 545-1556 Office Number ...... (413) 545-1950 Athletic Web Site ...... www.umassathletics.com Office Mailing Address ...... 255 Boyden Building University of Massachusetts Location ...... Amherst, Mass., 01003 Amherst, MA 01003 Founded ...... 1863 Associate A.D. / Media Relations ...... Nick Joos Enrollment . . . . .23,673 (18,417 undergraduate; 5,356 graduate) Assistant Director ...... Charles Bare Nickname ...... Minutewomen, UMass Media Relations Assistant (Softball Contact) Colors ...... Maroon & White ...... Seth Gerard National Affiliation ...... NCAA Division I Direct Line ...... (413) 577-0053 Conference ...... Atlantic 10 Cell Phone Number ...... (508) 380-9496 E-mail Address ...... [email protected] Phone Number ...... (215) 545-6678 Media Relations Assistant (Secondary Softball Contact) Fax Number ...... (215) 545-3342 ...... Mary Motzko Web Site ...... www.atlantic10.org Direct Line ...... (413) 545-1744 Commissioner ...... Linda Bruno E-mail ...... [email protected] Assistant Commissioner / Public Relations ...... Ray Cella Media Relations Assistant ...... Chris Forman Associate Director of Communications . . . . .Suzanne DeFruscio Student Assistants ...... Kyle Harris, Kim Frederick Direct Line ...... (215) 545-6678 (Ext. 29) ...... Sherryta Freeman, Ariel Levis, Molly O’Mara Cell Phone Number ...... (267) 970-8649 Media Relations Secretary ...... Ruthie Drew E-mail Address ...... [email protected]

2 15 Atlantic 10 Championships Roster & Breakdowns S o ft b a l l

No. Name Yr. Pos. Ht. Hometown (Previous School) 1 Jasmine Edwards So. IF 5-8 Queens Village, N.Y. / Martin Van Buren 2 Aisha Franke Jr. OF 5-6 Philadelphia, Pa. / Germantown Friends 3 Anna Perey Sr. OF 4-11 Chino Valley, Ariz. / Chino Valley 4 Kristi Stefanoni Fr. 2B 5-0 Columbus, N.J. / North Burlington County Regional 5 Jessica Bartlett Sr. C/DP 5-6 Turners Falls, Mass. / Turners Falls 6 Denise Denis So. OF 5-3 Middle Grove, N.Y. / Saratoga Springs 7 Shannon Houle Fr. MI 5-6 Charlton, Mass. / Shepherd Hill Regional 8 Emily Robustelli Sr. SS 5-5 Stamford, Conn. / Trinity Catholic 9 KC Budrewicz Jr. OF 5-3 Buckland, Mass. / Mohawk Trail Regional 10 Sharon DeMello Fr. MI/OF 5-3 New Bedford, Mass. / New Bedford 11 Kelli Arnold So. P/DP 5-10 Kalama, Wash. / Kalama 12 Lesley Ferrara Fr. OF 5-9 Stamford, Conn. / Stamford 13 Brandi Cross Sr. 1B 5-6 Diamond Bar, Calif. / Bishop Amat 14 Katie Jo Kelley Fr. 3B/C 5-8 Rainier, Ore. / Rainier 15 Jenna Busa Fr. P 5-7 Lexington, Mass. / Lexington 20 Hilary Puglia So. MI 5-6 Stoneham, Mass. / Stoneham 21 Pam Sulick So. 3B 5-8 Mission Viejo, Calif. / Santa Margarita Catholic 22 Nicole Wilson Jr. 3B/1B 5-11 Gaithersburg, Md. / Damascus 24 Jamie Cahalan Jr. C 5-4 Mesa, Ariz. / Westwood 27 Kaila Holtz Sr. P/DP 5-10 North Vancouver, British Columbia / Argyle Secondary Barbara LaFogg* Jr. P 5-6 Wil l i a m s b u r g, Mass. / Hampshire Regional (Seton Hall) * Will redshirt the 2003 season. Head Coach: Elaine Sortino Assistant Coaches: Danielle Henderson and Kim Burke Volunteer Assistant Coach: Elizabeth Lemire KC Budrewicz...... bud-dray-vich Jenna Busa ...... BOOZ-a Jamie Cahalan...... cah-hail-in Aisha Franke ...... eye-EE-sha Frank Kaila Holtz...... KY-la 1. A. Franke Shannon Houle...... HOOL Hilary Puglia...... poo-lee-ah Emily Robustelli ...... row-bus-telly 1. D. Denis 1. A. Perey Elaine Sortino ...... sor-TEE-no 2. L. Ferrara 2. KC Budrewicz Pam Sulick...... sue-lick

