Lady sluggers slated to play in Troy Cox Classic

By RYAN HOCKENSMITH
Collegian Staff Writer

They don't know, don't care and aren't worried.

That's the mindset of Penn State's softball players as they head west for a second straight week to tangle with fairly unknown opponents.

Penn State heads to New Mexico State today for the first of four tournament games in the Troy Cox Classic.

After last weekend's 1-5 showing at Texas A&M's Aggie Invitational, a tournament which featured three unfamiliar foes, Lady Lion players said they don't mind doing it again.

"It's a good thing," junior shortstop Terra Pracht said. "We just go out and play and don't worry about who the other team is."

Lady Lions pitcher Tanis Ambelang, who went 0-2 last weekend, said there are advantages and disadvantages to facing the fresh-faced competition of the classic.

The sophomore said this weekend's unknown opponents probably have very little scouting on Penn State. However, she added her squad doesn't know what it is up against, either.

"I know we're playing Northwestern," Ambelang said. "But that's about it.

"Overall, it really doesn't matter too much to us."

The Lions take the diamond twice today, first facing New Mexico (17-1) at noon and then a 2 p.m. clash with Butler (0-0). Tomorrow's slate sends Penn State to the field versus Northwestern (7-5) at noon and Texas Tech (8-9) at 2 p.m.

Other teams participating in the tournament include Arkansas, Minnesota, Oregon State and Wichita State.

Although team members are clueless regarding Texas Tech and Butler, left fielder Jodie Ricciardi said they are eager to see both Northwestern and New Mexico again. But the Lady Lions' tri-captain seemed to have a special place in her heart for the Lobos, who beat Ricciardi's team twice last weekend.

"I think everyone's pumped to go up against New Mexico again," Ricciardi said. "We can definitely beat them. We just need to put it all together."

Penn State coach Robin Petrini said she was happy with the way her squad performed last weekend, in spite of the squad's win-loss record.

Petrini had expressed concerns in the preseason about her team's offense and fielding, and declared pitching the strength of the team.

She said her offensive worries may have been grounded out after the Aggie Invitational, but her squad's defense is still a question mark.

"Overall, I was pretty happy," the third-year coach said. "Our pitchers settled down and the team hit well. We do need to solidify the defense, though."

Similar to her squad, Petrini wasn't very knowledgeable of the opposition this weekend.

"I don't even know who we play," Petrini said. "I'm just concerned that we continue to hit, keep our pitchers pitching well and solidify the defense."