Softball ready for rematch with Huskies

What: Bloomsburg Huskies @ Kutztown Golden Bears
When: Friday, April 18, 2008 @ 2:30 p.m. (Doubleheader)
Where: North Campus Field on the campus of Kutztown University
Radio: Golden Bear Network at 2:20 p.m. (Clay, Johnson, Kemps)

Game Info
The 10^th-ranked KU softball team can clinch at least a share of the PSAC East title on Friday afternoon when they play host to 19^th-ranked Bloomsburg.

The Golden Bears are 38-6 overall this season and 15-1 in the PSAC East. The Huskies (9-5) have allowed KU to pull away over the last few weeks, but still remain in second. Shippensburg (9-7) currently has a relatively tight hold on the third and final playoff spot, but West Chester (6-8), ESU (6-10), Millersville (5-11) and Mansfield (4-12) are still in the mix.

The Golden Bears enter the game fresh off Wednesday’s doubleheader sweep at Mansfield. KU won 8-0 and 6-0 to complete the season sweep of the Mounties.

The Huskies, meanwhile, are coming off a split with East Stroudsburg on Wednesday afternoon. Following a game one 2-1 loss, the Huskies rebounded with an 8-0 shellacking of the Warriors. With a 34-7 overall record this season, Bloomsburg comes into the game just percentage points behind the Golden Bears.

These two teams met at Bloomsburg back on April 6 with the Golden Bears sweeping the doubleheader by scores of 5-1 and 2-1.

Last season, KU won three of the four matchups between the teams. At North Campus Field, the Golden Bears fell 9-0 before winning 7-1. Later in the season, KU won 3-2 and 5-2 on the road.

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

Bloomsburg:
1. Tara Reed – SS
2. Mandy Koch – 2B
3. Lacy Mauro – LF
4. Jenna Hampton – DH
5. Kayleen Sidisky – 3B
6. Nikki Shiko – CF
7. Casey Massimini – RF
8. Tiff Corliss – CA
9. Jess Rosin – 1B
SPs: Ashley Lynn & Sheelin Fisher

Scouting Report
The Golden Bears have already swept the Huskies once, and with the PSAC East title within their grasp, they should be as motivated as ever to sweep the Huskies out of Kutztown. The Huskies do, however, have a lot of talent, including a few top-notch offensive threats and one of the best pitching staffs around. The teams are relatively even and, like in the first meetings, both games are likely to be close right down to the finish.

The Golden Bears will look to the pitching trifecta of Kait Arbogast (17-4 1.59), Monica Glomb (9-2 1.58), and Mary Hoch (9-0 1.19) to keep them in games, while counting on the high-octane offense to power them to victories. Steph Denlinger (.381-11-41), Ashley Fitzgerald (.465-14-48), and Krista Cameron (.353-5-30) 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 (.254-3-16) will leadoff for KU has been playing well over the last few weeks. Maria Schiavo (.292-0-12) 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. Maggie Reifsnyder (.302-4-9) has recently been moved to the six hole to provide a threat behind the “big three” and she has not disappointed. She is quietly becoming the power hitter coach Judy Lawes was hoping for. Krista Tedjeske (.231-1-14), Caitlin Hague (.257-1-10), and Kathy Gregg (.278-6-19) are all capable hitters who will look to provide runs from the bottom of the order.

The Huskies will rely on their superstar pitcher Ashley Lynn (15-3 0.93) to carry them to the Promised Land. The senior has allowed opponents to hit just .208 and has struck out 138 in 128.1 innings of work. Sheelin Fisher (11-2 1.08) will likely start game two, while Tara Reed (7-2 0.98) rounds out a stellar pitching staff.

BU’s offensive attack is led by six regulars who are hitting above .300. Tara Reed (.420-1-21) leads the team in runs scored with 28 and steals with 10. Reed and Jenna Hampton (.324-3-21) have the most RBIs, while Hampton is tops on the team in homers. Mandy Koch (.313-2-11), Nikki Shiko (.351-2-10), Tiff Corliss (.316-1-13), and Lacy Mauro (.317-0-16) will also be counted on for run production.

In order to continue their assault of the Huskies, the Golden Bears will need the continued superb work of the pitching staff. Kait Arbogast, Monica Glomb, and Mary Hoch have been quite the trifecta this season and will be key to the team’s success the rest of the way. I’d expect both games to be close and I wouldn’t be completely surprised if Bloomsburg was able to steal one of the games. As good as KU is, the Huskies are also a top 25 team in the nation and can break out at any time.

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.

Softball splits with ESU

Recap:
Wednesday, April 2 vs. East Stroudsburg:
Game 1: L 2-6
The Warriors exploded to five combined runs in the fourth and fifth innings en route to a 6-2 victory in game one. ESU jumped all over Kait Arbogast in the fourth inning, forcing her to leave the game after allowing three runs on four hits in three innings of work. Mary Hoch entered the game and allowed two more earned runs on six hits in the final four innings. The Golden Bears, who began a rally in the bottom of the seventh but could only manage one run, had just six hits in the game.

Game 2: W 7-1
The Golden Bears jumped ahead 3-0 in the third inning before adding four insurance runs in the fifth frame to seal the 7-1 game two victory. Ashley Fitzgerald carried the offense, registering a 2-for-3 day at the plate, which included a solo homer in the second inning and a three-run shot in the fifth. Monica Glomb earned the winning, tossing a complete game five hitter. She allowed just one earned run and struck out nine.

