By Christina Kelly
While the calendar says the start of the official softball season is still a month away, the Pride has been keeping busy to meet the high expectations and achieve even higher goals for the 2009 season.
While a shut out lose to Arizona, 10-0, may seem dismal and rather disappointing to the avid Pride fan, there are other figures that may help boost oneís morale. In the 2-1 loss to Illinois, Hofstra left 14 runners on base and 11 of them were in scoring position. While leaving runners in scoring position can be frustrating for coach, player (and fans alike), it shows that all the ingredients for more runs are there, they just need to be mixed together. If there is ever a great time to be leaving runners in scoring position, it would be now when the team can work out these “kinks” and correct them for the season.
Another addition to this proverbial recipe for success was Senior Kayleigh Lotti’s pitching performance throughout the tournament. She threw a complete game, four hitter against Marshall University.
The four promising freshmen the Pride gained can also only assist in this effort. Among them are catcher Courtney Crews, utility player Allison Kuchar, outfielder Michelle Lavagnino and pitcher Erin Wade. The Pride needs to use all the advantage that these fresh players will bring to the team.
Pressure is no stranger to this Pride team who won their eleventh straight conference championship last season. The team had an overall record of 45-13 and lost in the NCAA regionals. This kind of resume can be a great intimidation factor to opponents and continue to help the Prideís efforts in going far this season.
While opening day isn’t until March 18 when the Pride will take on St. John’s, the team has many tournaments coming up.
On Friday they will held to Columbus, Georgia for the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Their competition will be fierce with teams such as the University of Georgia, Florida State, University of Ohio, Mississippi State and University of Houston. They will also be attending the Under Armour Classic in Clearwater Florida March 6-8 and 13-15.
Pride softball is always an exciting spring sport and this year more than ever, the team has the talent, drive and determination to make a big impact this season.