Balls & Strikes
Balls & Strikes An LHU Softball Publication
Lock Haven University Softball Volume 8, Issue 2 Summer 2017
2017 SEASON RECAP– Bree Hilty #16 As we do in every season we start off with a theme; this year’s was our “Time to Rise.” We wore it on the back of our practices jerseys and chanted it in our huddle before every game. We took on many different obstacles throughout our season with a roller coaster of highs and lows, but for each one we found a way to rise above and became stronger as a team. With every ounce of sweat and hard work we put in during our offseason, we were eager to step out on the field when it came to our first tournament at Myrtle Beach. Although we had a rough start going 1-5, we never got discouraged and were ready to work even harder when we stepped foot back in PA. We knew what we had to work on, and with only two weeks until our next tournament in North Carolina. We knew we had to stay focused and give it our all. We continued to push ourselves in the weight room and in the gym getting better with each rep and each swing. Going back to North Carolina, you could see our hard work coming together and we were all working on getting that light switch to turn on for us. In the beginning, we did struggle. We did have a hard time starting off, but we never stopped pushing and we never gave up. When we found ourselves at home against Bloomsburg, For the first game we cheered the loudest and had the most energy in our dugout and we pushed to a win 4-3. It was after the second game against them with a loss 4-3, we decided we never wanted to lose on our field again. We were the police officers at our field and we had the badges to prove it! So we protected it and played with pride here, only losing 3 games out of 13 on our home field the whole season. Next year we will continue to wear our badges and continue to strive to never lose on our home field again. As our season went on, after each game we played, we took a step up. No matter what, we kept taking one more step up to get better for the next game; all the way up until we found ourselves at the post season. The first day at the PSAC Championship we started with a devastating loss against Seton Hill, sending us straight into the losers’ bracket off the bat. The next day we had to win 3 games in a row in order to stay in the tournament. Many people doubted us, but as we stepped onto the field that Thursday, something was different. We battled non-stop, not letting up for anything. The first game we sent home California University 6-1 and we stepped up to our next opponent Gannon. For the first 4 innings we were back and fourth tied 4-4 until freshman Maddi Mathes came up to bat with the bases loaded and sent one out to give us the go ahead. We were on fire, and at that point there was nothing that could bring us down. In our third game we took on Shippensburg. Tending to all our superstitious needs, we chose to be away this game as well as all the others. Not scoring until the 3rd inning we were tied 2 to 2 up until the 5th inning where we managed to score another 2 runs with Moriah Lindsey’s home run. The game was close as they came back with 3 runs in the 7th inning, making the game 6-5, but our defense stepped up and shut them down to earn the win. This day we were unstoppable and some of the best memories and moments were made here. With our momentum flowing we carried it into the next day where we would face Bloomsburg. After a rain delay we were able to play and we started off a little rough. Bloom scored 7 runs in the first two innings, but we never stopped playing; after 5 innings of play we were able to hold Bloom and score 5 runs. Unfortunately we couldn’t put enough runs together and ended up losing a hard fought battle 75. We finished with an overall record of 28-21. We fought hard and never gave up and we rose together as a team. This year we graduated 6 outstanding seniors: MaKaylah Holbert, Paige Stuppy, Michelle Holweger, Jodi Weaknecht, Rachel Mouillesseaux, and McKenna Garlock. All represented a Lady Eagle with pride and will be remembered and used as examples in the seasons to come. We have a lot of big shoes to fill in the 2018 season, but we are excited to get back to work this fall where we will continue to rise together.
