Eastern university softball – there isn’t anything soft about the Lady Eagles.
Lately the Eagles have been doing two things: scoring runs in bunches or beating teams with clutch hits and superb pitching. The Eagles need all the runs they can get to make it in the PAC tournament.
“This season has been a team effort,” Head Coach Mark Ambler said. “Every player is capable of carrying the team on any given day, offensively and defensively.”
The team effort can be seen in the youth of Eastern. All first-year players have contributed equally, including Tanya Guthrie, Val Heffline, Molly Oberholzer and Megan Favazza, who have been consistent offensively for Eastern. First-year Kristine Rosko has been more than solid for the Eagles, posting a 2.02 ERA this season. First-years Carly Rawlings, Michelle Morongell and Amy Bellows are able to fit into the line-up perfectly when called upon.
“We only had 6 returning players and 8 first-years,” Ambler said. “We are a real young team and have matured quickly to have a solid season.”
The fresh faces for Eastern have been positive.
“I feel that we [first-years] have brought a new attitude to the team and tried to be positive about the new changes,” Heffline said.
For the upperclassmen, lone sophomore Stephanie Weaver, juniors Alissa Brubaker, Karen Hertzog and Raychel Weis and senior Ashley Lewis have all been clutch in different games for the Lady Eagles. Senior Elise Murante has handled the hot corner well after coming back from an injury last season.
“My personal goal was to not let my knee injury hold me back and do better than I did last year,” Murante said.
The Eagles haven’t been holding back on scoring runs, averaging six a game against PAC opponents, including a 26-run performance against Rosemont College.
“[We want] to score first and stay up every inning,” Heffline said.
There is more than just scoring runs and solid pitching to the Eagles. “We try to have a fierce and fun attitude to keep us going,” Heffline said.
With Eastern in the PAC playoffs, they will need to continue to have a consistent effort from each team member
“Our assistant coach tells us all the time that we need to do our own small jobs so the team together can win,” Murante said.
Only time will tell if Eastern can go far in the playoffs. Ambler believes success is possible.
“We are playing our best softball right now, especially our pitching and defense,” he said. “I feel the girls can beat anyone.”
As the Eagles make their playoff run, it’s hard to bet against them.