Penn College is scheduled to open its season under a new head coach with a doubleheader on Saturday against crosstown rival Lycoming College at 1 p.m. at the Lycoming Valley Intermediate School field.
Last season: 28-17 overall, 14-8 all United East Conference, 10-6 UEC regular season.
Coach: Amber Savage, first season. Career record: 0-0.
Top returnees (last season’s statistics): Sophomore pitcher/outfielder Mackenzi Tice, of Mansfield (13-6 W-L, 1.82 ERA, 163 K, 42 BB, .364 BA); sophomore catcher/outfielder Payton Crawford, of Bloomsburg (.350 BA); sophomore shortstop/second baseman Harley Kunes, of Mill Hall (.277 BA); sophomore outfielder Carissa Lusk, of Lititz (.154 BA); sophomore catcher/first baseman Astyn Calaman, of Elizabethtown (.234 BA); sophomore third baseman Ryleigh Rinker, of Poway, California (.250 BA).
Key losses (last season’s statistics): Pitcher Mackenzie Weaver (15-8 W-L, 1.64 ERA, 134 K, 21 BB, program-record 560 career strikeouts, .365 BA), Grace Lorson (.352 BA), Madison Harriman (.376 BA), Lexi Snyder (.290 BA).
Top newcomers (all freshmen): Outfielder Sofia Mileto, of Loyalsock Township; first baseman Taylor Brown, of Bellefonte; second baseman/outfielder Sam Shaw, of Warriors Mark; pitcher Alivia Bizzarri, of Philipsburg.
Season/UEC outlook: Savage takes over a program that is a perennial United East Conference playoff contender and has advanced to NCAA Division III Regional play three times in the last five years, including the last two in a row. While the loss of UE first-team players Weaver and Harriman, and UE third-teamer Lorson, will be felt, all-conference second-teamers Tice and Crawford return to lead an all-sophomore and freshman lineup, with Crawford, Kunes and Calaman serving as team captains.
A former standout player at both Williamsport Area High School and Bloomsburg University, and a longtime coach of the Silver Bullets amateur travel team, Savage steps into her first collegiate coaching position ready for the challenge.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to share all the great things this game gives you on and off the field. I want these girls to walk tall and be confident women well after their last inning with me; know how to set a goal and create steps to achieving it, all while loudly believing in themselves and others,” she said.
Savage continued, “Outside of a very competitive softball background, I bring positivity to the program because I feel it’s a competitive edge. Athletes perform their best when they feel supported, encouraged and trusted. I create an environment where mistakes are treated as stepping stones, not setbacks. We celebrate effort, improvement and teamwork just as much as results.
“My coaching philosophy has always prioritized positivity, respect and love of the game. My purpose as a softball coach is to help athletes grow into confident, resilient and respectful young women who love the game as much as they love the team beside them. Wins are celebrated, losses learned from, and every moment on the field is an opportunity to build character.
“I don't believe a softball program trends upward because of one magic ingredient; it’s the combination of a few core drivers that build momentum year after year: a clear and consistent culture that focuses on positivity that fuels confidence. Respect for teammates, coaches, opponents and the game. And love of the sport that keeps players coming back hungry. Culture isn’t a slogan; it’s how the team behaves on a random Tuesday practice.
“Every athlete is unique. I focus on the whole person: mindset, skillset and confidence. I meet players where they are and help them grow step by step. Dream bigger, know what it takes to be at the next level and be brave enough to go after it.
“Player development over everything. The fundamentals, the game IQ, mental toughness, resiliency, and meeting players where they are at. When players improve, the program improves.
“This year's team enters the season with a clear identity. We believe loudly in each other. We play with joy. We compete with purpose, and we do things with energy out of respect for the game and each other. We have athletes who play multiple positions, giving us flexibility with lineups and defensive strategy. This is a young squad that brings energy, curiosity and a hunger to learn.”
Inside the UEC: Penn State Brandywine won last season’s crown, although runner-up Penn College went to NCAA regionals as Brandywine was ineligible. In a preseason poll, the Wildcats are No. 4, behind Penn State Berks (1), Penn State Brandywine (2) and Penn State Harrisburg (3). The remainder of the rankings: Wilson College (5), Penn State Abington (6), Cedar Crest College (7), Lancaster Bible College (8), Notre Dame (Md.) University (9), Keystone College (10), Gallaudet University and Cairn University (tied 11), Valley Forge University (13). Berks received five first-place votes; Brandywine got six, and Penn College had two. The 13 teams are vying for 10 postseason playoff positions. First-round games are scheduled for April 29, with the second round (best-of-three) on May 1-2 and the Final Four (double elimination) May 8-10.
UPCOMING GAMES
Saturday, Feb. 28 – host host Lycoming College at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School (2), 1 p.m.
Fast-Pitch Dreams Spring Classic at North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Monday, March 9 – vs. Hilbert College, 11 a.m.; vs. Albion College, 1 p.m.
For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website. For more about the United East, visit the conference website.