Page 12 Women roar to ECAC Playoffs Lady Lions walk on by Brian Gregory Collegian Staff "Only you can allow yourself to be defeated." The Penn State-Behrend Lady Lions softball team is making final adjustments before beginning their season next week in Fort Myers, Florida. Head Coach Sharon Gregory says that they're ready to go. "Florida will get everybody together," she commented. "I expect to explode and rip the cover off the ball." The Lady Lions have been practicing since early January this year and have been undergoing major aspects of change since last year. Last year's Head Coach Paul Benim accepted an administration move which made him the new head baseball coach at Behrend. Thus last May, new volleyball Coach Sharon Gregory was appointed softball coach. Also moving on with Benim to the baseball team Was Assistant Coach Bill Graham. Moving into his vacancy will be Jackie Brophy. Another huge loss for the Lady Lions was in the loss of starters Sue Mazur (third baseman) and Megan Musante (centerfield), to graduation and strong-armed utility player Michelle Carino to State College. "We will have a huge hole at third base with Mazur gone," said senior co-captain Julie Stocker. One of the Lady Lions' greatest strengths is pitching. Anchored by two all-star pitchers, Heather Norder and Beth Calhoun, that is about as deep as Gregory will take it, though if they need more, out-fielder Shannon Angel may be called on for brief stints on the hill. When questioned on the lack of depth of the pitching staff, Gregory responded, "We have outstanding pitching, and both [Calhoun and Nonler] look extremely well. We will use Angel as a reliever since she pitched in high school. Angel herself is a little weary at the idea, "I haven't pitched since high school, but I'll do the best I can." Norder though is excited to get underway. "My arm feels a lot better than last year. I had time to get it in shape." As always in the past hitting will be sharp and a backbone of the team. Returning as leaders in hitting are Becky Reed, Calhoun, Angel and Stocker. Marlesse Schlott will also return to the team after a half year hiatus. "Beth [Calhoun] has a strong bat and she rips the cover off the ball," said Gregory on her team's solid hitting." "Stocker looks tough, Reed will lead off followed with Angel and Schlott. Our hitting is solid top to bottom." Defense has been a question for the Lady Lions as they made errors last year, but Gregory doesn't see many problems. "With defense we've had some injuries, and we'll see how we set up. We're very versatile and there are a lot of options I can use." On the early injured list for the Lady Lions are catcher Casey Sports Koza (back), Wilcox (broken finger), and Becky Reed (ankle). These injuries could be significant as the year goes on. "We don't have a deep bench, but the players are very good," replied Norder. "We have a talented team. If no one gets hurt, we'll have a solid team." As the Lady Lions ready themselves for spring training in Fort Myers, they have been doing it without the services of Reed and Schlott who have been tied MOILILIFSKIMIDIt IN Take a class in Penn State-Behrend's 3-week, 8-week, or 10-week Summer Se Penn State-Behrend 1996 Summer Sessio Schedule of Classes now available in the Registrar's Office. On-campus housing is available in the student apartments. new diamond up in basketball. They will join the team and play next Monday without a day of practice. New Coach Gregory has also made a few changes moving Angel from second to the outfield and moving Schlott to third to replace Mazur, she has implemented freshman Lisa Fox in centerfield and helped Steph Roberts get ready for catching in a back-up role. Coach Gregory is excited about the Florida trip and the tough The Behrend College DON'T SPEND YOUR SUMMER LION THE SUN Thursday, February 29, 1996 schedule including two Division 111 games, one Division II games and seven NAIA games. "We can hold our own," she said.. As for the team, Stocker sums of the goals of the team briefly, "We're going to the NCAA's!"
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