A A| Behrend Beacon C I March 19,2010 t J | J I mm\ www.thebehrendbeacon.com ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Josh Fyffe finds a hot bat in Florida at spring training ELESE MERKOVSKY For those who have followed the Behrend men's baseball team, it would seem fitting that Josh Fyffe would soon be named Enterprises Rent-a-Car Athlete of the week. After a successful Spring Break spent in Florida, the Lions' went 7-1 with Fyffe showing why he was picked preseason for AMCC player of the vear. He started in every game at shortstop and led in multiple categories at bat. He had a batting average of .594 with 19 hits and 14 runs scored. Fyffe hit three home runs and went on to drive in 16 runs while having a slugging per centage of over 1.000, along with stealing three bases. Dur ing the game versus Ursinus he had 5 hits, including a cycle. He SOFTBALL Young talent flourishes in Clermont, Fla. tournament Penn State Behrend’s softball team this may be young, but they are stacked with talent. They earned the .AMCC title the previous two years and have been selected by the AMCC coaches, seven out of 10, to continue their streak of AMCC titles. "Hard work, teamwork, dedication, and pure talent contributed to last sea son's success." said junior team cap tain Maddie Wieser. Last season, the team had an 18-0 record in their con ference and an overall record of 33-8. “1 think this year’s team will exceed that success," said Wieser. “We have a great group of young ball players with a real passion for the game." Losing eight very experienced and talented players is tough on any team. This young team is determined to con- also received the AMCC athlete of the week for his perform ance in Florida. s rmnr /tyin/Zt’/' “The best part about Florida is getting the season started, Fyffe said. “You practice in the gym for weeks waiting to get on that field. A lot of pressure is lifted off your shoulders after the first game, so I would say the best part is getting to get onto the field and shake the rust, it also helps that we al ways play well down there." These awards are more to add to the long list that Fyffe has racked up during his time at Behrend. Earlier this year he was named an All-American to go along with being selected to the ABCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team for the second straight season. He was picked as the 2009 ECAC South Region Player of the Year after being named 2009 AMCC Player of the Year and First Team short- KAELA BISHOP sM// writer tinue their success through to the con ference championship. They will re ceive their leadership from two returning juniors. Beth Papalia and Wieser. Second basemen Papalia gained varsity experience during 24 games last season, bringing in 17 hits and eight RBIs. Wieser, primarily playing first base, is a versatile player. On the mound, she went 3-1 with an ERA of 2.73 last season. Also Wieser proved to be an offensive threat to any opposing pitcher, accumulating 18 hits and 21 RBIs. The team leaders are confident in their team and drive every player to work hard. “During each practice we push the philosophy of finish strong," Wieser said. “Everyone gives their all, 100 per cent during every practice," said soph psblions.com Senior shortstop Josh Fyffe earns the Athlete of the Week award after racking up a .594 batting average. "I try not to think about the All-American honor. If it's not in my head the weight isn't on my shoulders, I just stay loose and play like 1 always do. I do feel omore Amy Greene. Returning sophomores include out fielder Nicole Ganster who saw 23 games and drove in Hahn has the most 12 RBIs. Also in the . . experience pitching on outfield are switch WUI IGdlll lido the team and is the fa hitters Stacey Peter- - r .x rkri i; r ,| | voriteto win the AMCC son and Brittany cHTlclZiny pOlGrlllul. I Pitcher of the Year. Simpson. n Greene is not only a At third base is dlTl iCaliy GXCIIGU 10 threat behind the plate. Ashley Gruber. As a l r , _ she is also a dominant freshman, Gruber 566 MOW Tul OUT IGuITI force in the batter's batted .351, drew to- ;ii ,i ■ » box. During her fresh gether 29 RBIs, stole Will Q 0 IfllS yGdi. man year, Greene bat five bases, and MaHHipWiPQer ted .409 with 45 hits, 30 scored a total of 23 J™’ ”" RBIs. 16 doubles and runs Kayla Miller |un,or lean, caplam sjx homers Gre<me saw 12 games her was named the AMCC rookie year and hit one home run. Newcomer of the Year as well as the On the mound, sophomore Emma ECAC South Region Rookie of the Hahn had an ERA of 1.51, 91 strike- Year. outs, and two no-hitters during her first vear honored though to be put on that list. There are a lot of great players on that list and even guys who aren't, and I thank everyone who has helped get to where I am, especially Coach Hahn completed nine games, went 10-4, and left her opponents with a batting average of .136. Team unity will play a significant role, benefitting the team during their Benim and all the guys on the team,” Fyffe said. Fyffe has been playing ball for as long he as he can remem ber, playing in his first organ ized game at five. He was orts greatly encouraged to pursue his love for the game by his family, especially his dad, who coached him from a young age. "There are a lot of people who have inspired me, but if I had to pick one it would be my dad just because I grew up watching him play and coach," Fyffe said. “My dad always had me around the game, and al ways let me enjoy playing the game." Fyffe and the rest of the Behrend Lions will continue their season next in Kentucky to face off in the doubleheader against Thomas More, Sunday Mar. 21. Some other games that the fans will not want to miss would be the home double header against Wooster, the na tional runners up last year which will be at home and the doubleheader against Frost burg later in the season. 2010 season "Our team as a whole improved greatly when it comes to communica tion amongst one another both on and off the field," Weiser said. "We are a young team so it is crucial for us to get along as well as we do." The team wil have many options when it comes to reliable players. "Our team meshes well together and we have a lot of versatile players that can be depended on for multiple posi tions," said Wieser. "Our team has amazing potential. I am really excited to see how far our team will go this year." The Lions started off their season strong during their games in Florida. The team went 4-4 and has already begun racking in the home runs. With such a dominating strength on both sides, the 2010 Lions are a tough team to face.
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