By Andrew Smith
The softball team is readily preparing for the upcoming season. Practices have begun and the team is focusing on mastering their skills. Sophomore Alexandra Sacripante is preparing to play a major role in the upcoming season as catcher. Sacripante has begun the season batting a .286 average with three runs batted in (RBI) in her first three games.
Sacripante began playing tee ball at the age of five. She credits her father to being her main inspiration in her athletic career. “He played Division 1 baseball at New York Institute of Technology and raised my brother and I in all kinds of sports. I loved softball immediately. I couldn't wait to go to the field with my dad, just hitting buckets of balls whenever we could. My love for the game just kept growing.”
Alexandra Sacripante geared up for an incredible softball season. Photo via AU athletics.
She also credits her role model, David Wright, for her success. Wright played in Major League Baseball for 14 seasons and achieved career accomplishments such as two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. Sacripante chose to wear number five in honor of his remarkable career.
Sacripante, an exercise science major, explained why she chose Adelphi. “It was a school that not only fit me athletically but academically as well. The [exercise science] program is hands-on and allows me to be in the lab watching and participating in tests and experiments.”
She added that the university provides her the opportunity to study in her field of choice and also play softball. “Adelphi softball is something bigger than just me or the 2022 team. This program has such a rich history and it is something I am just proud to be a part of. Adelphi softball has been such a successful program and I am honored to be here.”
Sacripante is also involved in a unique extracurricular activity. She’s a member of the Culper Battalion ROTC program.
“Being a part of ROTC means that upon graduation I will commission as a [Second] Lieutenant in the United States Army. We conduct physical training and classroom portions twice a week, labs once a week, and twice a semester field training exercises,” she said. “It is here that I am learning military, leadership and teamwork skills that I will be able to use in my future career.”
Sacripante shared her thoughts on the upcoming season and the state of her team. “This year's team has a lot of promise and I cannot wait to finally get out there and play in North Carolina. Practices have been honing in on our skills as the season is quickly approaching. This season will be my first full 50-game season, so I am excited to experience it and travel with my teammates.”
Last year the team was only able to play 40 games including the playoffs as the season was shortened due to Covid-19 and protocols limited the amount of games that were to be played.
Sacripante is a very dedicated player and prepared to have a successful season. The team has played through eight games so far, with their next to take place at Georgian Court University at noon on March 12.
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