Balls & Strikes
a
Balls & Strikes An LHU Softball Publication
Lock Haven University Softball Volume 9, Issue 1 Fall 2017
SO WHAT! Chloe Kennedy #8
The Lock Haven softball team is back in action and ready to take on the new 2017-2018 season with an avid approach. Finishing just above .500 last season, 28-21 overall, the team has new goals set in mind this year. Introducing our new motto, “So What!!!”, meaning we can only control the controllable or what is within our reach. Our intention is to keep focus on this motto in order to build upon the mental aspect of the game. We remind ourselves that whether it be making a mistake on the field or a minor setback that occurred, we must have a “so what” attitude and be able to bounce back immediately. This motto allows us to forget the past and move forward, which is an important goal for us this year. With an early start on the season, that did not stop LHU softball from coming out strong and eager for a win against their first competition, Lackawanna CC. Returning to school, we had just two weeks to prepare for our first fall games. This may seem difficult because we had lost seven returners from the previous year, including five major key starters. Each practice leading up to our game was efficient and everyone worked extremely hard, which clearly showed as we triumphed with ease. After competing against two Division I teams, Bucknell and Penn State, it is evident the Lock Haven softball team is ready to contend with anyone in the PSAC. For the first time in nine years, Lock Haven defeated Bucknell 3-2 in their first game at home, and fell short to Penn State 1-0. We battled well throughout these games and it is apparent what we excelled in what we need to continue to improve on. The way our team has developed, there is no doubt in my mind we will surpass these weaknesses and come back stronger than before. Our steady focus on academics did not go unnoticed for the team this past year. The Lock Haven University softball team was ranked No.70 in the NFCA for the 2016-2017 season. The team finished with an impressive overall GPA of 3.295. We only hope to improve in that aspect this year. In order to reach this goal, our coaches have introduced the idea of academic teams. The team itself is divided into two teams, one team for each coach, and each week we must check in with our assigned coach and present our grades. This way, our coaches and ourselves are aware of our progress and what we need to improve on. The way this competition works is a point system. If one person from the team fails to present their book to coach or bring it to practice, that team loses a certain amount of points. By making this into a competition, it pushes us to do well in class and stay on top of our work. Also, we have also introduced the idea of #HanginwithHaven. Unlike years before where we went on teammate dates to get to know one another, we now have assigned buddies on the team. Each person is assigned a buddy for the month and must complete a list of tasks given to us. A picture must be taken of you, your buddy, and whatever task is being completed, and posted on social media with the hashtag.
Inside this issue:
Fall Season Recap
1, 2
Freshman profiles
2
Day in the Life of a Senior
3
Alumnae Corner
4
Academic Success
5
Alumnae Game
5
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 2
Meet the Rookies Name: Stefanie O'Grady Hometown: Milford, Pa. Position: Middle Infield Favorite Food: Chicken Fingers Favorite Softball Memory: In high school, beating our rival for the first place title in a third game after winning a game and losing one to them. Why I chose LHU: It reminds me of home and I feel comfortable here and LHU has one of the best programs for my major and the softball program is amazing too. Name: Cassie Querry Hometown: Cassville, Pa. Position: Catcher Favorite Food: Popcorn Favorite Softball Memory to Date: Winning Districts and moving to states my freshman year. Why I chose LHU: Small campus that I could get to know people and it had my major and gave me the opportunity to play softball. Name: Olivia Hall Hometown: Hustontown, Pa. Favorite Food: Carbs Favorite Softball Memory to Date: Team Dinners Why I chose LHU: I can’t imagine going anywhere else.
SO WHAT! Continued…. This idea allows for players to bond with our teammates and have fun in the process, while representing the LHU softball program in a positive manner on social media. Although the fall season has come to an end, that does not stop the team from being driven and working hard each and every day. We are working on uniting and becoming stronger physically and mentally. We will begin to move into the weight room shortly where we will focus on becoming stronger individuals. Each team member comes to practice and lifts with a goal in mind and that is what will hopefully make us superior to other teams. As to the mental aspect, that is where our motto comes into play, “So What!!!” With many new goals in mind, the Lock Haven softball team upholds a tenacious outlook on the season and is ready to take on whatever it may be!
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 3
Fu
nd
ay
wo r
kin g
at P
ub li
cS
a fe
ty!
