Lady sluggers begin season in tournament

By RYAN HOCKENSMITH
Collegian Staff Writer

Listening to coach Robin Petrini, one might think her Penn State softball team plans on swimming through the Bermuda Triangle this weekend.

While her squad's trip to Texas A&M for the Aggie Invitational may not be quite as mysterious as the infamous Atlantic Ocean zone, she still doesn't know what to expect.

"I don't know a lot about Auburn," Petrini said. "A friend of mine is the coach at Texas A&M and they're definitely better. And New Mexico I haven't seen in the last couple of years. I don't know that I can pinpoint wins and losses."

Petrini's team starts play today in the double round-robin tournament, opening with New Mexico (12-1) and Auburn (3-1). Tomorrow, the Lady Lions will take on Auburn again, then play a diamond showdown with the host Aggies (8-1). The Lions then face New Mexico and Texas A&M Sunday in the final day of action. The squad with the best record at the conclusion of play will be deemed the victor.

Penn State returns 13 letter-winners, including tri-captains Andrea Shebest, Jodie Ricciardi and Terra Pracht. Last season's leading hitter, outfielder Karen Gulini, also returns, along with Petrini's top two starting pitchers in Jaci Kalp and Tanis Ambelang.

Petrini, in her third year at the helm of the program, also had high regards for her incoming freshman.

"This is definitely one of my better freshman classes," Petrini said. "They definitely contribute a lot more depth to the program. But we're also deeper than we were when I first got here. We have a pretty solid team right now."

Along with the first-year players on her roster, Petrini will be welcoming two new faces on the team bench.

Assistants Kelly Kovach and Kellyn Tate, both graduates of Michigan, enter their first years at Penn State.

Despite the returning starters and solid pitching staff, Petrini said she cannot tell how her team will perform.

"When we are focused and pay attention, we're a pretty good team," she said. "When we lose our focus . . . I can't tell you."