MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Softball announced the addition of Chelsea Bennett to the class of 2022, adding to what is becoming a strong recruiting class by head coach Sonja Garnett. Bennett becomes the fifth Gael added to this group that will be joining the Gaels in the fall of 2022.
 
Bennett becomes the first international Gael recruited and added to the roster by coach Garnett, hailing from Warriewood in New South Wales, Australia. Standing at 5'4", Bennett is a right-handed pitcher who will continue to add depth to an already deep Saint Mary's pitching staff. She is a graduate of Freshwater Senior Campus, and comes as a heavily decorated student-athlete.
 
Beginning in 2016, Bennett was named to the New South Wales State Team, and has earned this honor in every season since (seven-consecutive seasons). She has seen time in the circle on those state teams that were finalists in 2019 and state champions during the 2018 season. At the national level, Bennett has twice finished as the runner up at the Australian Championships (2019 and 2020).
 
"We are excited to sign Chelsea as our first international recruit," mentioned coach Garnett. "She has a strong resume at the Australian national level and will be an asset to our pitching staff. Chelsea can also compete offensively and will be a great addition to the program."
 
Saint Mary's has one more game on the way this weekend, with a neutral-site game against Northern Colorado on Sunday at the University of the Pacific. That will leave the Gaels with just two non-conference games remaining before WCC play begins on Saturday, April 9 at San Diego. Sunday's first pitch against Northern Colorado is scheduled for 12:15 pm.