MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – For most softball players, the first at-bat of your college career is one to remember.  If a player is lucky enough, they may reach base, notch their first hit or even drive in a run.  For Penn State Harrisburg freshman Rieley Loch (Madison Township, Pa. / North Pocono), her initial trip to the plate was an historic one.  On Mar. 4, Loch homered in her first collegiate at-bat and became just the second Penn State Harrisburg softball player to achieve that impressive feat. 

A combination of Opening Day adrenaline and the South Carolina sun kicks off our countdown of Penn State Harrisburg's top ten 2012-13 Winter/Spring sports moments.  We're less than two weeks away from the start of the 2013-14 athletics' season and we're celebrating by highlight ing ten of the most memorable moments from last November through May.

Loch's long ball proved to be the tip of the iceberg as the first-year player went on to have an outstanding debut campaign.  She capped her fantastic freshman slate by being named the 2013 North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Women's Softball Rookie of the Year.  Those are bookends to a season that would make any frosh green with envy.  Her "see the ball, hit the ball" mentality led to a team-high .359 batting average to go along with 42 hits, 26 runs scored and 20 RBIs.

Check back tomorrow for the number nine entry on our countdown.  Want a hint as to what comes next?  Think "aces & eights."