SB team to have a mix of experience and youth
Now with a full season under her belt as head coach, second-year Penn State Fayette coach Alex Rohlf has an idea of what to expect from a full season. She, and the team, had many firsts last season: first practice, first game, first conference game, and first Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference playoff game.
So, this means the team doesn't have any more firsts to aim for, right?
Not according to Rohlf.
"We have big expectations this year," she said with a smile and a serious tone. "Last year, the focus was on turning the page to a new era and showing people what we were all about. We did that, but I know that there are some that believe we were a fluke. I actually heard us called that. This year we expect to build on the foundation from last year, return to the playoffs and make it to the second round. I would love to be able to host a playoff game this season."
Rohlf used the offseason looking to build numbers.
"The offseason was busy as always," she said. "Part of building up the program to what I envision is spending a lot of time on the road looking for future players. This year, you'll see the first of these classes coming through. We also spent the fall and offseason working on getting things prepared and ready to go."
How have the preseason practices gone?
"Preseason practice has been very good so far," Rohlf said. "It was nice to finally get back in the gym with our full team. We have a lot of young players, so it is important to get them comfortable with our system. It is so fun to watch them starting to gel together and I can already see special things coming for us this season."
The team has five returning starters in senior Cassidy Uphold (Grantsville, MD/Northern Garrett HS), senior Lauran Minerd (Uniontown, PA/Albert Gallatin HS), sophomore Sammi McGhee (Hutchison, PA/Yough HS), senior Hayley White (Cumberland, MD/Allegany HS) and Emily Conklin (Carmichaels, PA/Carmichaels HS).
"Cassidy is a two-time USCAA All American and returns as an outfielder but will see time as a catcher this season," Rohlf said. "Lauran is a dynamic center fielder. Sammi was a USCAA All-American as a freshman and will play middle infield and catch. Hayley is back as a pitcher and Emily returns in the outfield."
The team lost several key players from last year's team, including RBI leader Lauren Mastowski and fifth-year catcher Kelsey Holp, who had been with the program since Rohlf's first day with the program six seasons ago as an assistant.
"Her on-field leadership will be missed, but we have added her to the staff, so she is still in the dugout with us," Rohlf said.
Newcomers Rohlf mentioned a quintet of freshmen: first baseman and pitcher Liz Murphy (Fairmont, WV/Fairmont HS), third baseman Olivia Logan (Moon Township, PA/Moon HS), middle infielder Carissa Caldwell (Greensburg, PA/Greensburg Salem HS), pitcher Madison Cyphert (Scottdale, PA/Southmoreland HS), and outfielder Summer Hawk (Ohiopyle, PA/Uniontown HS).
Who does Rohlf see as the top teams in the PSUAC conference overall and in the West division?
"Our conference is full of good teams, and Brandywine has won I believe eight championships in a row," she said. "They will always be a team to beat. We have proven we are capable of doing that. Beaver is another rival of ours and I'm looking forward to that matchup."
What are keys Rohlf said will lead to a successful season?
"Once again, we have a small roster, so staying healthy will be a big key to this season," she said. "We will also be shuffling positions, so buy-in from the players to do what is needed to win will be big. We have a combination of experienced players and freshmen. There will be some growing pains. You will often see an entire freshman infield. The plan is to get on base and use our speed to make things happen for us. It should be fun to watch. If we are able to blend the young players with our existing core and use both our bats and speed, we will win games and have a successful season."
The team heads back to Myrtle Beach, SC for spring training, and Rohlf is excited.
"This is the first time back since the pandemic," she said. "We start the season Match 7 with games against Trinity International University and Bay Path College. Our home opener is March 18 against LaRoche."
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.
By Bill Hughes