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Cocoa Beach, FL (Mar. 26-30, 2013) – Wins and losses are always the way we tend to determine success, but for the Purchase College women's softball team, the program's Spring Break trip to Florida went far beyond outcomes and more toward development, with an eye on the future.

The team went 0-9 on the week against some of the fiercest competition. And although the record is unforgettable, the trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida is anything but. “We were in every game and I think the team is realizing that we are improving … we are getting there.”

The softball team is only a couple of seasons removed from being at the bottom of the rung, but under head coach Albana Krasniqi, the team continues to make strides. The trip to Florida provided the perfect opportunity for “team unity,” Krasniqi said.

“The improvements are there,” she added. “The defense, hitting and pitching is all coming together. I think we will be better served for the rest of the schedule. We played some tough teams and we really pushed a few them. It was a great experience, with the team unity and the competition, and all of the other activities the team was able to take part in, which I truly believe helps with chemistry. We are laying the foundation for the pieces we have now and for those that we are recruiting along the way. I would like to make Spring Break trips like this, an annual tradition.”

In addition to the slate of games, the softball team also traveled to Universal Studios and downtown Disney. They also teamed for trips to the beach and pool, and went out for a special dinner on the pier.

The Panthers were led by first baseman Christine Leo (SR/Monroe, CT) and rookies Kristy Colangelo (FR/Staten Island, NY) and Tara Stiansen (FR/Hampton Bays, NY).

Stiansen was a defensive star in the field, says Krasniqi, making several highlight reel plays over nine games. “Her glove gets a gold star,” Krasniqi noted. “She is among the memorable highlights for the week.”

Leo, Colangelo and Stiansen shined offensively.  Leo batted .440 on the week with a team-leading 10 RBI. She doubled five times and homered twice. Colangelo batted .384 with four doubles, one triple and five runs, and Stiansen, like Colangelo, collected 10 hits on the week.  

The Panthers returned from the holiday trip over the weekend and are excited to return to their local schedule.

“We're ready to get rolling,” Krasniqi said. “The Spring Break trip should be a great spring board for us the rest of the way.”

** Note only three of the nine games count since they were played against other NCAA programs.