Penn State center fielder Gina Bianchini was struggling mightily at the outset of the season, so much that Penn State softball coach Robin Petrini dropped her in the lineup to No. 2 spot. She went 6-for-33 at the plate over the first 11 games of the season and had zero stolen bases. But she has been on fire over the past 11 games, raising her average from under .200 all the way up to .373.

Along with seeing more pitches and getting comfortable at the plate, Bianchini also said that the use of a new bat hurt her. She has since switched back to the old bat that she has used for three years.

Bianchini employs the slap-style of hitting, also called a slapper. Many times she just tries to bunt the ball or put the ball in play on the ground and uses her immense speed to get to first base.

"She just got to put the ball in play for the most part," Petrini said. "Then just use her tremendous amount of speed."

With Bianchini getting hot, the Nittany Lions have followed suit, winning 10 of their last 13. Petrini and Bianchini both agreed that her getting on base to lead off the game is key to the Lions' success.

"It's always important in any inning to get the leadoff person on," Petrini said. "As fast as she is, she is an extra catalyst because she can steal and do other things. When she leads off and gets on for us our scoring percentage is pretty high."

The success that Bianchini has been having, coupled with Mandy Nuxoll's 13-game hitting streak, has caused the confidence to
build throughout the team. The Lions are pounding out runs, scoring five or more in nine of their last 11.

"For me in the leadoff position I just try to get myself on," Bianchini said. "Hitting is contagious. People just see other people hitting so they will hit, too."

Petrini said that when Bianchini can get the Lions a run in the first inning, it takes a lot of pressure off the team. She said it's easier for her team to hit knowing that they can score.

Hitting is not the only thing that Bianchini has stepped up recently. She stole 12 bases over the past seven games, and with those steals became the all-time leader in Penn State history. Bianchini said that Petrini is not shy with giving her the signal to go, but that it is still Petrini's decision when to steal.

"I pretty much just listen to coach," Bianchini said. "She gives me the sign to steal and I go for it. Whenever there is a chance for me to steal she will pretty much give me the sign."