July 19, 2004

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist softball coach Melissa Tucci signed three more student-athletes for the 2003-04 season, the school announced on Friday. The group includes catcher Alison Catenacci (Medfield, Mass.), pitcher Kristen Merlino (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) and pitcher/infielder Laurissa Riley (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.).

Catenacci played for Medfield High School and for the Bay State Cardinals travel team and was a first team Tri-Valley All-Star.

"Ali is very smart behind the plate and is very competitive," said Tucci. "She will add some needed fire to our battery."

Merlino played for Our Lady of Lourdes High School and for the Hudson Valley Express travel team. She was a three-time New York State all-section and all-league honoree while being selected as a Poughkeepsie Journal first-team All-Star three times as well. Merlino was also a member of the American Fastpitch Association Bronze team in 2000. She also garnered all-league honors as a field hockey player and was Scholar Athlete of the Year at Lourdes.

"Kristen plays a very competitive schedule," Tucci said. "Her travel experience will help her transition nicely into our program. Her work ethic and demeanor on the mound will prove huge for us."

Riley is a transfer from Dutchess Community College after beginning her career at the University of Connecticut, which she entered after playing at Roy C. Ketchum High School. She was a NJCAA second-team All-American, and a member of the Region XV All-Tournament Team. Recently, Riley was selected to play in an International Olympic tournament this summer.

"Laurissa is a tremendous leader and should make an immediate impact for us in the infield," said Tucci. "Her speed and instincts are a threat to any team she faces."