1. E. Robustelli 1. H. Puglia 2. H. Puglia 2. K. Stefanoni 3. S. Houle/ 3. S. Houle/ S. DeMello S. DeMello Arizona...... 2 British Columbia (Canada)...... 1 1. KJ Kelley 1. K. Holtz 1. B. Cross California...... 2 2. P. Sulick/ 2. K. Arnold 2. J. Edwards Connecticut...... 2 N. Wilson 3. J. Busa 3. P. Sulick/ N. Wilson Maryland...... 1 Massachusetts...... 7 New Jersey ...... 1 New York...... 2 Oregon...... 1 1. J. Cahalan Pennsylvania...... 1 2. J. Bartlett 3. KJ Kelley Washington...... 1

Eight Consecutive Atlantic 10 Championships 3 2003 Season Outlook S o ft b a l l

has already tossed three career no-hitters, includ- the ball, as well. The 2002 A-10 A l l - So how do you come out after one of the most ing a pair last season in which she went 23-7 Tournament selection was second both on the successful seasons in history? By playing the with a 0.90 ERA. The two-time member of the team and in the conference with six triples, while toughest schedule the program has ever taken Canadian National team has already compiled a her four home runs ranked second on the team on, that’s how. 52-16 career record and is in the top 10 of near- and eighth in the A-10. She also hit nine doubles “I don’t know any other way,” said UMass ly every UMass pitching category. Holtz, a 2003 and was 6-for-6 in stolen base opportunities. Head Coach Elaine Sortino. “We only have co-captain, is just as effective at the plate, with a “The past two seasons, Jamie’s contributions February and early March to play the nation’s .274 career batting average, six home runs and have been immeasurable,” said Sortino. “Jamie elite. In order to be the best, you have to compete 74 RBIs. is my eye on the field and lets me know from the with the best.” first pitch what kind of a strike zone we are deal- Playing the best is exactly what the 2003 “This is the deepest team that we have ever ing with. This is very critical to a softball team.” Minutewomen are doing. Before the third week had. We have a lot of options, but within Backing up Cahalan are two very qualified in March, Massachusetts will have played at those options there is some inexperience we candidates in senior Jessica Bartlett and fresh- least 11 teams which finished in the NFCA top need to work out. People say that we lost man Katie Jo (KJ) Kelley. Bartlett has seen lim- 25 and at least four squads from the 2002 arguably two of the best hitters in the pro- ited playing time since transferring from Liberty College World Series, including defending gram. We say we have some of arguably the (Va.) University in 2000, while Kelley is a high- ational champion California. T h e best hitters in the program. It is my job to cul- ly-touted recruit out of Rainier, Ore. Kelley will Minutewomen, who rounded out the year ranked tivate and bring out the talent. You have to also be battling for a starting spot at third base. 23rd, lost four players to graduation, including take what you have and use it in a way that “We are lucky to have two back-ups the cal- third team All-America pitcher Jennifer Hadley will work for you. The best thing we like iber of Bartlett and Kelley,” said Sortino. “If you and Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Teri Rooney, about this team is that we have a lot of cards have not seen KJ throw the ball yet, then she will but the 2003 team is deep and hungry to return to to play.” knock you off of whatever you