NEW YORK - The groundwork has been laid for the Yeshiva University Department of Athletics to sponsor its 16th varsity sport, as the Maccabees will offer a club softball team, beginning in 2013.

The program started practicing regularly following the semester break in late January, and YU is scheduled to kick off its schedule of games with a 4 p.m. doubleheader at Sarah Lawrence College in nearby Bronxville, N.Y., on April 9.

The team, which has 16 players on the roster entering the twinbill against the Gryphons, is led by: interim head coach, Steve Schucker; assistant coach, Nate Fish; and pitching coach, Rich Mauro.

The 2013 Yeshiva outfit has been strongly focused on player and program development, with the intent of becoming a NCAA varsity Division III offering at the university within the next few years, eventually playing a full in-conference schedule.

The aim of the Yeshiva University Department of Athletics and coaching staff to provide its female student-athletes with a positive and competitive athletic experience, that enhances their time as student-athletes at the university and allows them to compete at the highest level possible.