A Typical Wednesday in the Life of a Lock Haven Softball Senior -Taryn Williams On a Wednesday morning, I wake up to all four of my alarms, ranging from 6:15 to 7 am. For the most part I hit the snooze button until about 7:10 am. Trying to roll out of bed and grunting because I have my 8am again, and I have to take out 30 hair twists for my hair to look half decent for the day. After my hair is done, I finish the rest of my morning routine and I head out the door to my 8am. I get to Miss Roun’s class at 7:52 just as she is walking in. And just like clockwork, someone always shows up right between 8:05-8:07 and she kicks them out for coming late, and I chuckle every time. After my 8am, I rush out the door to try and catch the trolley, which is normally a hit or miss, but this day it was on time and was not filled with 100 people. Kayla Gee, my trolley buddy in the morning; I save a seat for her as we wait to go to Willis for our next class. We normally just talk about random things until we part ways to go to our class. In my next class, Bree Hilty is in there. She says “hey T, love the hair today!” my response, “Heyy Bree, thanks girl! I only had to wake up 30 minutes early to fix it”. We both laugh, and talk until class starts. Once class has ended, I rush home to get a 30 minute nap in before my shift at public safety. At public safety, I answer the calls, the radio, collect about 20 tickets a day because students still don’t know where to park, issue parking passes and decals. Today was a good day because I had nobody scream at me because they parked in the wrong spot and they got a ticket for it. After my shift it was time for some nice conditioning. As I make my way to Rogers, I see the rest of my teammates anxiously waiting to see what the conditioning is. We get out our jump ropes out and started jumping around warming up our legs. After our warm-up, coaches introduced a team conditioning which required us to split up in teams. Each station included:100 jump ropes, partner sit ups with a medicine ball, lateral jumps, lunges, bus driver squats, plank hold and lastly a Roger’s track run. To say the least, it was one of those good workouts where it had everyone huffing and puffing at the end. Right after the conditioning, I am scrambling to go to the next class at 2:15. While pain stakingly waiting for this class to end, we get a GroupMe about dodgeball tonight and immediately I get excited. After class, I go home, eat a little and take a small nap before dodgeball. As we all arrive at the Rec in our dodgeball gear, we practice dodging throwing balls at each other before the other team arrives. Today we played Omaha’s team. (The guy on that team that yells “Omaha” as a distraction when he throws the ball, so we gave that team the name “Omaha”) Now, you would think we are the best team in the league because we play softball right? Wrong, we are horrible. The best part about it is that we know we are bad and we still have so much fun playing. I’m normally the second person out every time and it takes a miracle for one of us to get back in. After the game, I head back home with Makaylah and we just laugh about the game. We sit at our table, eat the rest of our dinner we had earlier and chat about her placement. Around 8pm I start my homework and finish around 10 pm. I start my nightly routine of twisting my hair up while watching the newest episode of Love and Hip-Hop and then fall asleep to Sons of Anarchy. Then begin my day all over again.
All of my alarms….
Dodgeball team in action!
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 4
ALUMNAE CORNER Name: Amanda Saulsbury Graduation year: 2016 Position: Pitcher Current occupation: Student Physical Therapist at Lynchburg College Favorite LHU Softball memory: When we beat Kutztown at PSACS in 2016 with Mo's home run! Advice for the current team: Have fun and enjoy the ride because your time at Lock Haven will fly by! Embrace every minute with your teammates and fill this year with tons of smiles and memories.
ALUMNAE CORNER Name: Amanda Gutmaker Graduation Year: 2010 Current Occupation: Territory Sales Manager for Mid-Atlantic Region Verizon FiOS Favorite Memory: National Championship of course Advice for current team: Repetition, perseverance and heart are three essential characteristics to have on and off the field. If you have those, than you have the capability to succeed at almost any task...... The mind is beyond remarkable and if you have enough mental toughness you can push through just about anything you set it on.
Volume 9, Issue 1
a
Page 5
Thirteen members of the LHU softball team have earned 2017 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors. Big congrats to the following LHU Softball players for receiving NFCA All American Scholar -Athlete honors. These student-athletes had a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the 2016-2017 school year!!! The following names received this honor:
Jodi Weaknecht Michelle Holweger
Becca Caputo
MaKaylah Holbert
Kayla Gee
Bree Hilty
Moriah Lindsey
Bekah Slattery
Traci Kromko
Taryn Williams
Paige Stuppy
McKenna Garlock
Amanda Loar
LHU SOFTBALL ALUMNAE GAME A SUCCESS On Saturday, September 23, LHU Softball hosted its annual Alumnae Game at Lawrence Field. It was a beautiful day with a great turnout by our Alums. The day started off with the third annual Alumnae Home Run Derby where Michelle Holweger was the winner, followed by a slow pitch game. To end the afternoon the alumnae and current players ate lunch and played yard games. Thank you to everyone who came back. We hope to see you again next year!
