Colgate Softball Names 2010 Team Captains

By John Gilger, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications

HAMILTON, N.Y. – Jess McCarrick (Oak Hill, Va.), Nicole Siedhof (Canton, Pa.), and Jennifer Ortega (Aberdeen, N.J.) have been named tri-captains for the 2010 Colgate Softball season; it was announced Friday morning.

“The coaching staff endorses the voice of the players,” said head coach Vickie Sax, the 2009 Patriot League Coach of the Year. “High expectations lead to high performances. There is no question that JMack, Jen, and Nicole have the values that will mediate the path of action for our program this spring!”

McCarrick finished with an 11-6 record, a 2.86 earned run average, and 74 strikeouts in 117.1 innings of work. Her wins, strikeout, innings pitched, as well as appearance (23) and complete game (14) totals led the squad. The senior was recognized as one of four Colgate players to earn second team all-Patriot League accolades and was named the Team MVP at the conclusion of the season.

“JMack’s personality is a natural for generating team chemistry,” said Sax. “She leads by example with her energy and heart. Her positive attitude can motivate our team to a productive showing in the Patriot League Tournament.”

Siedhof, who split time between third and catcher, played in 30 of 43 games, making 28 starts. The rising junior, who was named with the Team Hustle Award, hit .364 with two doubles, one triple, three homers and 14 RBI in a season cut short by injury. Her .458 on base percentage ranked third on the squad.

“Nicole is dedicated to the program,” said Sax. “She is an inspiration with her tireless desire to keep pushing her teammates to get better – even under the adversity of her own season-ending injury. Even from the sidelines, her passion makes us better. She wants to win all the time.”

Ortega, the squad’s 2009 Rookie of the Year, quickly established herself as one of the top power sources for the Raiders in her inaugural collegiate campaign. The sophomore shortstop belted seven homers, which tied for the team lead and drove in 28 runs. In addition, Ortega was second on the team with seven stolen bases.

“Jen’s intensity and drive will set the tempo for Colgate Softball,” said Sax. “Her expectations of her own performance raises the bar for everyone around her.”

Colgate returns three second team all-league performers and 11 letterwinners off last year’s 25-18 squad.

Colgate Softball Names 2010 Team Captains

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