PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Entering her second season at the helm, head coach Jessica Miller will look to guide the Plattsburgh State softball team back to the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) playoffs after the Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 10-26 overall record and a 7-11 mark in conference play, qualifying for the SUNYAC postseason.

Plattsburgh State will begin the 2026 season on Sunday, March 8 when the Cardinals travel to Middlebury for a doubleheader before traveling to Clermont, Florida the following week to compete at The Spring Games.
The Cardinals return several key contributors from last season's squad, highlighted by senior Megan Pillus (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Spackenkill), junior Sara Isaacs (Malta, N.Y./Shenendehowa), and senior Gwen Noll (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Anthony's), who will look to provide leadership both at the plate and in the field this season.

Pitchers

The Cardinals will look to several returning arms in the circle this season, led by senior Morgan Ormerod (Valatie, N.Y./Ichabod Crane), who has been a key member of the pitching staff throughout her career. Ormerod brings valuable experience to the staff and will be counted on to anchor the rotation this spring. Junior Cadey Wheat (Edwards, N.Y./Edwards-Knox) also returns after seeing time in the circle last season and will look to take on a larger role as the Cardinals replace several innings lost from last year's staff. 

Several newcomers will add depth to the pitching staff this season, including first-years Jaylyn Linderman (Lockport, N.Y./Starpoint), Makenna Olszewski (Saratoga Springs, N.Y./Saratoga Springs), and Evelyn Paul (Miller Place, N.Y./Miller Place), who will look to make an immediate impact for the Cardinals.

Infield

The Cardinals return a strong core of infielders highlighted by junior Sara Isaacs (Malta, N.Y./Shenendehowa), who finished last season with a .313 batting average while leading the team with 18 RBI. Isaacs will once again be a key contributor in the lineup while providing stability defensively for Plattsburgh State. Senior Megan Pillus (Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Spackenkill) will also be a mainstay in the infield after leading the team offensively last season with a .358 batting average and a team-high 39 hits. Sophomore Meghan Stork (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) returns after appearing in numerous games during her first collegiate season, collecting 26 hits and scoring 16 runs.

Newcomers will also factor into the infield mix this season as first-years Jordin Radley (Chatham, N.Y./Chatham Central), Maya Weinerman (East Northport, N.Y./Elwood John Glenn), and Bella DeLorenzo (Troy, N.Y./Tamarac) look to add depth to the unit.

Outfield

The Cardinals return several players who saw time in the outfield last season, led by senior Gwen Noll (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Anthony's), who provided a spark at the top of the lineup in 2025. Noll finished the year with a .294 batting average while leading the team with 25 stolen bases and posting a .400 on-base percentage. Sophomore Michelle DeFina (Commack, N.Y./Commack) returns after appearing in multiple games last season and will look to take on an expanded role in the outfield this year. Junior Leila Toomey (Commack, N.Y./Commack) also returns after seeing action in limited games last season. Sophomore Mikayla Pappas (Stormville, N.Y./Carmel) provides additional experience for the Cardinals after appearing in games during her first collegiate season.

First-year outfielders Allison Isaacs (Malta, N.Y./Shenendehowa) and Jaylyn Linderman (Lockport, N.Y./Starpoint) will also look to make an impact as they begin their collegiate careers this spring.

Catchers

Plattsburgh State returns several options behind the plate this season, led by senior Gwen Noll (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Anthony's) and junior Emma Deo (Averill Park, N.Y./Averill Park), both of whom saw significant time at catcher last season.

Junior Alyssa Hemingway (Plattsburgh, N.Y./Plattsburgh) also returns to provide depth at the position while first-years Riley Keller (Cuba, N.Y./Nichols) and Natalie Rogers (Minisink, N.Y./Minisink Valley) join the Cardinals and will compete for playing time.

With a mix of experienced returners and a large group of newcomers, the Cardinals will look to build on last season's playoff appearance as they begin the 2026 campaign.