It was quite a season in 2022 for the Seton Hill softball team.
The Griffins won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division title and advanced to NCAA Division II World Series in Denver after winning the Atlantic Regional and Super Regional. They finished 42-12.
But the 2023 team faces new challenges.
Coach Jessica Strong resigned to take a job at Berry College in Berry, Ga., and the Griffins graduated five key starters: top pitcher Morgan Ryan, player of the year Jenna Osikowicz, outfielder Nichole McClendon, utility player Anna Klotz and outfielder Natalia Greco.
The team also will be missing infielder Morgan Toal, who sustained a season-ending injury.
But Strong left a veteran team for new coach Cassie Moore, who comes from Bethany. Moore played high school softball at Northwestern near Erie.
“I’m very familiar with the players from Western Pennsylvania,” Moore said. “I’m looking forward to the season. All the credit goes to the players. They were ready to begin the season.”
Seton Hill, which is picked to finish second in the PSAC West, returns eight starters, and Strong had a good recruiting class.
“I have big shoes to fill for sure,” Moore said. “But we have a strong squad returning. My goal is to build strong young ladies.”
Seton Hill opened the season Feb. 14 with a doubleheader sweep of Wheeling. The Griffins won Game 1, 7-0, as Grace Paredes went 4 for 4 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Freshman Abby Smearman came off the bench in Game 2 to single home a run and then hit a walk-off grand slam as the Griffins posted a 12-3 victory.
“That was a good coaching move with Abby,” Moore said. “I was looking for a hit, and she delivered. The grand slam was a shock.”
Moore will be counting on a strong infield led by third baseman Paredes, shortstop Nina Grandey, second baseman Brooklyn Fukushima and first baseman Brooke Cleland, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Mackenzie Zang returns as catcher, and Alexis Bonatch returns in the outfield.
Returning in the circle is junior Lauren Dellet, who twirled a shutout, and sophomore Chloe Elliott.
“We have a good freshman class,” Moore said. “I didn’t get a chance to recruit this season. Next year I’ll be looking for a junior college pitcher. Morgan (Toal) said she plans on returning for another season.”
Moore said she has been pleased with how hard the team is working.
“This group knows what it takes to win,” Moore said. “I’m excited to see how we continue to grow.”
The team returns to action Wednesday at Glenville State.
Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul by email at pschofield@triblive.com or via Twitter .