MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - For many, it is hard to start thinking of warm temperatures, sunshine and spring sports while snow still covers the ground. However, the Penn State Harrisburg Softball team is already at work preparing for the 2011 season. Sixth year head coach Tonya Dengler looks forward to the 2011 season with high hopes and enthusiasm. "I think it's going to be an exciting year for our program. We had an excellent recruiting season and have brought in a wealth of new talent to complement our returning players."
Penn State Harrisburg will return nine players all of whom Coach Dengler expects will assume a leadership role that will generate team chemistry with the new additions to the team. Among those nine returners are four stand-out players that Coach Dengler has chosen as the captains for the 2011 season: Christi Renno, Paige Zechman, Rachael Vettori and Emily Pae.
Senior Christi Renno (McAlisterville, PA/East Juniata), the Lady Lions 3rd baseman, started every game during the 2010 season and registered 20 runs and led the Lady Lions in triples. Second baseman Rachael Vettori (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra) joins Renno on the infield as the team's 2010 homerun leader. Vettori also registered an impressive .924 field percentage last season.
At the shortstop position is junior captain Paige Zechman (Robesonia, PA/Conrad Weiser). Zechman is a positive all-around player who registered solid numbers in all statistical categories last season. Junior Emily Pae (Harrisburg, PA/Susquehanna Twp.) returns to the Lady Lions as a first year captain and starting outfielder. Last season, Pae led the Lady Lions in runs, hits, RBI's, total bases and slugging average. Pae was named a 2nd Team NEAC All-Conference player last season.
The 2011 season has yet to officially commence and the captains have already begun to showcase their leadership skills. "Their experience on and off the field has helped our newcomers make the transition to Penn State Harrisburg," Coach Dengler commented.
The Lady Lions welcome 11 newcomers to the team, all of whom "bring outstanding talents in different areas,". Brittany Kringer, Haylee Gueses, Meghan Ackerman, Brittany Woleski, Courtney Goodburlet, Jessica Campbell, Kara Boyd, TynNel Stoneroad, Kim Lewis, Macy Francioni and Hannah Palm all join the Lady Lions for the 2011 season.
The Lady Lions struggled through last season, finishing 8-25, but Coach Dengler and the Lady Lions have put the 2010 season behind them and are focusing on the future. "This is a new year, a new team and we are moving forward. I have reflected on that season with my coaching staff, but as a team we are looking ahead to 2011."
The Lady Lions will begin official spring training at the Snowbird Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on March 5, 2011. They will face several non-conference opponents to prepare them for NEAC play.
The Lady Lions first home contest will be held on March 19, 2011 versus Juniata College at 3:00PM.