Softball team looks to make statement

What: Shippensburg Red Raiders @ Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Monday, April 7, 2008 @ 2:30 p.m. (Doubleheader)
Where: North Campus Field on the campus of Kutztown University

Game Info
A few years ago, Shippensburg was the leader of the softball pack in the PSAC East. Since then, KU head coach Judy Lawes has stormed Canada and the Denlinger family to push the Golden Bears to the top. In 2008, both teams are contenders in the division and we should have a much clearer outlook on the rest of the season following Monday’s twinball action.

The Golden Bears enter the doubleheader at 28-6 overall this season (pending Sunday's results against Bloomsburg) and are coming off Wednesday’s home split against East Stroudsburg. KU was upset 6-2 in game one before storming back to a 7-1 game two victory.

The Red Raiders enter the game at 21-13 overall and enter the game after being swept by the Bloomsburg Huskies on Wednesday by scores of 3-2 and 6-4.

Both teams trail Bloomsburg in the PSAC East, but KU has yet to face the Huskies (doubleheader set for Friday postponed until Sunday), and this is the first meeting between the Raiders and Golden Bears. Bloomsburg sits at 4-0 with KU and Shippensburg just behind at 5-1 and 4-2, respectively.

Last season, the Golden Bears won all four meeting between the teams. KU won 10-3 and 10-1 on the road, before returning to North Campus Field for 4-2 and 9-3 victories.

Probable Starting Lineups
Kutztown:
1. Kim Morrison – 2B
2. Maria Schiavo – LF
3. Steph Denlinger – 1B
4. Ashley Fitzgerald – CA/DH
5. Krista Cameron – 3B
6. Krista Tedjeske – SS
7. Caitlin Hague – CA/DH
8. Maggie Reifsnyder – RF
9. Kathy Gregg – CF
SPs: Kait Arbogast & Monica Glomb/Mary Hoch

Shippensburg:
1. Liz Good – RF
2. Sarah Stengle – LF/DH
3. Hope Cornell – SS
4. Lori Knopf – DH
5. Courtney Steele – 3B
6. Lisamarie Ramagli – 1B
7. Amanda Bardo – 2B
8. Jillian Mullan/Chelsea Carson – OF
9. Rachel Wedell - CA
SPs: Lori Knopf & Danielle Shields

Scouting Report
The Golden Bears will look to the pitching trifecta of Kait Arbogast (14-4 1.93), Monica Glomb (7-2 1.97), and Mary Hoch (5-0 1.37) to keep them in games, while counting on the high-octane offense to power them to victories. Steph Denlinger (.387-7-32), Ashley Fitzgerald (.424-10-32), and Krista Cameron (.363-4-26) can all hit the ball out of the park at any given moment and they will need to provide that power on Friday. Kim Morrison (.262-3-14) will leadoff for KU and despite her recent struggles, she’s a proven hitter who can break out for 3-4 hits on any given day. Maria Schiavo (.340-0-12) will be called upon to move base runners out of the two hole, but is another threat to set the table with a big hit at any time. Krista Tedjeske (.231-1-14), Caitlin Hague (.250-1-9), Maggie Reifsnyder (.231-2-5), and Kathy Gregg (.298-5-14) are all capable hitters who will look to provide runs from the bottom of the order.

The Raiders are led by the talented pitching duo of Danielle Shields and Lori Knopf, who will each likely get a start on Saturday. Shields (10-3 1.60) leads the pitching staff with 70 strikeouts and is allowing opposing hitters to bat just .194 against her. Knopf (7-5 1.97) has struck out 65 and opponents are batting just .214 against her.

Knopf (.398-4-30) also does it as the plate, leading the team in batting average and doubles (9). She is tied with Hope Cornell (.356-5-30) for a team-high 30 RBIs. Cornell and Courtney Steele (.337-5-16) are tied with a team-best five homers. Chelsea Carson (.381-0-5), Sarah Stengl (.299-0-15), Amanda Bardo (.276-3-17), and Jillian Mullan (.269-0-6) are among the other regulars hitting about the .250 mark.

Outlook
A big day against the Raiders could be a big momentum and confidence builder heading into the rest of the divisional season. It won’t be easy against the always competitive Raiders, but KU is the better team. If the pitching staff comes to play and the heart of the order does their thing, there is no doubt the Golden Bears can make a big statement in the East.