The CT Softball Blog

Here is a capsulized look at the Eastern Connecticut State University Softball team

Coach/Years: Diana Pepin/25th

Last year’s record: 21-18 (13-3 in Little East Conference play)

2025 Postseason: Went 1-2 in Little East Conference tournament

2026 Current Record: 0-0 (Season Opens Sunday, March 15, vs Macalester College in Florida).

Key Players Returning: Maddy Bowen, Sr., C; Abby Thompson, Sr., C; Lily Kenefick, Sr., 2B; Carli LoPresto, Sr., 1B; Kaley Laird, Jr., Util; Reagan Lalor, Jr., Util; Julia Boya, Jr., OF; Taylor Lathrop, Jr., Util; Elizabeth Mitchell, Soph., P-Util; Sam Healy, Soph., Util;

Top Newcomers: Grace Jenkins, Jr., SS (transfer from Southern New Hampshire University), Hadley Marchand, Jr., Util (Transfer from Endicott College); Ashlyn Kenefick, Fr., OF; Leah Chatfield, Fr., P-DP; Kayla Jette, Fr., C-DP; Khaiyanna Maldonado, Fr., OF; Jenna Maus, Fr. C.

Outlook: ECSU head coach Diana Pepin enters the season with 588 wins and her Warriors were picked to win the Little East Conference once again. While Eastern suffered some big losses it does return LEC Pitcher of the Year Elizabeth Mitchell, out of Coventry. Only four seniors are on the roster this season, but the Warriors boast seven juniors so leadership shouldn’t be an issue. As always, expect ECSU to battle for the LEC title and a berth in the NCAA tournament once again. The Warriors boast 14 players from Connecticut, including LoPresto (Stonington), both Keneficks (Southington), Marchand (Andover/RHAM), Lathrop (Enfield), Laird (Bristol/Bristol Central), Jenkins (Groton/Marine Science Magnet), Boya (Coventry), Lalor (Danbury), Mitchell (Coventry), Maus (Woodbridge/Amity Regional), Maldonado (Norwich/Norwich Tech), Jette (Avon), and Chatfield (Naugatuck).

(Editor’s Note: Cover photo courtesy of Eastern Connecticut State University athletics)

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