Spring sports are in full swing at Stockton University, and this past week saw strong performances from all Osprey teams.

Softball

Stockton (13-7, 1-1 NJAC) extended its winning streak to four with a sweep of Penn State Abington (4-10), winning 11-3 in six innings and 8-1 in the nightcap. McKenna George led the Ospreys with four hits, four runs, and five stolen bases on the day. In the first game, Emily Spencer went 3-4 with a home run and four RBIs, while Nerina Tramp earned her fifth win with 10 strikeouts. In the second game, George contributed with two hits, two runs, and two stolen bases, and Mia Barone threw four scoreless innings for the win.

Stockton then swept Immaculata University (7-11), taking the first game 6-0 behind a four-hit shutout from Tramp and 10 strikeouts. The Ospreys exploded for 13 runs in the second game, highlighted by McKenna George’s 3-3 performance with four runs and three stolen bases. The team also beat Montclair State (13-7, 1-1 NJAC) 5-0 in the first game of their NJAC doubleheader, with Tramp pitching a two-hit shutout. Despite a 3-2 loss in the second game, where Montclair State scored three runs in the sixth inning, Stockton showed strong performances from Alexa Panagopoylos and Emily Spencer. Stockton will continue conference play with a doubleheader at The College of New Jersey on Tuesday, April 1, at 2:30 p.m.

Baseball

Stockton (10-10) had an eventful week, starting with a dominant 16-8 victory over Immaculata University (4-14), where the Ospreys’ offense exploded for 16 runs and 18 hits. Joe Gmitter, Robbie Ford, and freshman Evan Palmer led the charge, each with three hits. Gmitter and Nick Avagnano each drove in four runs, while Palmer hit his first career home run, helping Stockton secure a commanding win. The Ospreys then faced off against #8 Salisbury (16-5), where they earned a 5-4 win, highlighted by Gmitter’s three hits and three RBIs, and strong pitching from Antonio Sansone and the bullpen. Stockton’s victory marked their second win against a nationally ranked team this season.

However, Stockton struggled in their NJAC opener, falling to Rutgers-Newark (10-11) in both games of a doubleheader. In the first game, the Ospreys couldn’t hold onto a 5-2 lead, ultimately losing 7-6 after the Scarlet Raiders scored three runs in the seventh. The second game saw Stockton lead 9-8 before Rutgers-Newark scored twice in the ninth for a 10-9 win. Avagnano and Russell Halvorsen each drove in three RBIs on the day, with Avagnano extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Despite the losses, Stockton showed resilience with strong individual performances, but they were unable to secure a win in their NJAC opener.

Women’s Lacrosse

Stockton (8-2) showcased an impressive all-around performance this week, first delivering a dominant 15-2 victory over Eastern University (2-5). The Ospreys displayed excellent offensive and defensive play, outshooting Eastern 25-3. Isabella Marinello led the charge with three goals and two assists, while Kayla Dever, Georgia Keubler, Charlotte Ondria, and Margot Costello each added two goals. Dever’s goals brought her career total to three, and freshman Samantha Parks netted her first career goal. Billie Ormsby also scored her second goal of the season. The defense was near perfect, shutting down Eastern’s offense, with Natasha Chaillou making five saves for the Eagles.

This game held special significance as it was a “Morgan’s Message” game, an event dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health in the student-athlete community. Before the game, the Lacrosse player and Vice President of Stockton’s Morgan Message, Gina Marotta, spoke a heartfelt and inspiring message to the team and fans. They emphasized the importance of mental wellness, support, and the power of community. The speech highlighted the values of resilience, unity, and understanding, and it was a reminder that the game transcended just competition, focusing on the well-being of each individual athlete.

The Ospreys (9-2) kept their momentum going with a 17-8 victory over Alvernia University (2-8), marking their third straight win. Isabella Marinello continued her standout play, scoring five goals and adding an assist. Stockton surged ahead to a 13-1 lead by halftime and never looked back. Margot Costello and Julia Gibson each netted two goals, with Gibson adding a game-high four assists. Brianna Robinson and Madison MacGillivray both recorded hat tricks. On the defensive end, Jordan Czaczkowski made six saves to help secure the win. The Ospreys look to extend their winning streak on April 5 when they face Kean University in their NJAC opener at 4 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse

Stockton (7-4) extended its win streak to three games with a 12-11 victory over Arcadia University (5-4) in a thrilling matchup. The Ospreys held the lead for most of the game, but Arcadia fought back, tying the game in the fourth quarter after scoring three straight goals. However, with 1:52 remaining, Gage Parker netted the game-winning goal to secure the win. Parker led the Ospreys with a career-high four goals and one assist, while Jack Vandegrift added four goals. Josh Graham contributed two goals and two assists. Ben Blum recorded 11 saves, including two crucial stops in the final 19 seconds to seal the victory.

In a tough Coastal Lacrosse Conference opener, Stockton fell to Mary Washington (7-4, 1-0 CLC) 23-8 on the road. The Ospreys struggled to keep pace after falling behind 6-2 in the first quarter. Vandegrift led the offense with a hat trick, while Robbie O’Brien added two goals. Gage Parker, Connor Albrecht, and Josh Graham each contributed one goal. Despite a strong individual performance by goalkeeper Ben Blum, who recorded 16 saves, Mary Washington’s offense proved overwhelming, outshooting Stockton 71-27. Dave Votapek led the way for Mary Washington with five goals. Stockton will look to bounce back in their next game on Tuesday, April 2, when they host No. 2-ranked Salisbury at 4 p.m.

