WEST HAVEN, Conn. - The University of New Haven softball team opens its 2012 season Saturday, March 10 at the National Training Center Spring Games in Claremont, Fla. Here's a look at the 2012 team and the 2012 season.

Infield
The Chargers return a great deal of experience in their infield, led by junior Christina Gelardi (Derby, Conn./Derby). (SS). Gelardi tallied a .405 batting average last season en route to earning Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division II All-American Third Team honors. She anchored the infield defense, totaling just 10 errors on the season and a .947 fielding percentage. Other returning starters include sophomore Lindsey Couturier (Dighton, Mass./Dighton Rehoboth Regional) who started all 53 games last year at third base, recording a .947 fielding percentage as well. Sophomore Brandy Dianno (Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth Academy) will join the infield this year at second base, leaving her previous starting position in center field.  Freshman Jessica Spivey will look to make an immediate impact on the Charger defense, claiming a starting position at first base.  Also joining New Haven in her first year is Erika Williams (Oneida, N.Y./Oneida), joining Dianno at second base.

Outfield
Seniors Shannon Angher and Amy Nepi (New Castle, Del./St. Elizabeth ) will anchor the outfield defense for the 2012 season.  Angher will move from her normal starting position in 2011 at right field over to left field for her senior campaign replacing All-American Chelsea Harold.  Nepi looks to contribute to the defense with her experience as a senior outfielder, being named New Haven’s starting centerfielder to begin the season.  Also returning to the outfield is second-year player, senior Brenna Wiedman.  During the 2011 season, Weidman saw action in several games, her primary role being a pinch runner for the offense.  Joining the outfield this year is junior Lucy Francisco (Lawrence, Mass./Lawrence ).  Francisco will make a move from her former infield position by grabbing a starting right field position but could move back to the infield as needed.  Sophomores Meghan Chamoff (Roslyn Heights, N.Y./Herricks) also returns with experience in the outfield.  Making her debut on the team is freshman Sadie Redman (Bangor, Maine/Bangor), who could see playing time this year as well.

Pitching/Catching
The pitching staff returns second-year junior Alana Wesche (Oxford, Conn./Naugatuck) for the 2011 season, who appeared in 23 last year.  She showed great development in the off-season after finishing 2011 with a 3.08 earned run average and a 12-7 record. Looking to make a large impact as a sophomore, Kelsey Malloy (Clarksburg, Mass./Drury) saw action in five games last year for a total of 9.2 innings pitched.  Keri Tricinelli (Brick, N.J./Monsignor Donovan) could potentially see a great deal of action on the mound this year, as she is currently recovering from an injury.  Last season, Tricinelli added to the team’s offense, primarily taking on the role of designated hitter.  Sophomore Brooke Fisher (Erial, N.J./Camden Catholic) returns for her second season behind the plate for the Chargers.  As the starting catcher, Fisher was named to the Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team for her outstanding performance at the plate and in the field. She compiled a .306 batting average, 19 RBI, and 12 runs scored.  Joining her as first-year athletes behind the plate are freshmen Gilly Childs (Los Angeles, Calif./Notre Dame Academy), Courtney Reed (Lower Burrell, Pa./Burrell) and Ashley Calise (Plainview, N.Y./Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK).  

Schedule
The Chargers will open their 2012 campaign on Saturday, March 10 when they battle West Chester University at the NTC Spring games in Claremont, FL. The schedule also features 10 home double-headers and 15 Northeast-10 Conference contests.

 New Haven will play seven more games down in Florida, including an NE-10 Conference match-up against Bentley, before returning home for the heart of their schedule with a non-conference contest against Georgian Court University.  An NE-10 Conference home double-header against Saint Michael’s College rounds out the month of March for the Chargers.

April gets underway with an NE-10 Conference match-up against Franklin Pierce.  New Haven will travel to an NE-10 Conference contest against Southern New Hampshire University on Saturday, April 7 before its final six match-ups of the season. The Chargers will host senior day during their final home game on Thursday, April 19 against Dominican College.  New Haven will travel to Stonehill College on April 21 to close their season.

The 2012 Northeast-10 Conference Softball Championship tournament will start on Tuesday, April 24, while the conference will crown its champion on Sunday, April 29.

For complete coverage throughout the season, stay posted to www.NewHavenChargers.com.