are standing on. every young softball player’s fantasy; Oklahoma — Head Coach Elaine Sortino She has a cannon for an arm like I have never City and the College World Series. seen before.” “Kaila is a great ace to our staff,” said Sortino. “She is a tremendous role model for our younger Senior Kaila Holtz, the 2002 A-10 Pitcher of pitchers and is more than capable of taking it Massachusetts returns two starters in the the Year, will anchor the Minutewoman staff this over. She is a fierce competitor and the bigger infield, but will need to fill the void left by All- season. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native the game, the more she is just itching to get out Conference players Ashley Bakken and Scooter there and pitch.” Wheeler at second and third, respectively. Sophomore Kelli Arnold emerges from the First base is occupied by senior Brandi Cross. shadows of Hadley and Holtz as the second The Diamond Bar, Calif., product emerged as starter. As a freshman, the Kalama, Wash., prod- one of the nation’s top power hitters in 2000, uct went 5-0 with a modest 1.29 ERA. All five of earning third team All-America honors. She has her starts resulted in a complete game. already made her mark in UMass history, rank- “Kelli is a terrific pitcher who is ready to step ing third all-time in home runs (15), fifth in dou- in and make a difference,” said Sortino. “As a bles (40) and seventh in RBIs (106). Cross has freshman, she held her own against some tough excelled in the classroom as well, earning 2002 competition. Last year, she had to wait in the Verizon Academic All-District honors. wings, but now I believe she is ready to get in “Each year, Brandi has gotten stronger defen- there and be a winner.” sively,” said Sortino. “Her throwing ability has Adding depth to the staff is a freshman, Jenna improved dramatically and she is much better at Busa. The Lexington, Mass., native was a “real fielding ground balls and getting rid of the ball find” according to Sortino and not only a terrific quicker. Boy can she hit. She has proven to be pitcher, but she has power at the plate as well. one of the best offensive players in the confer- “Jenna is a very competitive pitcher who just ence.” wants to get out there and prove herself,” said Backing up Cross will be Jasmine Edwards. Sortino. “I think she has the talent and toughness The Queens Village, N.Y., native was recruited to step in and really make a difference this sea- as a pitcher, but after sitting her out last year as son.” a redshirt, Sortino has decided to convert her into an infielder. “Jasmine has been showing us good things in The fact that junior catcher Jamie Cahalan her workouts,” said Sortino. “I think she will be was voted a co-captain should say a lot for her a solid infielder for us down the road.” not only as a player, but as a leader. The Mesa, Sortino also has the ability to use Pam Sulick Ariz., product has started in all 123 career games and Nicole Wilson at first or third base. As a 2002 A-10 Pitcher of the Year Kaila Holtz since she has been in Amherst. Cahalan proved freshman, Sulick saw limited action at the hot is ready to anchor a talented but young, her exceptional defensive ability two years ago corner, making one start and going 2-for-6 at the Minutewoman pitching staff. as a freshman, but showed last year that she can plate. Wilson, a junior out of Gaithersburg, Md.,

