Four Years, Four First Team Nods for Mantle
Caroselli, McCoy Earn Second Team Selections

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- Lycoming College softball put the caps on an excellent 2006 campaign with three postseason awards on Monday afternoon, two of which went to players who are quite familiar with the spotlight.  For the fourth season in a row, Lady Warrior senior pitcher Morgan Mantle (Jersey Shore, Pa./Jersey Shore) earned a spot on the All-Freedom First Team.  Joining her at the podium are Second Team selections and three-time award winning senior Christine Caroselli (Newtown, Pa./Pennsbury) and first-time honoree Melissa McCoy (Jr.; Williamsport, Pa./Jersey Shore).

Mantle’s career in Warrior blue and gold has quite possibly been the most storied of any Lycoming softball standout.  Aside from the four first team nods, she was named the 2003 Pitcher of the Year during her freshman season.  Her year-by-year and overall statistics read like a popular trading card with collectors completely forgetting about the gum in the package.  She has won at least nine games in each season, finishing with 38 victories for her career while also notching seven saves in relief (five in 2005).  In 438.1 innings pitched, she struck out 504 batters while only offering 105 free passes.  She surrendered only 244 hits for a .161 career batting average against, and she gave up a mere 57 earned runs for a 0.91 earned run average.

Her 2006 numbers were personally not her most impressive, but Mantle still remained one of the most feared arms in the conference.  She posted a 9-5 overall record with one save.  In 95.2 innings of work, she fanned 127 batters while walking only 28 and posting a tidy 1.61 earned run average.

Caroselli adds this year’s second team nod with one in 2004 and a first team selection in 2005.  Arguably the toughest of the Lady Warriors, Caroselli battled through injury to direct the offense from her customary lead-off spot.  She finished the season with a .287 batting average and led the team with five steals.  She eclipsed the .300 plateau twice in her career.  Her best year came in 2005 when she batted at a .372 clip thanks to a team-best 32 hits in 86 at bats.

As is in any sport but especially so in softball, defense can make or break a team from game-to-game and season-to-season.  Second base was not a cause of worry for the coaching staff at any time as Caroselli flashed outstanding leather each year.  In 356 total fielding chances in four years, she committed only four errors for an eye-popping .989 career fielding percentage.

McCoy followed up two solid seasons in Warrior blue and gold with her best campaign yet after posting a .291 batting average.  The only left-handed stick in the Lycoming line-up, she tied for the team lead with six doubles and came away with nine runs batted.  She showed off a little speed as well, stealing four bases in five attempts.  In the field, she boasts a solid arm from her usual right field position, but also showed the flexibility to play center when called upon.

Listed below is a complete list of the 2006 Freedom Conference All-Star teams.  For more information, visit the Lady Warriors’ website at www.lycoming.edu/sports/softball/main.htm.

Freedom Conference 1^st Team:

Freedom Conference 2^nd Team:

Freedom Conference Rookie of the Year:  Samantha Evanich, Wilkes
Freedom Conference Coach of the Year:  Frank Matthews, Wilkes
Freedom Conference Player of the Year:  Mari Valonis, King’s
Freedom Conference Pitcher of the Year:  Laurie Agresti, Wilkes