Worcester, MA --- After a successful five-year run that included a pair of MASCAC Regular Season Championships and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament, Jennifer Kapenas has announced that she will be stepping down as the head softball coach at Worcester State University.

A new search for her successor will begin immediately.

Kapenas, who had served as the top assistant under longtime coach Lynne Olson for six seasons, helped guide the Lancers to a mark of 105-87-1 which included four consecutive 20-win campaigns.

Under Kapenas, the Blue and Gold shared the MASCAC Regular Season title in 2011 before they claimed the crown outright in 2012.

During the squads 2011 post-season campaign, Kapenas helped guide the Lancers to a three-game sweep for the MASCAC Tournament title, a program record 29-11 slate and its first NCAA Division III Tournament berth since 1987.

For her efforts in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons, Kapenas was recognized by her peers as the MASCAC Softball Coach of the Year.

In three out of her four years, Kapenas also piloted Worcester State to a trio of ECAC Division III New England Softball Tournament appearances – including the championship game this past season.

In addition to coaching 15 All-MASCAC players during her tenure, Michaella Mahoney received the nod as the MASCAC Player of the Year in 2011 and Hannah Everson was the Co-MASCAC Pitcher of the Year in 2012. The pair were also honored with NFCA All-New England recognition.