4 Three College World Series Appearances 2003 Season Outlook S o ft b a l l

has played in 51 career games, compiling a .271 Adding depth in the outfield is Massachusetts average (13-for-48). Last year, she made the The graduation of A-10 Player of the Year Teri native KC Budrewicz. The junior from Buckland most of 28 games, including six starts in the Rooney was made a lot easier with the coming has been a key role player for Sortino the past infield, recording 10 hits and eight RBIs. out of Aisha Franke. Last season, as a left field- two seasons. She has 15 runs in each of the past er, the Philadelphia native was second on the two years, while swiping seven career bases. “This schedule is the toughest that we have team and fifth in the conference with a .340 bat- Left field will be a battle between two lefties, ever taken on. To be the best, you have to ting average. She also tied for the team lead with Denise Denis and Lesley Ferrara. Denis, a soph compete with the best. We have to get right 16 stolen bases and was flawless in the field. omore from Middle Grove, N.Y., saw action in out there and play the nation’s elite. There is “I can’t express in words how much Aisha 36 games last year, mostly as a pinch-runner no other way. Practicing in the gym is not an matured last season,” said Sortino. “Bar none, while Ferrara is a true freshman from Stamford, excuse for us. There are no excuses. she is the best all-around outfielder on the team. Conn. — Head Coach Elaine Sortino Her arm is so strong that we have to extend the “Again, two young players who are willing to drills in warm-ups just to challenge her. That is make their presence felt,” said Sortino. “Denise With the graduation of All-Conference per- definitely a good problem to have.” is an outstanding hitter with a great work ethic former Ashley Bakken, second base will be a Also returning to patrol the Minutewoman that will soon pay dividends. For a senior, Lesley battle between sophomore Hilary Puglia and outfield is Chino Valley, Ariz., product Anna would be strong, but as a freshman it is some freshman Kristi Stefanoni. Sortino also has the Perey. A 2002 A-10 All-Tournament team mem- thing to see. She has a rifle-like arm and swings option to inter-change two freshmen, Shannon ber, Perey started all 66 games and batted .324, a good bat.” Houle and Sharon DeMello, up the middle. while tying for the team lead with 16 stolen Puglia appeared in 44 games last year, making bases. two starts at shortstop. The Stoneham, Mass., “Anna is the anchor of the outfield,” said “People say that we lost arguably two of the native had four hits in 14 at bats, and drove in Sortino. “She brings the leadership and experi- best hitters in the program,” said Sortino. “I say two runs. Stefanoni is a highly-regarded recruit ence that you need out there. Offensively, she is we have some of arguably the best hitters in the from Columbus, N.J., where she was a three- a great hitter who has power. She has hit the wall program. You do not realize the talent until they time All-Conference pick. and the top of the wall and I stand by my predic- leave.” “The battle for the starting second base job is tion that she will hit it out.” While many of the nation’s softball power so close, I do not have a clue who is going to houses hail from the south and west, places that come out on top,” said Sortino. “Hilary has a afford year-long outdoor training, the cold and year under her belt and showed us some good snowy New England winter does not give the things last year, especially in the Florida Minutewomen an opportunity to even practice International tournament when she played two on grass before competing for the first time, Feb. games for the injured Emily Robustelli. 7-9, at the Fiesta Bowl Tournament in Arizona. Stefanoni is like an elongated Anna Perey (by an “Practicing in the gym is not an excuse for inch). She plays hard and with a passion.” us,” said Sortino. “There are no excuses. We just The incumbent at short stop is senior Emily have to play our game and get ready for the sea Robustelli. The Stamford, Conn., native has son to begin, regardless of the venue or temper started in all but one of her career games and has ature outside.” a career .282 average. She started slow offen- Once again, Sortino has a team poised to sively last season, but picked it up toward the make some noise in May. First, it must take care end of the year. She gets on base frequently and of business. Winning the A-10 is UMass’portal is always a threat to . Robustelli is currently into the NCAA Tournament and it knows what it fifth all-time at UMass with 118 runs scored. needs to do. “Emily brings a calming sense to all of our “In 1999, we could not get to the World Series youth,” said Sortino. “She demonstrates good because we only played one card,” said Sortino. control and poise, while bringing an excellent “That taught me something as a coach. The best glove up the middle.” thing about this team is that we have a lot of Like second base, there is a fierce battle going cards to play. In May, you are not going to blow on at third between Sulick, Wilson and Kelley. teams away.You need to put runs on the board. I “It is anyone’s guess as to who will be the am confident in our ability to do that this season. starting third baseman on opening day,” said No matter who the pitcher is, we need to be able Sortino. “Pam and Nicole are both making to get on the scoreboard. It is my job to cultivate strong cases for themselves to start. With her and bring out the talent. You have to take what cannon-like arm, KJ is also a possibility. All you’ve got and use it in a way that will work for three are very powerful hitters. Nicole had sev- you.” eral clutch hits in the fall for us. It is sure to be a Senior first baseman Brandi Cross, who photo finish for the starting job.” has improved defensively each year, looks to have an offensive season like her fresh - man year in which she was a third team All-American.

