Cresson, Pa. - On Thursday morning, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) released it's Softball Preaseason Coaches' Poll. The Mount Aloysius softball program enters the 2026 season with momentum, fresh faces, and conference-wide recognition after being projected to finish fourth in the AMCC preseason coaches poll.

The Mounties are coming off an 18-16 campaign in 2025, signaling continued growth for a program that has steadily climbed the conference ranks. While Pitt-Greensburg is expected to repeat as conference champions after capturing its first AMCC title last season, Mount Aloysius made one thing clear in the preseason: the Mounties will be a team to watch.

That message was reinforced when the Mounties swept the AMCC preseason individual awards. Senior pitcher Jessica Koptcho (Mountain Top, Pa., Crestwood) was named Preseason Pitcher of the Year, while senior infielder Sarah Henninger (DuBois, Pa., DuBois) earned Preseason Player of the Year honors following standout performances a season ago. The duo is expected to anchor both sides of the game for Mount Aloysius as the season unfolds.

Koptcho was named the 2025 AMCC Pitcher of the Year and was an AMCC first team all-conference selection in 2025. She led the conference in ERA (1.37), strikeouts (137), WHIP (.97), was second in wins (12), and fifth in innings pitched (107.0).

Henninger was an AMCC first team all-conference selection in 2025. She finished second in the conference in hits (62) and batting average (.484) and fourth in on-base percentage (.500) and slugging percentage (.648).

Mount Aloysius does face the challenge of replacing five key contributors from last year's roster, including pitcher Sierra Walters, infielder Whitney Cole, and outfielder Maya Capozzoli. However, optimism remains high thanks to a strong incoming class and the leadership returning at the top of the lineup and in the circle.

The Mounties also return Maggie Cypher (Kittanning, Pa., Armstrong), who was a second team all-conference selection in 2025. Cypher hit .342 including six doubles and a homerun. Another key player returning for the Mounties is center fielder Sophie Smith (Mapleton Depot, Pa., Mount Union). Smith appeared in all 34 games last season and hit .299 with seven doubles, two triples, and a homerun.

The 2026 season also marks a new chapter for the program, as Michelle Ross begins her first full season as head coach. Ross previously served as interim head coach during the 2024 campaign, guiding the Mounties to the AMCC Championship game, where they fell 5-2 to top-seeded Penn State Behrend. Now officially at the helm, Ross has retained assistant coach Sam Hauser to provide continuity as the program moves forward.

A major focus this spring will be roster depth, addressed by a 12-player freshman class that bolsters every area of the field. The influx of young talent is expected to offset graduation losses and create competition across the lineup.

With a young roster, Ross emphasized the importance of leadership from her preseason award winners.

"We're going to rely heavily on Jessica and Sarah," Ross said. "With such a young team, their leadership sets the tone every day. Jessica leads by example in the circle, and Sarah brings consistency and confidence to the lineup. They understand what it takes to compete at a high level in this conference, and we need that presence as we grow together."

As the Mounties prepare for opening day, expectations are clear: blend experience with youth, lean on proven leaders, and remain in the championship conversation. If preseason recognition is any indication, Mount Aloysius is positioned to make another strong run in the AMCC in 2026.

The Mounties begin their season today at the Bridgewater Invitational in Bridgewater, Virginia. Softball will play Wilmington (Oh.) at 11 am and the host, Bridgewater at 1 pm. 

#GoMounties