Softball Opens up Season Thursday
The Alfred State softball team opens up the 2016 season on Thursday afternoon when they battle Drew (NJ) University in Ft. Myers, FL. The contest is the first of 34 games scheduled for the Lady Pioneers in 2016.
Head Coach Amy Plank, who took over the program after the team's spring break trip in 2015, will count on eleven retuners that won 11 of their last 24 games. Junior Stormi Kruger (Medina) and seniors Katie Jackson (Troy, PA), Aubri Mosier (Rome, PA), and Claire Hartman (Alden) will be counted on anchor the team.
- Kruger hit .339 last year with 23 RBI. For her career she is a .414 hitter with 10 doubles, six triples, three homers and 41 RBI.
- Jackson has been a constant in centerfield and at the top of the lineup. She hit .325 last year with 37 hits and 25 runs scored.
- Mosier enters the season just one hit away from 100 for her career. She is a .361 career hitter with 28 doubles, two triples, two homers, and 62 RBI.
- Hartman has made 88 starts in her career and is a .322 career hitter. She has collected 10 doubles, four triples, a homer, and 40 RBI while stealing 18 bases.
Plank will also need key contributions from junior catcher Lura O'Keefe (Allegany Limestone), sophomore 3B Allison Gibson (Arkport), and outfielders Kelsey Lewis (Johnson City) and Amanda Rockefeller (Bolivar Richburg).
O'Keefe will catch two newcomers this spring. Jordan Leonard (Lancaster) and Tonia Tinker (Alfred Almond) are expected to toe the mound and share the pitching duties.
Following a 12-game trip to the Gene Cusic Classic in Ft. Myers, FL, the team will return north and will compete vs. teams from the NEAC, the SUNYAC, the Empire 8, and the Liberty League.
The team hopes to challenge for a spot in the USCAA Tournament to be held in Akron, OH in mid-May.
Recently, the sports information intern and former softball player Ally Vargeson asked senior outfielder Katie Jackson (Troy, PA) a few questions about the upcoming season.
What was the hardest transition for you in becoming a college student athlete? Balancing class and practice.
What advice would you give someone who would like to play at Alfred State? Enjoy your time as a student-athlete.
What is the #1 thing you would like to gain from being a student athlete? Friendship with my teammates.
Outside of softball, what do you enjoy to do with your time? Spending time with family, friends, and working on the farm.
How inspires you to do your best on and off the field? My parents.
Tell me about the funniest thing you've experienced being on the softball team? When (Coach) Caba and Paul (Welker) wore "All About That Base" shirts in Florida.
Views on how the upcoming season will turn out? Hopefully better than last season.
What is the hardest aspect of being a student athlete? Balancing class, work, and softball.
Do you or the team have any pregame rituals? We do our A-State chant.
What brought you to Alfred State? My high school secretary's son went to Alfred for Ag Tech.
Quick Hits
Favorite Movie?: Frozen
Favorite Song? Let it go
Who is your idol? Grandpa
Favorite Food? Chicken and rice
Favorite Holiday? Christmas
