Helen Bradley
Staff Writer
Our softball team has not let anything get in the way of them this season!
With one week left of the regular season, the team has positioned themselves in a very competitive spot with a shot at clinching tournament time.
Sitting third in PSAC rankings, the team has a 24-12 overall record.
Yet, what is the most outstanding, is their home record. Currently achieving 18 wins and only 4 losses, the girls have broken the home win record for their program.
The previous program record was set in 1992 when the team won 13 home games. The new record came with a doubleheader split against Westchester when they won the first game convincingly 7-2.
For the most part, the pandemic has hindered play, but for the softball team it might have been an unlikely friend.
Senior Captain Ashley Spencer explained that with the pandemic, the team did not go to their usual spring training down south, meaning that they missed around 20 or so away games.
Instead, these games were replaced with 10 home games which gave the team more opportunities to post home game wins.
But it was not just luck that set the new record.
“We have been producing more hitting wise this year. We have taken a more aggressive approach with trying to get ahead of the count earlier,” Spencer said.
This strong approach can be accounted back to head coach Jaimie Wohlbach who is in her sixth year of leading the team. Wohlbach picked up her 100th win with ESU last week in another match-up with Westchester. Splitting the doubleheader again, the Warriors walked away with a 7-4 win and a 4-5 loss. For Wohlbach, her past 5 seasons have clearly built a sturdy base allowing the team to grow into the success they are now achieving.
Spencer described Wohlbach’s leadership as bringing more structure to the program.
“We spend more time taking live reps helping up to prepare for the games better,” Spencer said.
Spencer also commented that Wohlbach’s recruitment efforts has allowed ESU’s roster to be a stronger line up from start to finish.
This is evident with the two pitchers Marah Range and Leigh Ann Jenkins both capturing PSAC East Pitcher of the Week honors. As well as freshman Reilly Vicendese who broke the program freshman record for RBIs, the freshman hit record with 48 base knocks, and the freshman record for runs too.
Spencer described this season as successful due to their team culture.
“We push each other and challenge ourselves to be better and do more. The team is more competitive than ever so we have to fight for our spots more. We all know we have to produce and keep producing if we want to play,” said Spencer.
The Warriors finish out regular season play with games against Lockhaven and Shepherd later this week. Depending on the standings at the end of the week, the girls look to PSAC play as well as possible NCAA regional bid.
Email Helen at:
Hbradley2@live.esu.edu