Saints Athletics at The College of St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica head softball coach Jen Walter has announced today nine recruits that intend to play for the Saints during the 2010 season.

The class features seven incoming freshmen and two transfers. These nine newcomers will look to replace four out-going seniors from a squad that finished 31-12 overall, including 21-0 in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). The Saints captured both the UMAC regular season and tournament crowns this past spring. It was the 13th UMAC Tournament championship in program history.

Leading the class are a pair of All-State players in catcher Bonnie Kowalczyk and pitcher Darcy Roach.

Kowalczyk, a native of Menomonee Falls, Wis., was a second team All-State choice this spring. She led the Indians to a state tournament appearance and was named to the 2009 Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association (WFSCA) All-Star Team.

Roach, a native of East Grand Forks, was also a second team All-State selection this spring. She was also an academic All-State choice and was named to the 2009 Minnesota All-Star series.

Shannon Schmidt, a pitcher from De Pere, Wis., intends to join the Saints this upcoming school year. Schmidt was a first team all-conference selection in 2008 and a second team choice this past season.

Other incoming high school seniors include catchers Jennifer Marinaro of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School and Leah Hettwer of St. Francis, third baseman Jannen Stewart-Garcia of DeLaSalle High School, and outfielder Allison Spiering of Irondale High School. Marinaro was an all-area selection this spring and Stewart-Garcia made all-conference in 2008 and 2009.

The two incoming transfers are Rachel Perushek from Mesabi Range Community College and Brittni Johnson from Northland Community College. Perushek, a third baseman, is originally from Eveleth, while Johnson, a utility player, is originally from Thief River Falls.

“This is one of the deepest recruiting classes we’ve had since 2002,” said Walter. “We’ve added some depth on the mound and also addressed our needs in the catching position. Many of these players are versatile players so they really give us depth throughout our roster.”

Coach Walter will look to guide the Saints to their 11 conference championship in the last 12 years in 2010.