2014 Season Preview: Softball

By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Coming off its most successful season since 2010, the Juniata College softball team is primed for a repeat performance.  Led by second year head coach Sam Kszepka, the Eagles return seven from last years Landmark Conference semifinalist squad and welcome six fresh faces to the fold.

"We're excited about this season, especially coming off a break out year," said Kszepka.  "We had a lot of awesome events last year that really meant a lot to the team and we're looking to progress on that."

Juniata recorded its first 10-win season and earned a spot in the Landmark tournament for the first time in three years last season. They went on to defeat Moravian in the postseason for the first time in program history before falling to eventual champion Susquehanna University.  With a roster split down the middle between returners and newcomers, Juniata will rely on its leadership to help bridge the experience gap and get the team off and running right out the gate. 

"I've been saying all year we are small but mighty," said Kszepka.  "And what we lack in numbers, we make up for with heart. Takes more than talent."

Seniors Lydia Gorba (Portage, Pa./Portage) and Rachel Smith (Martinsburg, Pa./Home Schooled) are expected to step up big this season.  Gorba will see time in the outfield and on the mound in relief.  Smith, a utility player, was one of three to start all 29 games last year and is a staple of the Eagles infield.

"Rachel is a vocal leader and a leader by example," added Kszepka.  "She bleeds blue and gold and we are definitely looking for her to dominate this year anywhere we put her."

Pitcher
Juniata returns an experienced core of pitchers for the 2014 season led by sophomore Aly Smith (Mount Union, Pa./Mount Union).  The lefty threw for a team-best 69 strikeouts in her inaugural campaign, notching her place in the program's single-season and career record books.  She threw a team-high 84.1 innings and had a team-low .264 opponent batting average in 2013.

"Aly will be our go-to girl for pitching," said Kszepka.  "After having last year under her belt, I'm hoping her confidence and drive will continue to build into this year."

Along with Aly Smith, Rachel Smith will also see a lot of time on the mound with sophomore Holly Bettinger (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) who appeared in 19 games, earning 14 starts last year.

Catcher
The gap left behind the plate after losing last year's starting catcher is expected to be filled by freshman Katie McGlone (Reisterstown, Md./Franklin), whom Kszepka calls "a solid defensive catcher" who is learning the ropes.  Rachel Smith could also see time behind the plate this year along with freshman Holly Renninger (Adamstown, Pa/Cocalico).

Infield
Between Bettinger and Aly Smith, whomever is not on the mound will take over the responsibilities of first base. Rachel Smith will continue to lead from second base and in her final season as an Eagle will have a chance to help build up freshman Nikea Ulrich (Homer, N.Y./Homer).  The righty is expected to intertwine with Rachel Smith and fellow freshman Allie Baney (State College, Pa./State College Area) in the middle infield.  Baney, a true shortstop, will spend significant time on the diamond this year. Freshman Lindsey Kosicki (Patton, Pa./Cambria Heights) is currently winning the battle for third base.  "She has an amazing wing span and is emerging as a vocal leader," Kszepka noted of the 5-11 righty.  Despite being plagued by injury in her first season, sophomore Lauren Lesser (Mt. Laurel, N.J./Holy Cross) is also looking to earn her way into the lineup at third.

Outfield
Primarily protecting the outfield this season will be lone junior Katie Schroeder (Kempton, Pa./Kutztown) and sophomore Brooke Walls (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg).  Schroeder started in all 28 games she appeared in last year, finishing with a .329 slugging percentage and tying for the team-high in home runs.  Walls started 24 of her 28 games, earning 13 runs on 16 hits and finishing with a team-best 11 walks.

"Schroeder will be leading us in center field," said Kszepka.  "She vocalizes well and she's aggressive to the ball. [Brooke] will hug the lines.  She has an incredible arm.  I look forward to watching her gun down a lot of runners at the plate."

Gorba, Ulrich and Renninger are expected to rotate in the third outfield position. 

Utility
The Eagles defense in general is very versatile, with several student-athletes capable of competing at multiple positions.  While a number can be considered utility players along with Rachel Smith, newcomer Paige Dennison (East Berlin, Pa./Bermudian Springs) fits the bill.  The 5-8 lefty is a sophomore guard on the Juniata women's basketball team.  She did not participate in softball last year, but will join the team at the conclusion of the basketball season.

"She is intense, committed and just a true all-around athlete," said Kszepka.  "We are just excited to have her as an addition to our team this year."

Schedule
Juniata starts the 2014 season with a very competitive schedule down at the Dot Richardson Spring Games in Clermont, Fla. at the National Training Center March 9-14. They will open against Ithaca College at 9 a.m. on March 9, a team receiving votes in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll and who won a National Championship back in 2002.

"Ithaca has a strong background in softball," said Kszepka.  "They were 25-15 last year."

After facing the Bombers, Juniata will go toe-to-toe against Richard Stockton at 11 a.m. The Osprey went 33-11 last year and won the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Metro Championship.  The Eagles will also get to test themselves against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), who each ended 2013 with a 26-15 record, respectively.

Juniata closes the long week of competition against No. 20 Rowan on March 14 at 3 p.m.  The Profs finished 2013 ranked No. 12 in the country and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament where they advanced to the regional final before falling to the eventual National Champion.

The Eagles return from Florida and immediately open at home against new Landmark Conference opponent Elizabethtown College on March 18.  Juniata will welcome Drew (April 5) and Susquehanna (April 19) to Huntingdon in conference action.  This year they also play host to St. Vincent (March 27), La Roche (April 1), Penn St.-Altoona (March 3), Penn St.-Harrisburg (April 15), and Pitt.-Bradford (April 29).

This is the first time since 2010 the Eagles have had a 40-game schedule.

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