The Bishop Ireton Cardinals are off to a successful start in the early stages of the 2004 softball season. The Cardinals, led by first-year coach Susan Flynn currently weigh-in with a 2-0 record.

Flynn, with previous stops at Woodson and Hayfield, replaced Tom Luckett after the 2003 season.

Ireton has defeated Paul VI (6-0) and McNamara (5-1) this season. The recently scheduled game with O'Connell was rained out.

Ireton, led by former coach Tom Luckett, defeated O'Connell in last season’s WCAC championship game.

"Our defense is extremely strong, especially in the infield. Our corners (first and third base) are very good. We've got a lot of leaders in the infield and they lead by example," said Flynn.

Defensively, Ireton has been led by freshman pitcher Chrissy Sborz (no earned runs thus far), sophomore catcher Elise Lopez, senior first baseman Beth Dalmut, junior second baseman Gina Cogliano, senior third baseman Kayla Kelleher, senior shortstop Ellen Horen, senior right fielder Clare Neller, junior center fielder Courtney Cleaves and senior left fielder Meredith Griffanti.

Dalmut and Kelleher are the 2004 captains.

"Beth is strong at first base. She fields the ball well and her bunt coverage is excellent. Kayla is swinging the bat well and she is going to continue to get stronger," said Flynn.

Key reserves include junior Cara Toscano, sophomore Gillian Thompson and freshmen Sarah Thomas and Kristen Massey.

Sborz replaced first-team All-WCAC pitcher Jess Luckett (who graduated in 2003) and has been a very pleasant surprise for Flynn.

"After finishing the basketball season, I expected Chrissy to be somewhat rusty. But, she has shaken the rust off and has been getting stronger and stronger. She has five different pitches and she mixes them up well. Chrissy has very good control," said the first-year coach.

"Offensively, we've got a lot of speed at the top of the lineup (Cogliano, Kelleher and Horen). Our top six batters are very strong," said Flynn.

Thus far in the young season, Kelleher, Horen and Lopez are all batting .500. Dalmut and Neller are both batting .333. Kelleher leads the team with two runs scored. Both Kelleher and Dalmut lead with two RBI's apiece.

"We need to keep up our determination and motivation. We think we can get back to the championship game again," said Kelleher (2003 WCAC honorable-mention).

"As long as we play as a team, I feel that we can beat anyone. Our team goal is to finish undefeated this season," said Dalmut (2003 WCAC first-team).

Cogliano and Horen earned second and third-team All-WCAC honors, last season respectively, in former coach Luckett's "swan song". Luckett essentially retired from coaching to watch his daughter compete at UNC-Wilmington.

"These girls are competitive. They are hard workers. They want to win. I expect us to be able to defend our WCAC championship," said Flynn.

During Spring break next week, Ireton will compete in the "Diamond Beach Classic" in North Carolina.