2026 Catholic Softball Season Preview

2/19/2026 3:03:00 PM | By: Sarah Lodge

TOWSON, Md. – The Catholic softball team was picked to finish second in the conference in this season's Landmark Preseason Coaches Poll, it was announced today. The Cardinals received 58 points in the poll and earned three first place votes to come in behind Moravian.

The Cardinals came in behind Moravian, who were picked to once again win the conference, with 62 points and six first place votes. Catholic earned 58 points and collected three first place votes. The Cardinals finished last season with a 31-12 program-best record. Sophie Maccarone will be at the helm for her third season, looking to once again produce a new record-breaking season-record.

The Cardinals have several key returners as they look to battle for the top spot in the Landmark this spring. Katie Scolese, senior infielder, had an incredible offensive season with a towering 50 hits and 12 doubles as an Honorable Mention All-Conference recipient. Scolese will be a key asset to scoring runs for the Cardinals, tallying 38 RBIs last season and looks to keep the momentum going.

Katie McHugh had a breakout sophomore season, earning Second Team All-Conference honors with an average of .351 and cracking 7 home runs in 34 hits as the Cardinal third baseman. With those seven home runs, McHugh is tied for third in the program record books for single-season home runs.

Senior Olivia Stinchcomb makes her return for her senior season after going on an offensive tear to her team with 14 doubles and held an average of .331 in 133 at-bats. Sam Grillo, senior, will return in the lineup as an All-Conference Honorable Mention selection.

Catholic returns star pitcher Aubrynn Arcement who holds the program record for single-season ERA at 1.47 (2023). The Cardinals are also welcoming graduate transfer Morrigan Gardiner (Lafayette) to their pitching rotation. Sophia Colangelo, the 2025 Landmark Rookie of the Year, rounds out the bullpen. As a freshman, Colangelo collected 55 strikeouts in 95 innings pitched.

The Cardinals have depth in every position, bolstered by six freshmen to the squad. Upperclassmen Kerri Hatcliffe and Elise Faxon will continue to be impact players.

The Cardinals will open their season with a doubleheader against Ursinus on Saturday, February 21st. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. on the new turf at Catholic University Softball Field.

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