HUNTINGDON, Pa.- "We Ain't Fooling Around "or better known by its acronym, WAFA, is the motto for this season's Juniata softball team. While last season's 13-25 record was not where the Eagles wanted to finish, it did mark a five-game improvement over the previous year. JC had its third-highest batting average in program history, .294, and the third-highest total in stolen bases with 45. For the Eagles to continue climbing, 2017 is not a time to fool around.
"I'm really excited about this team because I think it is one of my better teams coming into the fall," said fifth-year head coach Sam Kzsepka. "I'm really super excited about what these guys are bringing to the field day in and day out. I can't wait for the games to start so we can get game experience for the freshmen and underclassmen."
Pitching
Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. You can never have enough pitching. A total of nine pitchers make up the staff for this year's team.
Junior Chrisi Lerchen (Annville,Pa./Annville-Cleona) brings a veteran presence to a young Eagles staff as she has logged over 174 innings in two seasons. Sophomore Sarah Sotelo (Fairfax, Va./Paul VI Catholic HS) led all starting pitchers with a 4.10 earned run average.
Sophomore Maddie Garrick (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) is coming off a strong 2016 season pitching in relief. She sported a 2.79 earned run average that was lowest on the team and had nearly five strikeouts per seven innings. "I see big things for her this year," stated Kzsepka. "She has matured a lot personally and as a pitcher." Kszepka said she would like to use Garrick in both a starting and relieving role.
Catching
Junior Alicia Regnault (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater Raritan) is the lone catcher returning on the Eagles. Sophomore Abby Ebright (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) will see time behind the plate as will freshman Jordan Wahrenberger (Shamong, NJ/Seneca).
Infield
Kszepka noted that the infield is very strong this season. Once again, the Eagles will have plenty of experience led by juniors Allie Baney (State College, Pa./State College Area) and Kerigan Ammerman (Alexandria, Pa/Juniata Valley). Ammerman batted .371 last season and was the only player to participate in all 38 games. She led the team with 43 hits and 25 runs batted in. Baney hit .307 in 34 games while dealing with various ailments. Kszepka commented that both Baney and Ammerman have matured over the last year. "Having them in the infield, they are very irreplaceable not only with their knowledge and talent but their vocal presence as well," she said.
Manning the hot corner will be Ebright. Among returning players, she has the highest fielding percentage from last year at .936. Sophomore Jennifer Carthrew (New Paris, Pa./Chestnut Ridge) and Sotelo will split time at first base with Wahrenberger also factoring in.
Outfield
Kszepka remarked at the depth at that position and noted the healthy competition that is taking place. Junior Brooke Ridenour (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin) returns to the fold after sitting out last season with an injury. Freshmen Alyssa Shedlock (State College, Pa./State College) and Anna Baran (Tyrone, Pa./Tyrone) will also compete for starting roles with Lerchen seeing time on days she is not pitching.
Schedule
The Eagles begin their season this Sunday in Clermont, Florida with a doubleheader against Penn State Brandywine and New England College. "Florida we are using to get our feet wet game wise and figure who is going to be the best nine on the field," stated Kszepka. "We will have some good competition all around and it depends on how we show up. We should come back strong, ready to go, and confident as well."
Kszepka is very optimistic on this season. "Our goal is to make the conference tournament this year because we know we have the team that can do that," she stated. "They (the team) see the bigger picture and are excited about it and right know they are working towards that."
