Norfolk, VA - The Wagner College softball team will open its 2024 season at the Battle at the Bay hosted by Hampton University this weekend. 

The Seahawks will play four games over two days, beginning with a doubleheader against Norfolk State Friday, February 16 and ending with a doubleheader against Hampton and Coppin State Saturday, February 17. 

Entering his first year as head coach for the Seahawks, Glenn Moore will be assisted by Thomas McNiff, Joseph Wuensch, and graduate assistant Jayda Alaan. 

Wagner is returning two seniors, two juniors, and four sophomores while welcoming 11 freshmen.

In the circle, the Seahawks will carry four pitchers, led by sophomore Natalie Rodriguez. In her first year, Rodriguez appeared in 16 games, making 13 starts with a season-high five strike-outs against Iona. Sophomore Emma Crosby along with freshmen Karson Zavala and Abby Moran will complete Wagner's pitching rotation. 

In the field, Wagner will have a catcher core made up of four rookies as Sydney Chargualaf, Anna Burke, Grace Avery and Brityn Buchanan make their debut this weekend.

The infield returns senior Brooke Wood, juniors Kate Wolf and Justine Carranza, and sophomore Payton Janicki. Wolf finished last season with 27 hits, nine RBIs and four multi-hit games, including a three-hit performance at Merrimack (4/15). Carranza finished the 2023 season with 21 hits and seven runs scored while Janicki was one of three Seahawks to start all 40 games last year recording 11 hits and six runs scored. 

Joining them in the infield will be freshmen Leilani Gonzales, Lea Rachal and Sydnie Trujillo. 

In the outfield, senior Samantha Tran is joined by sophomore Jordyn Dulken and freshmen Sammy Bolton and Noelle Estephan. 
 
 Last year, the Seahawks picked up a 2-1 victory over Lehigh at the tournament. 

The Seahawks will begin conference play on the road against Sacred Heart on Saturday, March 16. Wagner's home opener will be on Friday, March 29 where they will host Merrimack.