WALTHAM, Mass. – Senior first baseman Kaylee Mankins (North Attleboro/Bishop Feehan HS) and senior center fielder Sam Petow (Glastonbury, Conn./Glastonbury HS) have been named captains of the 2023 Bentley University softball team, head coach Terry A. McDonough announced.

"Where does time go? I honestly can't believe Kaylee and Sam are seniors," said McDonough. "They have both been huge contributors to this program since their freshman year, and their leadership as senior captains will make a true impact on this team and program!"

Mankins, a three-year starter, enters her senior year with a .291 career average, six home runs, 42 RBI and a .425 slugging percentage. Her best statistical season came as a sophomore when she homered four times in 22 games, hit .342 and slugged .603. Last spring, she batted .273 with 38 hits, 17 runs scored and 16 RBI in 41 games and starts.

"Kaylee is a leader on and off the field," praised McDonough. "At the plate, she has that presence and ability to put the defense on edge. She is a powerful game changer and someone the opponents hate to face. On the field, she is confident, strong and knowledgeable and leads this team to excellence both at practice and game day. I am excited for her senior year as I know she will continue to make things happen."

Petow, the only Falcon to start every game last spring, has shown steady improvement throughout her time at Bentley. Last spring, she hit .289 with 39 hits, 21 runs scored and 13 RBI.

"Sam is the definition of team first," said McDonough. "As a freshman, she played second base.  She was moved to center field as we graduated Julianna Romeo and I knew she could take on the role as our starting centerfielder. Former Stonehill coach Ken LeGrice said during a game a couple years ago 'she never played outfield before? Wow!'.  Sam leads by example and is a coach's dream as she works hard at every practice and is extremely passionate about this sport. That passion shows in all that she does both on and off the field.  She is an outstanding student-athlete and one of the best outfielders we have had at Bentley University."

Bentley, which set a school record for wins last spring when the Falcons finished 24-19, will make their 2023 debut Feb. 17-19 in the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.