Inside this issue:
Season Recap
1
New Faces at the Haven
2
Senior Reflection
2
Meet the Seniors
3
Alumni Corner
4
Field Improvements
4
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 2
New Faces at The Haven LHU Lady Eagle Softball would like to welcome the following freshmen for the 2017-18 Season: NAME
POSITION
HOMETOWN
FAVORITE COLOR
YEAR
Olivia Hall
INF
Three Springs PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Stefanie O’Grady
INF
Milford, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Caitlin Pinchorski
INF
Tower City, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Cassie Querry
INF/C
Cassville, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Senior Reflection-MaKaylah Holbert #2 With only two seniors gone from the previous year, we had a lot of returners back on the field for the 2017 season. We were ready to go and were determined to give all we had each time we stepped on the field. Being a part of a strong group of six seniors made every game we played that much more important. Not knowing when our last game may be, we made sure to give all we had each time we had the opportunity. In doing this the underclassmen stepped up as well and really proved themselves. Our team grew very close and that’s when our season really took off. We had a great run this year and although we did not go as far as we wanted to we learned so much along the way. The most important lesson that I learned this past year is that “the strength of the team, is the team.” Whether we were on the field starting on game day or part of the “Rally Crew” in the dug-out we knew our role and bought into it each day. Over these past four seasons I worked alongside the strongest women I have ever met. Whether we were in the weight room maxing out, running 200’s at the track, or balancing school work on top of all of it, we were always pushing one another. I am truly going to miss being able to work alongside each one of my teammates, but I know I will still have my Lock Haven softball family whenever I need them. Every player that has gone through this program keeps the people they meet, the memories they make, and the things they learn in a special place in their heart. I will never forget the long bus rides with our singing and dancing, our team frog hunting nights, and all the other crazy adventures we experienced together. Although there were the tough days where we ran stairs and did burpees until we couldn’t feel our legs, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Honestly, I can guarantee any Haven softball alumni would do anything to be back on the field wearing Lock Haven across their chest. There aren’t a lot of programs that can say that. This program has taught me to be stronger than I ever had to be before. It has taught me to be honest and selfless and to always put others before myself. Being a part of this Lock Haven softball family is something I will never forget and will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 3
Meet the Senior Class Name: Taryn Williams Nickname: T Major: Health and Physical Education Future Plans: After Graduate school, I would like to volunteer or become one of the assistant coaches for a Division 1 school in Softball or Basketball. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: The life-long friendships I have made and gaining as much information about the game to help me in the near future. Favorite Food: Surf and Turf Favorite Bus Memory: Teaching everyone the "Rolex" dance. Favorite place in Lock Haven: The Dike Levee Name: Moriah Lindsey Nickname: They call me, Mo, Momo, Mo-town, MoBinsky, and Bad Chick. Major: I'm majoring in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Future Plans: I hope to become famous so I can be a celebrity dancer on Dancing with the Stars, but if that plan doesn't work I hope to be an Elementary school teacher. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: My favorite part of being a part of the LHU softball team is getting to play/practice the game I love with my best friends every day. Favorite Food: It would be easier to name the foods I don't like because I love all food, but something I could eat everyday would have to be mac and cheese. Favorite Bus Memory: My favorite bus memory is anytime Katy Perry is played and my teammates let me solo. Favorite place in Lock Haven: Since I'm a "townie" of course my favorite place is my house, or Fox's because they have good Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
Name: Gabby Henson Nickname: Gaberino Major: Applied Physics Future Plans: I hope to get my master’s in Material Science and Engineering and then work for the Department of Defense. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: My favorite part about being a part of the LHU program is the relationships I have developed. This program gave me some of my best friends who have helped shape me into the person I am today. Favorite Food: My favorite food is pizza! Favorite Bus Memory: My favorite memory is of CS jamming out to Bohemian Rhapsody after we beat Mansfield to clinch our spot in the PSAC tournament. Favorite place in Lock Haven: My favorite place in Lock Haven is Main Street during Christmas because I love all the lights and the way the town gets into the holiday spirit.