Two AIAW World Series Appearances 5 Head Coach Elaine Sortino S o ft b a l l

Elaine Sortino has made winning a habit at the University of In addition to her duties as the head softball coach at UMass, Sortino is Massachusetts. In her 23 years at the helm of the Minutewoman softball the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Programs and Student Services program, Sortino has established herself as one of the nation’s most suc- as well as the Senior Women’s Administrator. She has overseen and coor- cessful collegiate softball coaches, posting a career record of 785-340-3 dinated numerous national level sporting events, including the 1995 (.697). Her 785 victories is 10th among all active Division I coaches, while N C A A Wo m e n ’s Volleyball Championships and the 1998 Men’s her .697 winning percentage stands 11th among all active Division I coach- Gymnastics East Regional. es. She needs just 15 wins to become the 16th coach in NCAAhistory to A native of Yonkers, N.Y., Sortino came to UMass after two years at reach the 800-win plateau. Yale University. Prior to assuming her duties as Associate Athletics Sortino has led UMass to 15 Atlantic 10 Conference titles, 12 NCAA D i r e c t o r, Sortino served as the head volleyball coach for the regional appearances and three trips to the NCAACollege World Series. Minutewomen, posting a 218-134-1 record from 1979-1986. A 1971 grad- A seven-time A-10 Coach of the Year, Sortino has also received four uate of Oneonta (N.Y.) State, she earned her master’s degree from the Northeast Region Coach of the Year awards. The seven A-10 awards is the University of Bridgeport (Conn.) in 1973. In the fall of 1999, Sortino was most of any coach in any sport in the conference. Sortino and her staff have inducted into the Oneonta State Athletic Hall of Fame. She is single and been recognized as the Division I Speedline/National Fastpitch Coaches currently resides in Hadley, Mass. Association Northeast Coaching Staff of the Year on three different occa- sions and she was the first Northeast coach to post over 700 career wins. In 2002, Massachusetts enjoyed its most successful season to date, win- ning an unprecedented eighth consecutive Atlantic 10 title and advancing to the NCAA regional in Lafayette, La. The Minutewomen won 33 con- Name School Yrs. W L T secutive games from March 23 until May 9, which tied for the eighth- 1. Margie Wright Fresno St. 23 1028 343 3 longest streak in NCAAhistory with the 1992 UCLABruins. UMass com- 2. JoAnne Graf Florida St. 19 944 291 6 piled a 53-13 record, shattering the school record for most victories set by 3. Gayle Blevins Iowa 23 927 431 5 the 1998 team, who had 45. Massachusetts raked in the awards last year, 4. Mike Candrea Arizona 17 926 184 0 highlighted by a third team All-American (Jen Hadley), A-10 Player of the 5. Bill Galloway Louisiana Tech 24 889 401 2 Year (Teri Rooney), A-10 Pitcher of the Year (Kaila Holtz) and two Verizon 6. Yvette Girouard LSU 22 874 272 0 Academic All-Americans (1st team Jen Hadley & 2nd team Teri Rooney). 7. Joyce Compton South Carolina 20 850 345 1 For the second consecutive season, the Minutewomen were flawless in 8. Linda Wells Arizona St. 28 819 597 1 A-10 action, posting a perfect 21-0 mark, the fifth undefeated conference 9. Margo Jonker Central Michigan 23 807 429 5 season under Sortino. At the NCAA regional, UMass defeated Louisiana 10. Elaine Sortino Massachusetts 23 785 340 3 Lafayette 5-3 in 13 innings in what was arguably the most exciting game in the program’s history. UMass then lost two tough games to Arizona State and Louisiana State, 1-0, but the 2002 season will go down as one of the most memorable in Sortino’s storied career. Sortino has proven her ability of producing exceptional talent, coaching Name School Yrs. W L T Pct. 14 All-Americans, eight A-10 Player of the Year selections, 10 A-10 1. Sue Enquist UCLA 14 696 132 1 .840 Pitcher of the Year picks, six A-10 Rookie of the Year honorees and 68 all- 2. Mike Candrea Arizona 17 926 184 0 .834 conference selections. The pinnacle of individual achievement for the 3. JoAnne Graf Florida St. 19 944 291 6 .763 UMass softball program occurred in the spring of 1999 as Danielle 4. Yvette Girouard LSU 22 874 272 0 .762 Henderson received the Honda Award, recognizing the nation’s top softball 5. Patty Gasso Oklahoma 8 402 129 0 .757 player. Henderson went on to win a gold medal with the United States soft- 6. Margie Wright Fresno St. 23 1028 343 3 .744 ball team at the 2000 Olympic Games. 7. Lu Harris-Champer 6 301 108 0 .736 In Sortino’s career, UMass has posted 16 30-win seasons, five 40-win 8. Mike McGovern Illinois-Chicago 13 625 249 1 .715 campaign and one 50-win season. Sortino has never had a losing season at 9. Joyce Compton South Carolina 20 850 345 1 .711 the helm of the UMass softball program. 10. Carol Hutchins Michigan 23 777 320 3 .701 11. Elaine Sortino Massachusetts 23 785 340 3 .697

