LORETTO, PA – Head Saint Francis U softball coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift signed six newcomers in the most recent signing period for the 2013-14 season.
Alexis Bower (Cogan Station, Pa./Williamsport Area)
A versatile threat on the field, Bower has seen time at Williamsport Area High School both on the mound and at the shortstop position. Bower was named Lycoming County Player of the Year two years running by ESPN Williamsport and earned Pitcher of the Year status as well for 2011 and 2012. Her sophomore season Bower received second team all-state honors and graduated to first team honors the following year. All of these accolades helped the 5-8 Bower and her Millionaires squad to back-to-back district championships.
Bower, a future occupational therapy major, is a member of National Honor Society and is the daughter of Quint and Patricia Bower.
“Bower is also a shortstop and power hitter so she will look to contribute significantly offensively and defensively as well when she’s not on the mound,” Patrick-Swift said.
Ethel Santai (Pine Grove, Pa./Pine Grove Area)
Through three varsity seasons at Pine Grove Area High School, Santai compiled a 45-5 pitching record, an 0.44 earned run average and 569 strikeouts all in 331 innings pitched. The 5-8 hurler was the Pottsville Republican ‘Pitcher of the Year’ and earned first team all-state recognition as a pitcher. Santai assisted in the Cardinals capturing a league title as well as a District XI AA championship.
Santai is the daughter of Stephen and Janice Torola, is a member of National Honor Society and will major in physical therapy.
“You can never have too much pitching so adding Alexis and Ethel to our current staff will give us tremendous depth as well as options. Ethel and Alexis will both have the opportunity to throw a lot of innings immediately,” Patrick-Swift said. “They both are hard throwers that can move the ball around but more importantly, they go after batters and expect to get outs. Their physical abilities speak for themselves but it’s their mental toughness that gives these two girls the extra edge. We look forward to expanding that dynamic to our staff.”
Diana LaPalombara (Levittown, Pa./Neshaminy)
As a four-year letterwinner in softball at Neshaminy High School, LaPalombara was selected as the Redskins defensive and offensive player of the year as well as earning All-SE PA honors and a pick to the Suburban One first team. As a junior, the 5-5 native of Levittown, Pa. hit .322 with seven doubles, 18 runs scored and three long balls.
LaPalombara is a member of National Honor Society, will major in biology and is the daughter of Michael and Divina LaPalombara.
“Diana is extremely smooth defensively,” Patrick-Swift said. “She has a ton of range and the arm strength to finish the tough play. She carries herself with a noticeable confidence on the field that pushes everyone around her to be better.”
Kelsie Marconi (Lowber, Pa./Yough)
Marconi holds the Yough High School varsity softball record for career stolen bases and the single season stolen base record as well. As a four-year letterwinner in softball for the Cougars she received all-section honors and has seen time at a variety of positions including pitcher, shortstop and center field.
A future aquarium and zoo sciences major, she is the daughter of Joe and Nanci Marconi.
“Kelsie is a player I knew I had to have from the first time I saw her play,” Patrick-Swift said. “She looks to out work, out hit and out run everyone on the field. She has game changing speed as she can flat out fly on the base paths and in the outfield. Adding her to our team gives us the ability to run down balls that would normally fall in for hits. Offensively she’ll put pressure on defenses every time she puts the ball in play.”
“One position we were specifically looking to add depth to was the catching position,” Patrick-Swift said. “Kindra Witthus and Nicole Paiotti certainly give that depth to the team.”
Nicole Paiotti (Oakland, N.J./Indian Hills)
Paiotti brings with her a long list of accolades from three varsity seasons at Indian Hills High School. The 5-0 right hander enjoyed three first team all-league selections, two all-county honors and two all-conference first team selections. She was named Freshman Player of the Year Bergen County and All-Suburban as well. Currently in her high school playing career she has a cumulative batting average of .437 with 30 doubles, nine home runs and has driven in 83 runs.
She is the daughter of Angelo and Barbara Paiotti.
“Nicole leaves it all on the field when she plays,” Patrick-Swift said. “Offensively she wants the opportunity to be in the box when the game is on the line and defensively she is smart about what her job is behind the plate.”
Kindra Witthus (Hudson, Wis./Hudson Senior)
As a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain of the softball team at Hudson Senior High School, Witthus earned a number of accolades during her time with the Raiders. The 5-6 catcher received all-conference honors three times, and all-district and all-state regards twice. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Witthus was placed on the academic all-conference squad two times as well.
Witthus will enroll as an undecided major, is a member of National Honor Society and is the daughter of Randy Witthus and Donna Fink.
“Kindra is a smart ball player who is always looking for an opportunity to capitalize on opponents mistakes,” Patrick-Swift said. “She is a student of the game and that is what drives her to improve on a daily basis.”
Saint Francis begins its season at the NC A&T tournament with four games beginning Feb. 22 against Maryland Eastern Shore.
