Here is a capsulized look at the University of St. Joseph softball team:
Coach Years: Jim McKinnon, 21st.
2025 Record: 22-19 (9-7, GNAC)
Playoffs: Finished as 2025 GNAC Runners-up.
Current Record: 4-6.
Key Players Returning: Paige Fekete, Sr., P; Kaitlyn Ouelette, Sr., P-OF; Avianna Ibrahim, Sr., OF; Analise Escarraman, Sr., P-OF; Madelyn Ellis, Sr., OF; Jennifer Antonowicz, Jr., IF; Sydney Robinson, Jr., C; Gabby Marichal, Soph., IF; Sadie Girgasky, Soph. IF-C; Sophia Onofrio, Soph., IF; Lorynes Suriel, Soph., OF; Jalynn Poll, Soph., IF; Camille Jones, Soph., IF-C; Kayla Phelps, Soph., IF; Brenna Lyver, Soph, P-1B.
Top Newcomers: Rachel Brewer-Karimi, Jr., OF (Transfer from Westfield State); Gracie Browne, Fr., IF; Emily Emily Allen, Fr., P; Hailey Bebbe,Fr., P-1B; Sierra Messier, Fr., P-OF; Abby Young, Fr., C-Util.
Outlook: The University of St. Joseph Blue Jays were one win away from the NCAA Division 3 tournament last season, falling in the league final series, two games to one. McKinnon’s crew certainly would love to get another shot at going deeper into the postseason and this year’s group could certainly do that. St. Joseph was picked second in the GNAC South preseason poll behind Albertus Magnus. Both teams, however, received 7 first-place votes. St. Joe’s lost three of their top seven hitters, but lost only one of its top four pitchers. A big freshman class last year, some of whom didn’t play a single game because of the talent in front of them, have already stepped this season for the squad. Twenty-three of the 26 players on the USJ roster are from Connecticut. They include: Rachel Brewer-Karimi (Torrington), Sophia Onofrio (Naugatuck), Kaitlyn Ouellette (Wolcott), Kayla Phelps (Wolcott), Lila ward (Vernon/Rockville), Jordyn Fitch (Andover/RHAM), Madelyn Ellis (Newington/East Catholic), Paige Fekete (Watertown), Jennifer Antonowicz (Wolcott), Emily Allen (Durham (Coginchaug Regional), Abi Julian (Stafford Springs/Stafford), Jaylynn Poll (Waterbury/Holy Cross), Gracie Browne (Bristol/Bristol Eastern), Brenna Lyver (Enfield), Gianna Quaresima (Rocky Hill), Sierra Messier (Bristol/Bristol Central), Avianna Ibrahim (Colchester/MCLA), Hailey Beebe (Bristol/Bristol Eastern), Jainna Marcinczyk (Seymour), Sadie Girgasky (Bethlehem/Holy Cross), Analise Escarraman (Windham), Sydney Robinson (Clinton/Morgan School), and Abby Young (Middletown).
(Cover photo courtesy of University of St. Joseph Athletics)
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