6 71 Atlantic 10 All-Conference Selections Head Coach Elaine Sortino S o ft b a l l

Win Date Significance 1 4/1/80 Sortino wins her debut as coach of the Minutewomen, taking an 8-0 decision at Lowell. 23 5/10/80 With a 2-0 win at Rhode Island, UMass wins the EAIAW championship and goes to the World Series. 37 4/28/81 Breaks Dianne Thompson’s school record for coaching wins with an 8-1 victory at Southern Connecticut. 100 4/13/84 Sortino reaches the century mark with a 5-1 win at Vermont. 175 5/3/86 Sortino claims the first of her unprecedented 15 Atlantic 10 championships with a 3-2 win at Rutgers. 200 4/24/87 Sortino reaches this milestone with a 7-0 home win over Vermont. 300 4/28/90 Sortino wins her 300th game by downing Rutgers, 2-0, at the Penn State Tournament. 347 5/17/91 Sortino posts her first win in the NCAA Tournament, defeating Connecticut 3-1. 386 5/23/92 UMass defeats Long Beach State, 2-1, in 10 innings to advance to the WCWS semifinals against UCLA. 400 4/17/93 Sortino hits another milestone, this time with a 9-2 rout at Saint Joseph’s. 500 3/19/96 Sortino hits this hallowed milestone with an 8-0 win over Eastern Illinois in Tallahassee, Fla. 565 5/18/97 UMass rallies from a 2-0 seventh inning deficit to defeat Colorado State and advance to the WCWS. 600 4/26/98 UMass overcomes a 6-2 deficit in the fifth inning to earn an 8-6 win over Temple. 700 3/24/01 Sortino becomes only the 21st collegiate softball coach to join the 700 club with a 14-6 romp over La Salle. 750 3/24/02 Sortino notches win number 750 in UMass’9-0 shutout of Temple. 779 5/4/02 UMass completes a doubleheader sweep of Fordham for its 46th win of the season, the most in club history. 780 5/5/02 UMass romps past Fordham, 13-0, tying the 1992 UCLAteam for the eighth-longest win streak in NCAAhistory at 33; It also marked a school record 40 consecutive home wins. 784 5/11/02 UMass takes two games from Rhode Island to win its eighth straight A-10 title. Sortino, was named A-10 Coach of the Year for the seventh time, the most of any coach in any sport in the conference.

