Merrimack College’s softball team is set to open its season by participating in the UNLV Rebel Classic, which takes place over three days from Friday to Sunday. The Warriors will play five games during the tournament, facing UNLV, Valparaiso, Idaho State, and Utah Valley. This marks the first time Merrimack will compete against Valparaiso, Idaho State, and Utah Valley. All tournament games will be available for free viewing on the UNLVAthletics channel on YouTube.
The tournament also serves as the debut for new head coach Jill Gagnon. “Gagnon followed a stellar college career at Merrimack where she was a First Team All-NE10 selection and selected to the NE10 All-Championship Team and was also named NFCA All-American East Region First Team as a senior in 2009, to a fantastic coaching career at Saint Anselm, winning 316 games over 12 seasons winning three NE-10 championships and making seven NCAA tournament appearances including a runner up finish in 2018.”
This season, Merrimack returns 18 players from last year’s roster. The team also adds six freshmen and two transfers who both played previously at Saint Anselm.
Among returning hitters is senior Thiana Brito of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Brito led the team with 39 hits last season, including seven extra-base hits. Other key returnees include Gabby Kaduson and Madeline Arvai, who ranked third and fifth in hits on the team last year.
On the pitching staff, junior Anna Gedacht from Fairfield, Connecticut returns after leading the team in wins last season. Gedacht pitched 140 innings with 11 complete games and maintained a 2.85 ERA. Emma Prahin and Brandi Neil are also back this year. Additionally, transfer Sam Ryan joins from Saint Anselm; Ryan won 14 games with a 2.54 ERA last season.
Merrimack begins its schedule with 13 consecutive road games before hosting its first home contest at Martone-Mejail Field on March 11.
For ongoing updates about Merrimack College Athletics, fans can visit MerrimackAthletics.com or follow their social media channels.
