Softball Announces 2013 Captains

The Central Connecticut softball team honored five members with the title of captain for the 2013 season. The five Blue Devil captains are seniors Lauryn Alibozek and Kelsey Barlow and juniors Emily Pogemiller, Tessa Brown and Arielle Bruno.

"I am very proud of this group," Head Coach Jeff Franquet said. "Each of these student-athletes brings different but important things to our team. The team looks up to each of these girls and in naming these five athletes captain, we have raised the expectation of their leadership."

Alibozek, a senior outfielder and pinch runner, has proven her leadership throughout her three seasons with the Blue Devils. A hard-worker on the field, Alibozek also works hard in the classroom as she was recently named NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete.

"Lauryn brings a positive attitude to the team and is always willing to help out," Franquet said. "She also has a great relationship with her teammates and will be a great leader."

Pogemiller entered 15 games for the Blue Devils last season, mostly as a pinch runner. In addition to being a valuable team member on the field, Pogemiller also assists in day-to-day operations regarding the team. She goes above and beyond in helping the team behind-the-scenes.

"Emily helps to keep the team cohesive," Franquet said. "She's always helping set up for practice, catch for the pitchers and anything else the team needs. She is a true team player."  

Senior outfielder Barlow currently ranks second in CCSU history in career home runs (19). The senior also holds the single-season home run record at 10 (tied with classmate Nicole Springer). She is also ranked fourth all-time in CCSU history in RBI with 74.

"Kelsey has emerged as a leader coming into this season," Franquet said. "She led the team in fall practices and the team looks to her for guidance. I know she is ready for this role."

Brown, a junior utility player, played an integral role for the Blue Devils last season starting in 49 games and posting 43 hits, 25 runs, three doubles, one triple and eight RBI. She currently ranks seventh in CCSU history in career batting average (.302) and 10th in career slugging percentage (.416).

"Tessa is a natural leader and the team really respects her both as an athlete and a leader," Franquet said. "They look to her for mechanical and technical tips on the field."

Also a junior, Bruno started 49 games last season and racked up 54 hits, 38 runs, nine doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 26 RBI. The outfielder ranks in the top 10 in five out of 11 statistical categories in CCSU history. She is second in slugging percentage (.494), fourth in batting average (.326), sixth in runs scored (77), tied for eighth in home runs (10) and ranks 10th in total bases (173).

"Arielle is a born leader due to her athletic talent and ability to lead by example," Franquet said. "She is one of the best players in the league and always puts in 100 percent during practice and games." 

The 2013 Blue Devil softball season will kick off on Friday, March 1 at the Under Armour Invitational hosted by the University of South Florida in Clearwater, FL.