Year Overall Home Road Neut. A-10 Coach (Record To Date) Notes 1975 1-7 N/A N/A — — Jean Follansbee (1-7) 1976 3-8 1-4 2-4 — — Jean Follansbee (4-15) 1977 16-2 9-1 7-1 — — Dianne Thompson (16-2) 1978 20-8 4-4 10-2 6-2 — Dianne Thompson (36-10) EAIAW (6-0), AIAW (0-2) 1979 26-2-1 15-0 9-0-1 2-2 — Chet Gladchuck (26-2-1) EAIAW (2-2) 1980 23-3 8-1 12-1 3-1 — Elaine Sortino (23-3) EAIAW (3-0), AIAW (0-2) 1981 16-8 10-4 6-4 — — Elaine Sortino (39-11) 1982 18-7 8-6 8-1 2-0 — Elaine Sortino (57-18) 1983 28-10 15-3 7-5 6-2 — Elaine Sortino (85-28) 1984 29-12 12-2 7-4 10-6 4-2 Elaine Sortino (114-40) 1985 25-23-1 13-6 9-9-1 3-8 5-5 Elaine Sortino (139-63-1) 1986 36-9 13-5 12-2 11-2 8-2 Elaine Sortino (175-72-1) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (0-2) 1987 35-12 12-4 13-5 10-3 6-4 Elaine Sortino (210-84-1) Atlantic 10 Champions 1988 36-16 14-4 14-6 8-6 11-1 Elaine Sortino (246-100-1) Atlantic 10 Runner-up 1989 35-19 19-0 15-13 1-6 9-3 Elaine Sortino (281-119-1) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (0-2) 1990 27-20 14-5 10-11 3-4 9-3 Elaine Sortino (308-139-1) Atlantic 10 Champions 1991 39-13 16-4 22-2 1-7 12-0 Elaine Sortino (347-152-1) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (1-2) 1992 39-16 22-2 11-10 6-4 10-0 Elaine Sortino (386-168-1) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (3-1) College World Series (2-2, tie 3rd) 1993 33-20 14-7 15-9 4-4 9-1 Elaine Sortino (419-188-1) Atlantic 10 Champions 1994 31-19 14-3 10-7 7-9 8-2 Elaine Sortino (450-207-1) Atlantic 10 Runner-up 1995 40-22 14-4 9-3 17-15 9-1 Elaine Sortino (490-229-1) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (0-2) 1996 38-15-1 12-4-1 13-0 13-11 14-0 Elaine Sortino (528-244-2) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (1-2) 1997 37-23-1 14-1 7-6-1 16-16 12-3 Elaine Sortino (565-267-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAARegional (4-1) College World Series (0-2, tie 7th) 1998 45-14 14-2 14-1 17-11 15-1 Elaine Sortino (610-281-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAARegional (3-0) College World Series (0-2 tie 7th) 1999 43-10 15-0 10-3 18-7 13-1 Elaine Sortino (653-291-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAARegional (2-2) 2000 35-23 19-4 7-2 9-17 13-3 Elaine Sortino (688-314-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (0-2) 2001 44-13 18-0 11-2 15-11 21-0 Elaine Sortino (732-327-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (1-2) 2002 53-13 15-0 22-1 16-12 21-0 Elaine Sortino (785-340-3) Atlantic 10 Champions, NCAA Regional (1-2) 28 yrs. 851-367-4 354-80-1 292-115-3 204-166 176-32 15-time A-10 Champions, 12 NCAA, 3 CWS, 2 AI A W

Nine Atlantic Players of the Y e a r 7 Assistant Coach Danielle Henderson S o ft b a l l