What we liked:
Game two saw outstanding performances from both Monica Glomb and Ashley Fitzgerald. Glomb had one of her best outings as a Golden Bear, allowing just one run and striking out nine. She will be counted on to come up big in key situations as the season goes on, and, if Wednesday was any indication of things to come, coach Judy Lawes should feel good about Glomb. Fitzgerald had three hits on five at bats in the doubleheader and all but single-handedly carried KU to a game two victory. She has been the biggest threat at the plate for the Golden Bears in 2008 and there is no reason to believe that she won’t continue to perform at this level. Maria Schiavo was 2-of-4 at the plate, while Kathy Gregg was 2-of-5 and scored three runs.

What we didn’t like:
Kait Arbogast has allowed three earned runs in each of her last two games, which could be worrisome. The sophomore ace pitched most of KU’s innings last season, and, although she has help from Mary Hoch and Glomb this season, she is still needs to be at the top of her game if KU has a chance against the likes of Lock Haven and Bloomsburg. The Golden Bears’ offensive struggles on Wednesday were the product of poor outputs from big bats Steph Denlinger [pictured] (1-for-5) and Krista Cameron (1-of-7), leadoff hitter Kim Morrison (1-of-7), and freshman Krista Tedjeske (0-for-6), who is counted on to provide protection for Cameron in the six spot.

Impact:
The split, coupled with Bloomsburg’s sweep of Shippensburg, drops KU from the top spot in the PSAC East. The Huskies (4-0) lead KU (5-1) and SU (4-2) with plenty of games still to be played. ESU has proved to be one of the worst teams in the East so far this season, so the loss could prove costly with the competition for the top seed in the division sure to be a dogfight. The players who have been struggling/struggled on Wednesday are proven veterans in most cases and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be back to form this weekend when KU continues it’s divisional schedule with two of the biggest doubleheaders of the season. The Golden Bears will head to Bloomsburg on Friday and return home to face Shippensburg on Saturday.

Softball team set to open East play

What: Kutztown Golden Bears @ Millersville Marauders
When: Friday, March 28, 2008 @ 3 p.m. (Doubleheader)
Where: Pucillo Field on the campus of Millersville University

Game Info
The KU softball team will open up PSAC East play on Friday when they travel to Millersville for a doubleheader. The Golden Bears enter the game ranked 17^th in division II and sport a 23-5 overall record. KU enters the game fresh off a home sweep of Indiana (Pa.) on Tuesday by scores of 3-0 and 5-1.

Millersville is 12-9 on the season and heads into the game following a home sweep of Columbia Union in doubleheader action on Wednesday. The Marauders were victorious by scores of 10-2 and 7-1.

Each team hosted a doubleheader last season with KU taking 3 of the 4 victories. The Golden Bears won 2-1 and 12-6 on the road, before returning home for a 6-2 win and a 3-4 regular-season finale loss.

Similar to 2007, KU is one of the top teams in the region this year, while the Marauders will be fighting just to qualify for the PSAC playoffs. The Golden Bears went 43-18 a season ago, but fell in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals to bring their season to a disappointing close. Millersville was 20-26 in 2007 and failed to qualify for the PSAC playoffs.

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. Maggie Reifsnyder – RF
8. Caitlin Hague – CA/Emily Fazekas DH
9. Kathy Gregg – CF

SPs: Kait Arbogast & Monica Glomb/Mary Hoch

Millersville:
1. Shaina Briel – 2B
2. Lindsay Hosier – SS
3. Erin Hepner – 1B
4. Alexa Ashwell – CF
5. Janell Mrakovich – DH
6. Casey Coker – 3B
7. Trisha Johnson – CA
8. Jillian Golomboski – LF
9. Maria Polyak – RF

SPs: Emily Flieger & Janell Mrakovich

Scouting Report
The Golden Bears will be expected to handle the Marauders with ease, but divisional games always tend to be a challenge.

KU will rely on their outstanding offensive attack, which sports a deadly middle of the order. Steph Denlinger (.385-5-21), Ashley Fitzgerald (.420-8-26) [Pictured Above], and Krista Cameron (.373-2-22) should each approach 20 homers this season and will cause fits for the Marauder pitching staff. Kim Morrison (.284-3-12) has done a respectable job leading off, but needs to get on base more. Maria Schiavo (.345-0-10), who teams with Morrison to set the table, is currently fourth in the nation in sacrifice hits.

Fellow freshmen Krista Tedjeske (.247-1-14) and Maggie Reifsnyder (.233-1-3) will likely hit in the six and seven slots, respectively. Reifsnyder will likely be the full time rightfielder now that Sam Flowers has left the team. A designated player will likely fill out the eight spot, while Kathy Gregg (.282-4-10) will hit ninth.

After allowing Kait Arbogast (12-3 1.76) to carry almost the entire pitching load as a freshman in 2007, Coach Judy Lawes will have fellow freshmen Mary Hoch (4-0 1.44) and Monica Glomb (5-2 2.35) to help with the workload this year. Arbogast will start a game on Friday with Glomb or Hoch likely to start the other.

Millersville’s offense is led by the bat of Janell Mrakovich (.373-2-17), who leads the team’s regulars in homers, is second in batting average, and third in RBIs. Shaina Briel (.435-1-18) leads the team in batting average, while Alexa Ashwell (.309-0-20) and Casey Coker (.309-1-20) lead the team in RBIs. Erin Hepner (.362-0-8) and Lindsay Hosier (.361-0-12) will also contribute from top of the Marauder order. It should be noted that the Marauder stats are extremely inflated thanks to Tuesday’s two-game sweep of Lincoln by scores of 44-1 and 35-0.

Emily Flieger (4-3 1.77) and Janell Mrakovich (4-4 4.67) are likely to start for the Marauders, but Courtney Eckman (2-2 7.52) will be in the mix as well.

The Golden Bears simply need to come out and do their thing. They’ve played more games than any other PSAC team thus far in 2008 so rust will not be a factor. KU has the better offense and the better pitching, which should mean an easy Friday sweep.