Balls & Strikes An LHU Softball Publication
Lock Haven University Softball Volume 9, Issue 1 Fall 2017
SO WHAT! Chloe Kennedy #8
The Lock Haven softball team is back in action and ready to take on the new 2017-2018 season with an avid approach. Finishing just above .500 last season, 28-21 overall, the team has new goals set in mind this year. Introducing our new motto, “So What!!!”, meaning we can only control the controllable or what is within our reach. Our intention is to keep focus on this motto in order to build upon the mental aspect of the game. We remind ourselves that whether it be making a mistake on the field or a minor setback that occurred, we must have a “so what” attitude and be able to bounce back immediately. This motto allows us to forget the past and move forward, which is an important goal for us this year. With an early start on the season, that did not stop LHU softball from coming out strong and eager for a win against their first competition, Lackawanna CC. Returning to school, we had just two weeks to prepare for our first fall games. This may seem difficult because we had lost seven returners from the previous year, including five major key starters. Each practice leading up to our game was efficient and everyone worked extremely hard, which clearly showed as we triumphed with ease. After competing against two Division I teams, Bucknell and Penn State, it is evident the Lock Haven softball team is ready to contend with anyone in the PSAC. For the first time in nine years, Lock Haven defeated Bucknell 3-2 in their first game at home, and fell short to Penn State 1-0. We battled well throughout these games and it is apparent what we excelled in what we need to continue to improve on. The way our team has developed, there is no doubt in my mind we will surpass these weaknesses and come back stronger than before. Our steady focus on academics did not go unnoticed for the team this past year. The Lock Haven University softball team was ranked No.70 in the NFCA for the 2016-2017 season. The team finished with an impressive overall GPA of 3.295. We only hope to improve in that aspect this year. In order to reach this goal, our coaches have introduced the idea of academic teams. The team itself is divided into two teams, one team for each coach, and each week we must check in with our assigned coach and present our grades. This way, our coaches and ourselves are aware of our progress and what we need to improve on. The way this competition works is a point system. If one person from the team fails to present their book to coach or bring it to practice, that team loses a certain amount of points. By making this into a competition, it pushes us to do well in class and stay on top of our work. Also, we have also introduced the idea of #HanginwithHaven. Unlike years before where we went on teammate dates to get to know one another, we now have assigned buddies on the team. Each person is assigned a buddy for the month and must complete a list of tasks given to us. A picture must be taken of you, your buddy, and whatever task is being completed, and posted on social media with the hashtag.
Inside this issue:
Fall Season Recap
1, 2
Freshman profiles
2
Day in the Life of a Senior
3
Alumnae Corner
4
Academic Success
5
Alumnae Game
5
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 2
Meet the Rookies Name: Stefanie O'Grady Hometown: Milford, Pa. Position: Middle Infield Favorite Food: Chicken Fingers Favorite Softball Memory: In high school, beating our rival for the first place title in a third game after winning a game and losing one to them. Why I chose LHU: It reminds me of home and I feel comfortable here and LHU has one of the best programs for my major and the softball program is amazing too. Name: Cassie Querry Hometown: Cassville, Pa. Position: Catcher Favorite Food: Popcorn Favorite Softball Memory to Date: Winning Districts and moving to states my freshman year. Why I chose LHU: Small campus that I could get to know people and it had my major and gave me the opportunity to play softball. Name: Olivia Hall Hometown: Hustontown, Pa. Favorite Food: Carbs Favorite Softball Memory to Date: Team Dinners Why I chose LHU: I can’t imagine going anywhere else.
SO WHAT! Continued…. This idea allows for players to bond with our teammates and have fun in the process, while representing the LHU softball program in a positive manner on social media. Although the fall season has come to an end, that does not stop the team from being driven and working hard each and every day. We are working on uniting and becoming stronger physically and mentally. We will begin to move into the weight room shortly where we will focus on becoming stronger individuals. Each team member comes to practice and lifts with a goal in mind and that is what will hopefully make us superior to other teams. As to the mental aspect, that is where our motto comes into play, “So What!!!” With many new goals in mind, the Lock Haven softball team upholds a tenacious outlook on the season and is ready to take on whatever it may be!
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 3
Fu
nd
ay
wo r
kin g
at P
ub li
cS
a fe
ty!
