Program-altering players don’t come around too often. 

Luckily for Pilgrim, it got one in Ellen McDonnell when she enrolled at the school four years ago. 

McDonnell, who will continue her softball career at Division I Lafayette College next year, totaled 112 hits for her four-year career, placing her second in program history behind all-time hits leader Katelyn Reph. 

The senior moved to shortstop this year to fill a need for the team, and she didn’t disappoint. 

“The most impressive thing about Ellen is that she played a different position every year,” Pilgrim head coach Bill Aquilante said. “This year, she played shortstop because she was willing to fill whatever need that we had.” 

McDonnell had played centerfield, catcher and pitcher – a position that she continued to fill in at – in recent years, but she didn’t miss a beat with her move to the middle infield this season. 

In addition to her superb defense, she continued to rip the ball at the plate. 

For the season, McDonnell hit .361 with an on-base percentage of .387. She went 26-for-72 while driving in 16 runs, scoring 19 and hitting one home run. 

Maybe her most impressive statistic is that she only struck out twice this season as she struck out just seven times in 260 at-bats for her Pilgrim career. 

Sophomore pitcher Morgan Almon stepped in nicely in the circle for the Pats this season and was outstanding, but when McDonnell was called upon to pitch this season, she was also impressive. 

On the season, McDonnell compiled a record of 6-0 in the circle with a microscopic ERA of 1.26 and one save.

Her veteran leadership helped a relatively young Pilgrim team to a 13-3 regular season this spring, earning it a berth in the Division II playoffs. 

“She was as close to having a coach on the field as I’ve ever had,” Aquilante said. “You’re confident with her out on the field. She played where she helped us the most.” 

With a young roster, Pilgrim will be in good shape in the coming years, but trying to replace McDonnell will be no easy task. 

McDonnell will leave Pilgrim as the first softball player from the school to sign with an NCAA Division I program. 

“When you’re going on to play at the Division I level, you really have to live the sport, and that’s what she does,” Aquilante said. 

- M.M.

ALL CITY TEAM

Morgan Almon, Pilgrim, Pitcher

Olivia King, Pilgrim, Catcher

Michelle Spremulli, Warwick Vets, First Base

Natasha Savage, Warwick Vets, Second Base

Liz Iadevaia, Warwick Vets, Shortstop

Jeriann Evans, Pilgrim, Third Base

Maddie Balutowski, Pilgrim, Outfield

Naomi Franzen, Warwick Vets, Outfield

Karly Evans, Pilgrim, Outfield

Jamie Hopgood, Toll Gate, Utility

COACH OF THE YEAR

Bill Aquilante, Pilgrim