Katie Miranto Named Preseason Player of the Year

Canisius College shortstop Katie Miranto (right) has been named the 2007 MAAC Softball Preseason Player of the Year, the conference office announced today. Miranto earned All-MAAC honors last year after leading the Golden Griffins in 10 different offensive categories.

The MAAC also announced Canisius is the top team in this year's coaches poll after the Griffs received 76 points, 10 points ahead of second-place Fairfield. Defending champion Marist was picked third, while Rider and Iona were chosen fourth and fifth, respectively. Siena, Niagara, Manhattan and Saint Peter's round out the poll in positions six through nine.

Miranto was the only Canisius player named to the 2007 MAAC Softball Preseason Team. Last season she hit a team-high .402 with 66 hits, which set a new school record for hits in a single season. Miranto also led the Blue and Gold in slugging percentage (.604), on-base percentage (.459), runs scored (38), doubles (13), triples (4), total bases (99), stolen bases (12) and walks (18). A starter in all 51 Canisius games a season ago, she capped her sophomore season by being named to the 2006 Mid-Atlantic All-Region First Team by members of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

As a team, Canisius returns eight regular starters and 14 letterwinners from last year's team that went 28-23 overall and 13-3 in MAAC play. The Griffs secured the program's 10th MAAC regular-season title in program history, more than any other school in the MAAC. The team will open the 28th season in program history Feb. 24, when the Griffs meet Norfolk State and Cleveland State on the first day of the Longwood Invitational in Farmville, Va.

2007 MAAC Softball Coaches Poll 1. Canisius - 76 points 2. Fairfield - 66 points 3. Marist - 65 points 4. Rider - 41 points 5. Iona - 39 points 6. Siena - 38 points 7. Niagara - 35 points 8. Manhattan - 25 points 9. Saint Peter's - 20 points

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#9 Katie Miranto: IF; 5' 7"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#9 Katie Miranto
: 5' 7"; Junior
: IF

Players Mentioned

#9 Katie Miranto

Players Mentioned

#9 Katie Miranto