Name: Susan Janfrancisco Nickname: Pusan Major: Exercise Science pre AT Future Plans: Go active duty in the Army and get job after graduation Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: Gaining leadership and teamwork skills I will be able to take with me after softball and giving me my best friends. Favorite Bus Memory: All the times CS/CF told me to sit down because I was making them nervous standing behind them and walking around the entire ride Favorite place in Lock Haven: An Athletic Training Room Name: Amanda Loar Nickname: Amanda Loar Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Psychology Future Plans: Crime Scene Technician or Detective Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: Learning how strong of a person I can be and making endless memories with my teammates Favorite Food: Hawaiian Pizza Favorite Bus Memory: My sophomore year after we swept Mansfield on their field and clinched a PSAC spot, I will never forget everyone belting Bohemian Rhapsody (including CS!) Favorite place in Lock Haven: Ross Library
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 4
ALUMNI CORNER Name: Kelsey Harris Graduation Year: 2016 Position: Outfield Current Occupation: Customer Service Representative at Highmark Favorite on the field moment at LHU: It was hard to narrow down a favorite single memory from my time at LHU. I always loved the energy that we had when we played rivals like Bloom and IUP. The excitement that would fill the dugout when someone got a clutch hit or made a big play were the moments that reminded me how lucky I was to be playing for a team that was so invested in each other. Favorite off the field moment (with the team) at LHU: My favorite moments off the field were hanging out with my teammates playing spikeball.
Name: Chelsea Edwards Graduation Year: 2014 Position: First Base Current Occupation: Membership Director & Marketing Coordinator at the Lock Haven Area YMCA Favorite on the field moment at LHU: Perfecting slap defense with Nikki Weaknecht at IUP and sweeping them at their field Favorite off the field moment (with the team) at LHU: Team dinners, Bentley dates, weekend festivities, bus rides, class with some of my teammates, concert days. Anytime spent with my teammates off the field were some of my best memories at LHU.
LAWRENCE FIELD IMPROVEMENTS LHU Softball is excited to announce that Lawrence Field had several field improvements during the 2016-2017 school year. A new crimson wind screen was put up around the outfield fence and new PSAC flags accompany the wind screen during game day. At the end of the fall season grass was added to the foul territory areas to enhance aesthetics and help field maintenance. Lastly, a wind screen and new padding was installed behind home plate. Thank you to the LHU Athletics Department for their help in our new field improvements!
Lock Haven University Softball Volume 8, Issue 2 Summer 2017
2017 SEASON RECAP– Bree Hilty #16 As we do in every season we start off with a theme; this year’s was our “Time to Rise.” We wore it on the back of our practices jerseys and chanted it in our huddle before every game. We took on many different obstacles throughout our season with a roller coaster of highs and lows, but for each one we found a way to rise above and became stronger as a team. With every ounce of sweat and hard work we put in during our offseason, we were eager to step out on the field when it came to our first tournament at Myrtle Beach. Although we had a rough start going 1-5, we never got discouraged and were ready to work even harder when we stepped foot back in PA. We knew what we had to work on, and with only two weeks until our next tournament in North Carolina. We knew we had to stay focused and give it our all. We continued to push ourselves in the weight room and in the gym getting better with each rep and each swing. Going back to North Carolina, you could see our hard work coming together and we were all working on getting that light switch to turn on for us. In the beginning, we did struggle. We did have a hard time starting off, but we never stopped pushing and we never gave up. When we found ourselves at home against Bloomsburg, For the first game we cheered the loudest and had the most energy in our dugout and we pushed to a win 4-3. It was after the second game against them with a loss 4-3, we decided we never wanted to lose on our field again. We were the police officers at our field and we had the badges to prove it! So we protected it and played with pride here, only losing 3 games out of 13 on our home field the whole season. Next year we will continue to wear our badges and continue to strive to never lose on our home field again. As our season went on, after each game we played, we took a step up. No matter what, we kept taking one more step up to get better for the next game; all the way up until we found ourselves at the post season. The first day at the PSAC Championship we started with a devastating loss against Seton Hill, sending us straight into the losers’ bracket off the bat. The next day we had to win 3 games in a row in order to stay in the tournament. Many people doubted us, but as we stepped onto the field that Thursday, something was different. We battled non-stop, not letting up for anything. The first game we sent home California University 6-1 and we stepped up to our next opponent Gannon. For the first 4 innings we were back and fourth tied 4-4 until freshman Maddi Mathes came up to bat with the bases loaded and sent one out to give us the go ahead. We were on fire, and at that point there was nothing that could bring us down. In our third game we took on Shippensburg. Tending to all our superstitious needs, we chose to be away this game as well as all the others. Not scoring until the 3rd inning we were tied 2 to 2 up until the 5th inning where we managed to score another 2 runs with Moriah Lindsey’s home run. The game was close as they came back with 3 runs in the 7th inning, making the game 6-5, but our defense stepped up and shut them down to earn the win. This day we were unstoppable and some of the best memories and moments were made here. With our momentum flowing we carried it into the next day where we would face Bloomsburg. After a rain delay we were able to play and we started off a little rough. Bloom scored 7 runs in the first two innings, but we never stopped playing; after 5 innings of play we were able to hold Bloom and score 5 runs. Unfortunately we couldn’t put enough runs together and ended up losing a hard fought battle 75. We finished with an overall record of 28-21. We fought hard and never gave up and we rose together as a team. This year we graduated 6 outstanding seniors: MaKaylah Holbert, Paige Stuppy, Michelle Holweger, Jodi Weaknecht, Rachel Mouillesseaux, and McKenna Garlock. All represented a Lady Eagle with pride and will be remembered and used as examples in the seasons to come. We have a lot of big shoes to fill in the 2018 season, but we are excited to get back to work this fall where we will continue to rise together.
Inside this issue:
Season Recap
1
New Faces at the Haven
2
Senior Reflection
2
Meet the Seniors
3
Alumni Corner
4
Field Improvements
4
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 2
New Faces at The Haven LHU Lady Eagle Softball would like to welcome the following freshmen for the 2017-18 Season: NAME
POSITION
HOMETOWN
FAVORITE COLOR
YEAR
Olivia Hall
INF
Three Springs PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Stefanie O’Grady
INF
Milford, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Caitlin Pinchorski
INF
Tower City, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Cassie Querry
INF/C
Cassville, PA
CRIMSON
FRESHMAN
Senior Reflection-MaKaylah Holbert #2 With only two seniors gone from the previous year, we had a lot of returners back on the field for the 2017 season. We were ready to go and were determined to give all we had each time we stepped on the field. Being a part of a strong group of six seniors made every game we played that much more important. Not knowing when our last game may be, we made sure to give all we had each time we had the opportunity. In doing this the underclassmen stepped up as well and really proved themselves. Our team grew very close and that’s when our season really took off. We had a great run this year and although we did not go as far as we wanted to we learned so much along the way. The most important lesson that I learned this past year is that “the strength of the team, is the team.” Whether we were on the field starting on game day or part of the “Rally Crew” in the dug-out we knew our role and bought into it each day. Over these past four seasons I worked alongside the strongest women I have ever met. Whether we were in the weight room maxing out, running 200’s at the track, or balancing school work on top of all of it, we were always pushing one another. I am truly going to miss being able to work alongside each one of my teammates, but I know I will still have my Lock Haven softball family whenever I need them. Every player that has gone through this program keeps the people they meet, the memories they make, and the things they learn in a special place in their heart. I will never forget the long bus rides with our singing and dancing, our team frog hunting nights, and all the other crazy adventures we experienced together. Although there were the tough days where we ran stairs and did burpees until we couldn’t feel our legs, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Honestly, I can guarantee any Haven softball alumni would do anything to be back on the field wearing Lock Haven across their chest. There aren’t a lot of programs that can say that. This program has taught me to be stronger than I ever had to be before. It has taught me to be honest and selfless and to always put others before myself. Being a part of this Lock Haven softball family is something I will never forget and will carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 3
