2024 Softball Season Preview
2024 Kats Combine Veteran Leadership with an Infusion of Youth
The 2024 Lady Kats will be led by some key veterans. The Kats only returning player from '23 will be Samantha Wing from Victor, NY. Wing will look to hold down center field while also providing innings in the infield when needed. Wing who as a freshman batted nearly .400 brings a consistent bat and speed to the lineup.
The Kats are happy to welcome Emma Rozborski, a transfer from NCCC. The second year standout will lead the way in the circle and was responsible for 11 of NCCC's wins last year as she provided 110 innings and 14 complete games. Rozborski struck out 102 batters while walking only 52 in her 2023 campaign.
Behind the plate the Kats are in great shape where Anna Cervino, a 2018 Cleveland Hill graduate and former Herkimer product will captain the ship. Cervino a high school all star and all Western New York selection also has a PONY National Championship on her resume from 2017 with the NY Inferno Fastpitch travel program.
The rest of the Kats lineup will feature a youthful explosion led by Cheyenne Barnard, Olivia Ball, Emily Pacheco, Natalie Witt and Isabella Raimondi.
Barnard, the first recruit from the 2023 class will provide innings in the circle as well as the outfield and infield. The Iroquois HS and Elma native boasts a big bat that will propel the Kats offense. Bernard is a member of the Mell Ott and Lancaster Heat Travel programs.
Ball a City of Buffalo product who played at Tapestry High School will mostly provide innings at SS but can play anywhere up the middle including CF and catcher. Another 2023 recruit, Ball had an all star high school career and is a member of the NY Inferno Fastpitch travel program. Ball will be a feared hitter in the middle of the Kats lineup.
Pacheco, another recruited player will bring her versatility to 1B and the OF. Another High School All Star from Dunkirk HS, Pacheco will be an offensive presence that will pace the Kats offense. She is a member of the West Seneca Magic Travel program.
The Lady Kats were pleased to welcome Natalie Witt, another High School All Star from the class of 23. Witt, a Depew native who played at Depew High school adds a great softball IQ and will be a force for the Kats in the middle of the diamond. She plays her travel softball with the Orchard Park Stars and will be a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the Kats batting order.
Isabella "Bella" Raimondi is another recruit who will help the Kats hold down the left side of the infield. Raimondi will be another big stick in the middle of the Kats lineup. The Amherst native who plays travel ball for the Amherst Thunder will bring great athleticism to the Kats.
Another freshman, Brianna Farnsworth is a Depew native from Depew High School. Brianna will provide a solid OF presence and her speed and athletic prowess will put pressure on opposing defenses.
The Kats roster is rounded out by Chareteona Starks, a city of Buffalo standout that played at CSAT. Chareteona will look to add pop to the Kats offense.
Alison Hawes from Cheektowaga will provide Innings in the outfield as will Anna Cahoon, a Clarence product. Madeline Wareham from Williamsville will also be called on to play the OF as well. Wareham played her travel ball for Lou Gehrig.
The Kats are coached by Craig Leone, Chris Albert and Charles Righetti. The trio looks to improve on last year's 8-12 conference record.
Assisting the Kats as pitching coach is Kara Husband Zimdahl.