After falling one win shy of reaching the College Softball World Series last season and finishing with an overall record of 42-15, including 22-0 against Colonial Athletic Association rivals, Hofstra entered 2013 ranked among the top 25 teams in the country.

And though the Pride got off to a rocky start, winning just three of its first 10 games, and will be without All-Region centerfielder Rachael Senatore for the year due to injury, head coach Bill Edwards still has one of the nation’s premier pitchers at his disposal in senior Olivia Galati.

In leading Hofstra to its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Super Regionals, Galati became the only first-team All-America selection in program history. She led all Division I hurlers in ERA (0.95) while becoming the first 30-game winner in school history, going 34-7 with three saves, 378 strikeouts and only 26 walks. “Olivia’s an elite pitcher and player without a doubt, and we’re leaning on her more than ever,” Edwards said. “She’s as talented as anyone we’ve ever had. She has incredible command and a tremendous competitive spirit.”

The three-time CAA Pitcher of the Year who also drove in 37 runs and batted .345 will handle nearly all of the workload, though Edwards is looking for sophomore Bella Corrao, a transfer from Virginia Tech and former standout at Farmingdale High School, and freshman Victoria Cabral to “pick up innings somewhere along the way.”

Galati is working with a new battery mate — sophomore Erin Trippi — after the departure of Courtney Crews. Trippi, an All-Region selection who batted .280 with 31 RBIs and 20 runs scored in her first collegiate season, is fitting in nicely, Edwards said. The Pride also has depth behind the plate in the form of freshmen Maggie Hawkins and Caryn Bailey. “Erin’s a key for us as a receiver and a hitter,” Edwards said. “Olivia has tremendous confidence in her, and they enjoy working together.”