Meet the Senior Class Name: Taryn Williams Nickname: T Major: Health and Physical Education Future Plans: After Graduate school, I would like to volunteer or become one of the assistant coaches for a Division 1 school in Softball or Basketball. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: The life-long friendships I have made and gaining as much information about the game to help me in the near future. Favorite Food: Surf and Turf Favorite Bus Memory: Teaching everyone the "Rolex" dance. Favorite place in Lock Haven: The Dike Levee Name: Moriah Lindsey Nickname: They call me, Mo, Momo, Mo-town, MoBinsky, and Bad Chick. Major: I'm majoring in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Future Plans: I hope to become famous so I can be a celebrity dancer on Dancing with the Stars, but if that plan doesn't work I hope to be an Elementary school teacher. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: My favorite part of being a part of the LHU softball team is getting to play/practice the game I love with my best friends every day. Favorite Food: It would be easier to name the foods I don't like because I love all food, but something I could eat everyday would have to be mac and cheese. Favorite Bus Memory: My favorite bus memory is anytime Katy Perry is played and my teammates let me solo. Favorite place in Lock Haven: Since I'm a "townie" of course my favorite place is my house, or Fox's because they have good Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
Name: Gabby Henson Nickname: Gaberino Major: Applied Physics Future Plans: I hope to get my master’s in Material Science and Engineering and then work for the Department of Defense. Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: My favorite part about being a part of the LHU program is the relationships I have developed. This program gave me some of my best friends who have helped shape me into the person I am today. Favorite Food: My favorite food is pizza! Favorite Bus Memory: My favorite memory is of CS jamming out to Bohemian Rhapsody after we beat Mansfield to clinch our spot in the PSAC tournament. Favorite place in Lock Haven: My favorite place in Lock Haven is Main Street during Christmas because I love all the lights and the way the town gets into the holiday spirit.
Name: Susan Janfrancisco Nickname: Pusan Major: Exercise Science pre AT Future Plans: Go active duty in the Army and get job after graduation Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: Gaining leadership and teamwork skills I will be able to take with me after softball and giving me my best friends. Favorite Bus Memory: All the times CS/CF told me to sit down because I was making them nervous standing behind them and walking around the entire ride Favorite place in Lock Haven: An Athletic Training Room Name: Amanda Loar Nickname: Amanda Loar Major: Criminal Justice Minor: Psychology Future Plans: Crime Scene Technician or Detective Favorite Part of Being Apart of the LHU Softball Program: Learning how strong of a person I can be and making endless memories with my teammates Favorite Food: Hawaiian Pizza Favorite Bus Memory: My sophomore year after we swept Mansfield on their field and clinched a PSAC spot, I will never forget everyone belting Bohemian Rhapsody (including CS!) Favorite place in Lock Haven: Ross Library
Volume 8, Issue 2
Page 4
ALUMNI CORNER Name: Kelsey Harris Graduation Year: 2016 Position: Outfield Current Occupation: Customer Service Representative at Highmark Favorite on the field moment at LHU: It was hard to narrow down a favorite single memory from my time at LHU. I always loved the energy that we had when we played rivals like Bloom and IUP. The excitement that would fill the dugout when someone got a clutch hit or made a big play were the moments that reminded me how lucky I was to be playing for a team that was so invested in each other. Favorite off the field moment (with the team) at LHU: My favorite moments off the field were hanging out with my teammates playing spikeball.
Name: Chelsea Edwards Graduation Year: 2014 Position: First Base Current Occupation: Membership Director & Marketing Coordinator at the Lock Haven Area YMCA Favorite on the field moment at LHU: Perfecting slap defense with Nikki Weaknecht at IUP and sweeping them at their field Favorite off the field moment (with the team) at LHU: Team dinners, Bentley dates, weekend festivities, bus rides, class with some of my teammates, concert days. Anytime spent with my teammates off the field were some of my best memories at LHU.
LAWRENCE FIELD IMPROVEMENTS LHU Softball is excited to announce that Lawrence Field had several field improvements during the 2016-2017 school year. A new crimson wind screen was put up around the outfield fence and new PSAC flags accompany the wind screen during game day. At the end of the fall season grass was added to the foul territory areas to enhance aesthetics and help field maintenance. Lastly, a wind screen and new padding was installed behind home plate. Thank you to the LHU Athletics Department for their help in our new field improvements!
