Greenville, S.C. – Furman has added experience and versatility to its 2026 softball roster with the additions of transfers Annabella "AB" Cipalla and Meghan Shirey, it was announced this week by Paladin head coach
Mary Beth Dennison.
Cipalla arrives at Furman after earning second team All-NEC honors and NEC All-Freshman accolades this past season at Saint Francis (Pa.) University. The Erie, Pa., native batted .237, compiled 11 extra base hits, scored 29 runs, and drove in 15 during her freshman season to help the Red Flash to an NEC Tournament title and NCAA regional berth.
While seeing playing time as a catcher and outfielder, Cipalla, started in all 52 games in 2025 and led the team by reaching base on a hit by pitch 17 times. The former Harbor Creek High School product earned NEC Rookie of the Week and Primer Performer honors on February 11 after going 5-for-10 for the week in games against Toledo, East Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Shirey joins the Paladins this month after appearing in 29 games and making 23 starts over two seasons at UMBC. The catcher/infielder threw out seven would-be base stealers this past season despite fewer than 15 starts behind the plate.
A native of Clayton, Delaware, and product of Smyrna High School, Shirey delivered the game-winning RBI single in a 7-6 win over Niagara during the 2025 season. She also posted a .973 fielding percentage in two years at UMBC.
"During the search for transfers, we wanted to target someone with postseason playing experience while also adding an upperclassman to our roster," said Dennison. "We are excited for the addition of junior transfer Meghan Shirey and sophomore Annabella Cipalla. Both will bring experience, competitive fire, and versatility to the program. Annabella was very successful during her freshman season offensively and can play multiple positions for us. Meghan also has experience behind the plate and at the corners, both places that we knew needed more depth."
Cipalla will have three seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2026 campaign while Shirey has two years remaining.
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