College Softball: Rider Signs Three

LAWRENCEVILLE — Head coach Tricia Carroll of the Rider University softball team has announced that Amanda Crimarco, Kaitlyn Kallert and Megan McDonough have signed National Letters of Intent to further their education and continue their athletic careers as members of the Class of 2017.

“Overall, I’m very excited about this group,” said head coach Tricia Carroll who is beginning her 19th season.  “All these players are talented and will fit right in with our team.”

Crimarco, from Levittown, N.Y., is a 5-8 infielder who can play third base, shortstop or second base.

“Amanda has a very good bat and plays strong defense,” Carroll said.  “I am very excited about her.  She brings a lot offensively and defensively and has a great attitude as well.”

At Kellenberg Memorial High School, Crimarco is a three-year varsity starting shortstop and helped lead her team to two undefeated seasons and a New York State Championship in 2012, while earning All-League honors in Catholic High School Athletic Association.

A member of the National Honor Society and in the All-Honors program and an Academic Honor Roll honoree, Crimarco is looking to major in Accounting or Finance.

Kallert, from Passaic, N.J., is a 5-5 right-handed pitcher.

“Kaitlyn has good speed, movement and location,” Carroll said.  “She is smart and competitive.  She gets the ground balls and pop-ups to let the defense do their job.  She is a very good addition to our young pitching staff.  I believe she will compete for a weekend spot depending on how quickly she adjusts to the collegiate game.”

Kallert, who is looking to major in Broadcast Journalism (TV/Radio) and minor in Public Relations, is in her fourth season on the varsity at Passaic Valley High School. 

As a junior, Kallert earned Third Team All-Group III New Jersey, First Team All-Passaic County, First Team All-Big North Conference and First Team All-Area honors from both the Newark Star Ledger and WGHT Radio.

A left-hander from Olney, Md., McDonough can play the infield, the outfield and pitch.

“We are excited to get another left handed power bat in the lineup,” Carroll said.  “She plays very well in the outfield and at first base and, oh by the way, can pitch too.  We are expecting her to break into the lineup in the outfield but with her skills, she may just end up in the infield or on the mound.”

At Sherwood High School, McDonough was the starting first baseman for the 2012 4A State Championship softball team, batting .508 with 23 runs, 20 RBI, six doubles, three triples and two home runs for the undefeated Lady Warriors. A three-year starter, McDonough has a .962 fielding percentage.  McDonough has also been awarded the Scholar Athlete Award for both her school and the state of Maryland and has a weighted grade point average of 4.42 and plans to study Biology with a focus in Pre-medicine.

Rider opens the 2013 season February 8-10 at the East Carolina tournament and the Broncs are scheduled to open at home (Herb and Joan Young Field) on March 13 against Monmouth.

The Broncs return 11 letter-winners for the upcoming season.