BY: AIDAN SHINNERS, STAFF WRITER
Photo Courtesy of gobonnies.com
The St. Bonaventure University softball team heads into the 2025 season with the goal of returning to competitiveness after a 4-39 (1-18 A-10) 2024 campaign.
Returning to the Bonnies lineup, sophomore outfielder Sydney DeGram who led the team with a .313 batting average in her first season with the Bonnies. Sophomore utility player Kymora Wang who led the team in both total bases and runs batted in last season returns as well. Bonaventure was only able to record a .191 batting average with eight homers last season, but sophomore catcher Eleanor Park said their talented and deep freshmen class can help to improve those numbers.
“We have a very talented freshman class who will play,” said Park. “Seven of our nine starters last year were seniors, that makes this a whole new team.”
The Bonnies have nine newcomers including freshman second baseman and shortstop Abigail Ahern who said she was very grateful for the opportunity to join the Bonnies.
“I loved the campus and of course I wanted to play Division I softball,” Ahern said. “It was such an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
Ahern hit .395 as a senior and holds Jordan Elbridge’s high school records for hits, runs, stolen bases and home runs. Ahern said she is excited for the season and ready to make an impact wherever she can.
“I want to make a huge impact like any player does,” said Ahern. “I want to be better all-around and support this team whenever and wherever possible.”
Ahern added that with such a large freshmen class, the returning players have needed to step up and take freshmen under their wing to help improve the team quickly.
Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, the Bonnies committed 81 fielding errors and had an earned run average of 8.66. Bonaventure’s pitcher with the most appearances, Emily Phelan graduated leaving shoes to fill in the pitching staff. Returning pitchers include sophomores Kendall Stull, who led the team with a 6.35 ERA in 17 appearances and Kylie Bickert who recorded 32 strikeouts in 24 appearances. Bickert also led the Bonnies in homers last season with two.
Freshman Jordan Lucas, who looks to bolster the pitching staff, posted a 1.16 ERA in high school with a school record 256 strikeouts her junior year.
Lucas said that she would like to make an impact both on and off the field by bringing positive energy and being a supportive teammate even when not playing. Lucas said she has developed a strong relationship with sophomore pitcher Kaylee Grace.
“Kaylee [Grace] is my rock,” Lucas said. “She tells me the brutal truth and is there for me after good and bad performances.”
Lucas said she plans on getting some reps in at first base this season as well. She said that she has learned a lot about the position from sophomore Kendall Stull.
“Kendall [Stull] is our first baseman,” Lucas said. “She is encouraging and someone I go to if I have questions.”
The winningest coach in Bonaventure softball history, Mike Threehouse returns to represent the Brown and White for a 29th season.
Assisting Coach Threehouse this season is Diana Phalon-Mole, a 2012 Bona’s graduate who played four seasons appearing in 53 games as a Bonnie.
The Bonnies open their season on Friday, Feb. 21, with a three-day stretch in Virginia. The team takes on the Hampton Pirates, Norfolk State Spartans and Mount St. Mary’s.
