June 2, 2006

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray announced Friday that Melissa Tucci has stepped down as head softball coach. The Bethel, Conn. native had led the Red Foxes for the previous five seasons.

Tucci, the 2006 Anaconda Sports MAAC Coach of the Year, guided the Red Foxes to a 33-13 campaign in 2006 which included the school's first-ever MAAC Championship and appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Tucci mentored Chrystine McHugh (Port Ewen, N.Y.) who batted .414 in her senior year. McHugh also tied the single season record for home runs with 15 and broke her own runs scored record by crossing the plate 46 times. She was named MAAC Player of the Year and NFCA All-Mid-Atlantic Second Team.

Tucci also guided sophomore left handed pitcher Megan Rigos (Pittsburgh, Pa.) to a breakout year. Rigos went 22-7 with a 1.42 earned run average in 2006 on her way to being named MAAC Pitcher of the Year and NFCA All-Mid-Atlantic First Team.

The Red Foxes were toppled in the NCAA Tourney by top-ranked Arizona and Auburn.