A Typical Wednesday in the Life of a Lock Haven Softball Senior -Taryn Williams On a Wednesday morning, I wake up to all four of my alarms, ranging from 6:15 to 7 am. For the most part I hit the snooze button until about 7:10 am. Trying to roll out of bed and grunting because I have my 8am again, and I have to take out 30 hair twists for my hair to look half decent for the day. After my hair is done, I finish the rest of my morning routine and I head out the door to my 8am. I get to Miss Roun’s class at 7:52 just as she is walking in. And just like clockwork, someone always shows up right between 8:05-8:07 and she kicks them out for coming late, and I chuckle every time. After my 8am, I rush out the door to try and catch the trolley, which is normally a hit or miss, but this day it was on time and was not filled with 100 people. Kayla Gee, my trolley buddy in the morning; I save a seat for her as we wait to go to Willis for our next class. We normally just talk about random things until we part ways to go to our class. In my next class, Bree Hilty is in there. She says “hey T, love the hair today!” my response, “Heyy Bree, thanks girl! I only had to wake up 30 minutes early to fix it”. We both laugh, and talk until class starts. Once class has ended, I rush home to get a 30 minute nap in before my shift at public safety. At public safety, I answer the calls, the radio, collect about 20 tickets a day because students still don’t know where to park, issue parking passes and decals. Today was a good day because I had nobody scream at me because they parked in the wrong spot and they got a ticket for it. After my shift it was time for some nice conditioning. As I make my way to Rogers, I see the rest of my teammates anxiously waiting to see what the conditioning is. We get out our jump ropes out and started jumping around warming up our legs. After our warm-up, coaches introduced a team conditioning which required us to split up in teams. Each station included:100 jump ropes, partner sit ups with a medicine ball, lateral jumps, lunges, bus driver squats, plank hold and lastly a Roger’s track run. To say the least, it was one of those good workouts where it had everyone huffing and puffing at the end. Right after the conditioning, I am scrambling to go to the next class at 2:15. While pain stakingly waiting for this class to end, we get a GroupMe about dodgeball tonight and immediately I get excited. After class, I go home, eat a little and take a small nap before dodgeball. As we all arrive at the Rec in our dodgeball gear, we practice dodging throwing balls at each other before the other team arrives. Today we played Omaha’s team. (The guy on that team that yells “Omaha” as a distraction when he throws the ball, so we gave that team the name “Omaha”) Now, you would think we are the best team in the league because we play softball right? Wrong, we are horrible. The best part about it is that we know we are bad and we still have so much fun playing. I’m normally the second person out every time and it takes a miracle for one of us to get back in. After the game, I head back home with Makaylah and we just laugh about the game. We sit at our table, eat the rest of our dinner we had earlier and chat about her placement. Around 8pm I start my homework and finish around 10 pm. I start my nightly routine of twisting my hair up while watching the newest episode of Love and Hip-Hop and then fall asleep to Sons of Anarchy. Then begin my day all over again.
All of my alarms….
Dodgeball team in action!
a
Volume 9, Issue 1
Page 4
ALUMNAE CORNER Name: Amanda Saulsbury Graduation year: 2016 Position: Pitcher Current occupation: Student Physical Therapist at Lynchburg College Favorite LHU Softball memory: When we beat Kutztown at PSACS in 2016 with Mo's home run! Advice for the current team: Have fun and enjoy the ride because your time at Lock Haven will fly by! Embrace every minute with your teammates and fill this year with tons of smiles and memories.
ALUMNAE CORNER Name: Amanda Gutmaker Graduation Year: 2010 Current Occupation: Territory Sales Manager for Mid-Atlantic Region Verizon FiOS Favorite Memory: National Championship of course Advice for current team: Repetition, perseverance and heart are three essential characteristics to have on and off the field. If you have those, than you have the capability to succeed at almost any task...... The mind is beyond remarkable and if you have enough mental toughness you can push through just about anything you set it on.
Volume 9, Issue 1
a
Page 5
Thirteen members of the LHU softball team have earned 2017 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors. Big congrats to the following LHU Softball players for receiving NFCA All American Scholar -Athlete honors. These student-athletes had a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the 2016-2017 school year!!! The following names received this honor:
Jodi Weaknecht Michelle Holweger
Becca Caputo
MaKaylah Holbert
Kayla Gee
Bree Hilty
Moriah Lindsey
Bekah Slattery
Traci Kromko
Taryn Williams
Paige Stuppy
McKenna Garlock
Amanda Loar
LHU SOFTBALL ALUMNAE GAME A SUCCESS On Saturday, September 23, LHU Softball hosted its annual Alumnae Game at Lawrence Field. It was a beautiful day with a great turnout by our Alums. The day started off with the third annual Alumnae Home Run Derby where Michelle Holweger was the winner, followed by a slow pitch game. To end the afternoon the alumnae and current players ate lunch and played yard games. Thank you to everyone who came back. We hope to see you again next year!