Women’s Golf 

Both women’s golfers from Stockton competed in the Kean Tournament at Galloping Hill Golf Club, participating as individuals. This tournament was the first of four for the Osprey pair this spring season.

Elenora Byrne (Princeton Jct./West Windsor-Plainsboro North) recorded a career-best 78, claiming her second tournament victory with a commanding 15-stroke lead. After shooting a 43 on the front nine, Byrne excelled on the back nine, posting a remarkable 35. A key highlight of her round was an “albatross,” which is a rare achievement of scoring a two on a par five.

Lexi Hughes (Galloway/Absegami) also played in the event for Stockton, carding a 74 on the front nine and a 71 on the back nine, bringing her total to 145.

Next, Stockton will compete in the Ocean County College Spring Invitational on the Bay Course at Seaview Golf Club, with the tournament set to begin Monday at noon.

Women’s Tennis

Stockton (2-1, 2-0 NJAC) had a strong week, beginning with a 5-2 victory over William Paterson (2-5, 0-1 NJAC) in their spring season opener. The match also marked the conference debut for both teams. The Ospreys dominated the doubles matches, securing the doubles point with shutouts at both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. Sophia Pasquale and Kim Wash won 6-0 at No. 1 doubles, while Rocio Lucero and Arielis Martinez followed suit with a 6-0 victory at No. 2 doubles. In singles, Pasquale led the charge with a 6-1, 6-1 win at No. 1, while Wash triumphed 6-2, 6-2 at No. 2. Martinez and Lucero also recorded strong wins, 6-1, 6-3 and 6-3, 6-1 at Nos. 3 and 4 singles, respectively.

The Ospreys followed up their opening win with another 5-2 victory on Saturday morning, this time against Kean University (5-2, 0-2 NJAC). Stockton continued its dominance, winning four of the five singles matches. In doubles, Pasquale and Wash delivered another 6-0 shutout, while Martinez and Lucero won 6-1. Pasquale was flawless in singles, posting a 6-0, 6-0 victory, while Wash triumphed 6-3, 6-1. Martinez rolled to a 6-2, 6-0 win, and Lucero added a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Stockton will return to action on Wednesday, hosting Neumann University at 4:00 p.m.

Women’s Rowing

Stockton University’s rowing team raced into action this past Friday, March 28, with two competitive races ahead of Saturday’s Battle by Brigantine. In the varsity eight race, the Ospreys clocked in at 6:16.50, finishing just shy of first place as Catholic University narrowly edged them out by less than a second at 6:15.85. Pacific Lutheran came in third with a time of 6:23.13. The varsity eight lineup featured Breanna Blisard, Maggie Dunn, Lexi Kripetz, Grace Caldwell, Olivia Wagner, Ashley Timm, Megan Baldwin, and Sydney Rowand, with Leilani Moreno as coxswain.

In the second varsity eight race, Stockton dominated, defeating Pacific Lutheran by a significant margin. The Ospreys finished with a time of 6:35.12, while Pacific Lutheran crossed the line at 7:21.42. The 2V8 boat included Natalie Warrick, Lex Zang, Reese Weirick, Reilly Deschenes, Giavonna Terruso-Emmons, Hannah Sherwood, Keira Kenney, and Kimberly Canelas, with Thalia Gonzalez as coxswain. The strong performances set the stage for an exciting Battle by Brigantine on Saturday, showcasing the team’s skill and determination as the season progresses.

Men and Women’s Track and Field

Stockton hosted the Osprey Open at G. Larry James Stadium for the second consecutive weekend, with the Ospreys winning six events and setting two school records. Johnathan Holden triumphed in both the 110m hurdles and high jump, while Carson Latham claimed victories in the 100m and 200m. Latham also teamed up with Joseph deBeaumont, Stanley Eloy, and Landon Jenter to win the 4×400 relay. Chris Griffin added a javelin victory, and the men had several strong runner-up finishes, including a second-place 4×800 relay and individual performances from Darnell Cartwright in the 400m hurdles and Ahmad Fogg in the high jump. Additionally, Timothy Lanblues, Brayden Cisney, and Mike Carfagno earned third-place finishes in their respective field events.

On the women’s side, Stockton had an impressive performance with wins in four relay events, including two school records. The 4×800 relay team of Rachel Hayes, Maddy Valasek, Amanda McNally, and Kayla Kass set a new school record, and Kass also took the 1500m title. The 4×400 relay team of Kass, Kayla Sullivan, Emma Petrolia, and Emma Conroy also set a new school record. Several individuals shone, including Kaitlyn Vervier and Jessica Bentley, who claimed victories in the high jump and shot put, respectively. The women also saw multiple runner-up finishes, including in the 4×800 and 4×400 relays, with standout performances by Isabella Freda, Lindsay Hand, Eva Morrison, and Michaela Pomatto in the field events. After two consecutive home meets, Stockton will compete next at the Ursinus Festival on April 4 and 5.