April 26, 2006
Box Score
Three years ago Coach Bill Saar, a letter carrier for the US postal service, took over the reins of the Neumann Knights softball team whose 2001 and 2002 records were two of the worst in program history. Today, with double wins over Coach Saar's former team Immaculata University 11-1 and 16-3, the Neumann Knights (23-9) have their first winning season since 1986, and have broken the record for the most wins season for the third consecutive year.
Under his leadership, the now retired postman, has led his Knights to be nationally ranked in ten out of twelve categories in the NCAA's Division III National Ranking Summary for games through April 23, 2006. A turn around for the Knights has definitely been made. The efforts of Neumann Knights Kim Zlupko, Kirsten Lawlor, Kelli Ann Meehan, Angela Sebasto, Caitlin Hanrahan, Danielle Hayes and team captain Katie Kletzel, along with the rest of the Knights' 25 person roster, propelled this Neumann team to a 10-0 start to the 2006 season and their latest four game winning streak.
In game one of the afternoon double header Neumann's Kelli Ann Meehan allowed only five hits and stuck out 11 in seven innings of work. Angela Sebasto led Neumann offensively with a lead off homerun in the second inning and a 2-RBI single in the third, which proved to be all the Knights would need to close the deal. The Knights went on to win the opener 11-1.
In the nightcap, Caitlin Hanrahan led the Knights going 3-3 with a double and 3 RBI's. Sebasto stepped up both offensively and defensively for the Knights in the 16-3 win going 2-4 at the plate and allowing just one hit in four innings of work, striking out five while on the mound.
Over the last three seasons the Knights have developed into a major contender for the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference title. Currently 16-4 in the PAC, Neumann has just one conference and one non conference game remaining before the PAC Championship Tournament standing will be determined. The Knights will travel to Rosemont on Friday, April 28, 2006 and will host Delaware County neighbor Widener University on Monday.
For More information on the NCAA's National Rankings Summary Click Go Knights!
For more information on the PAC standings and current leader click Go Knights!
