Embracing the idea as under dogs: Softball is ready for season

When she was hired in July to take over the Penn State Fayette softball team after serving as the team's assistant coach the last four years, Alex Rohlf hit the ground running in getting the program heading towards what she envisioned it going.  With the team scheduled to open play on Friday, March 11, she feels the Nittany Lions are as ready as can be considering their limited practice time outside.

"Preseason practices have been going great," Rohlf said.  "The ladies are working extremely hard and really buying into what (assistant coach) Becky (Howell) and I are trying to do.  Becky has been instrumental in getting them ready for game action.  The atmosphere has been so fun, with everyone genuinely enjoying playing the game and getting better.  We're getting to the point in the preseason where everyone is tired of being in the gym and just can't wait to get on the field and play a game."

Rohlf discussed the offseason work the team put in.

"The offseason was busy and I developed a workout and lifting plan for the athletes to get them ready for the preseason practices, as well as add on some strength," she said.  "Getting together our practice plans for the season, and evaluating what went well in the fall and what didn't go well, we (have a better understanding) so we could focus on the things that didn't go as well.  I also spent a lot of time recruiting and looking to build up the program for the future."

The team returns five starters from last years team in redshirt senior catcher Kelsey Holp (Grindstone, PA/Frazier HS), senior Lauren Mastowski (Dawson, PA/Frazier HS) who will move from shortstop to third base, All-Conference junior Cassidy Uphold (Grantsville, MD/Northern Garrett HS) who will start both in the outfield and at first base, junior center fielder Lauran Minerd (Uniontown, PA/Albert Gallatin HS) and junior Hayley White (Cumberland, MD/Allegany HS) will return on the mound and play first base.  Mastowski led the team last season with a .333 average and 20 hits.  

Three other players return from last year's team in sophomore Emily Conklin (Carmichaels, PA/Carmichaels HS), senior Carissa Cyphert (Scottdale, PA/Southmoreland HS) and senior Rachel Hartley (Dillner, PA/Mapletown HS).

"Emily is looking to earn a starting spot in the outfield," Rohlf said.  "Carissa is looking to see time at second base.  Rachel returns to Fayette after two seasons off and will be in the mix for starting spots."

Rohlf also spoke about three newcomers in sophomore Courtney McKlveen (Ligonier, PA/Ligonier HS) and freshmen Sammi McGhee (Hutchison, PA/Yough HS) and Brianna Hunt (Berlin, PA/Berlin Brothersvalley HS).

"Courtney will see time in the circle (pitcher's mound) as well as in the outfield," she said.  "Sammi will start as our primary shortstop and was All-Section last season at Yough (High School).  Brianna will see time at catcher, where she was first-team All-PIAA last season, and at second base."

As far as expectations, Rohlf discussed what she wants to see. 

"I expect our team to be very competitive this season," she said.  "I would like to see us in the conversation for the playoffs and I truly think that is obtainable.  I expect our team to continue to come together as a family, work hard, and I think we will surprise some people this season.  We have embraced the idea of being the underdogs, and we believe we have what it takes to compete in the conference.  Most importantly, I want us to enjoy playing the game of softball again."

When discussing the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC), Rohlf did not hesitate to discuss who she feels the top teams will be.  Last year, Penn State Mont Alto (21-11 overall, 18-5 PSUAC) won the West division while Brandywine (20-7, 17-5) won the East and then also won the PSUAC tournament by downing Mont Alto in the finals.

"The top returning team from our division is PSU Mont Alto," Rohlf said.  "They always have such a strong team.  We have a bit of a rivalry with PSU DuBois, so I look forward to finishing out the season with them.  This season will be a lot different, as we will play all the East teams for the first time.  It will be exciting to see some new teams, but I expect tough competition with the reigning champs PSU Brandywine (out East)."

What are some keys to a successful season for Fayette?

"The biggest key to our season is staying healthy," Rohlf said without hesitation.  "We have a small roster, so health is extremely important.  But while we may not have the biggest roster, we have a very talented and hard working group.  Another key is our offense.  We need our bats to stay hot and use our offense to carry us.  We have some very good hitters and getting them all going will take us a long way.  We will have a successful season if we take all of our hard work from practices and show it once we get on the field for games."

For more information on the Penn State softball team, go to https://www.psfathletics.com/sports/sball/index or follow the team on Instagram @fayetteathletics.