Considered to be one of the most decorated athletes UMass has ever pro- The holder of 25 school records, Henderson finished her career second duced, Danielle Henderson enters her fourth season as an assistant coach all-time on the NCAA’s strikeout list with 1,343 in her four-year career. for the Minutewomen. A member of the gold medal-winning 2000 U.S. The nation’s leader in strikeouts per seven innings in both 1998 and 1999, Olympic softball team and 2001 WPSL Gold team, Henderson will con- Henderson completed her career with two of the top 10 strikeout seasons, centrate her effort on the development of the UMass pitching staff. This with 465 K’s in 1999, which ranks fourth, and 430 strikeouts in 1998, past winter, Henderson was inducted into the New England Women’s which ranks sixth. In 1999, Henderson set a new NCAA record for con- Sports Hall of Fame. secutive scoreless innings, stretching out 105 scoreless frames from March Henderson, one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in NCAAhisto- 16-May 2. She also reeled off a 26-game win streak (Feb. 27-May 21), ry, rewrote the UMass record book in her four seasons on the mound. A which ranks as the seventh-best streak in NCAAhistory. three-time All-America selection, Henderson was a four-time All-Atlantic In her four-year career, she posted a 108-35 record in 161 appearances 10 selection and a four-time A-10 Tournament Most Outstanding Player. (964 innings), a 0.70 ERA, 72 shutouts, 135 complete games, and threw an Henderson capped her brilliant UMass career in 1999 by winning the astounding 14 no-hitters and three perfect games. She ranks in the top 20 Honda Award, given annually to the nation’s top softball player. During the in NCAAhistory in strikeouts, games, innings, starts, complete games, vic- summer of that year, Henderson competed as part of the U.S. National tories, strikeout ratio and shutouts. In 2001, Henderson was recognized for Team that captured the gold medal at the Pan American Games and the her accomplishments by becoming the first player in UMass softball histo- Canada Cup. ry to have her jersey retired. A native of Commack, N.Y., she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from UMass in the spring of 1999. Henderson is single and currently resides in Amherst, Mass.

Danielle Henderson begins her fourth season as an assistant Danielle Henderson was the first softball player in UMass histo - coach on Elaine Sortino’s staff. ry to have her jersey number retired.

8 Six Atlantic 10 Rookies of the Y e a r Kim Burke & Lizzy Lemire S o ft b a l l

Kim Burke is now in her second season on the UMass coaching staff (42) and RBIs (14) and maintained a solid .977 fielding percentage, com after a successful athletic career at Central Michigan University. A four- mitting just four errors in 175 chances. Burke graduated from CMU in time All-Mid American Conference selection, Burke hit .285 for her career 2001 with a bachelor ’s degree in Sport Management. including 36 doubles and 59 RBIs. During her junior campaign, Burke hit A three-year letterwinner at Mount Pleasant (Mich.) High School, Burke .338 with a team-high 10 doubles, a triple, a and 18 RBIs to earn was an All-State selection as a senior and an All-Area and All-Region pick second team All-Region honors. as a junior and senior. She was also named to the Saginaw News Dream As a senior second baseman, Burke ranked second in walks (13) and Team as a senior. sacrifice flies (three), third in on-base percentage (.327), fifth in both hits Burke is single and currently resides in Northampton, Mass.

Lizzy Lemire is beginning her first season as a volunteer assistant on first-team Big East All-Conference pick and earned a spot on the 2001 Elaine Sortino’s staff. Lemire was a four-year outfielder at Notre Dame and United States National Team. Lemire hit over .300 in each of her four sea was named the Big East Player of the Year in 2001. She was a three-time sons with the Irish and was a graduate of Woodbridge H.S., in Irvine, Calif.

Not Pictured) Kathy Henneman Administrative Secretary Mike Isabelle Grounds Crew Dennis O’Neil Grounds Crew Jack O’Neill/Ariel Levis PA Announcers Amanda Wolf Anthony Catterton Mike Hanieski Donna Heinel Dr. Pierre Rouzier Athletic Trainer Strength & Equipment Manager Academic Advisor Team Physician Conditioning

10 Atlantic 10 Pitchers of the Y e a r 9