Fitchburg State Strides Towards Playoffs In 2009 Campaign
The Fitchburg State softball team is ready to kick-off its 2009 season under second year head coach, Frank Steffanides. With a 12-21 record last season, 7-7 in the MASCAC, the Falcons were only one game shy of earning a post-season berth as they enter the 2009 campaign with unfinished business.
With seven returning players and eight new comers, Fitchburg State has a solid balance of veterans and rookies for what could be a very exciting season. "The key to our success this season will be our defense," said head coach Frank Steffanides. "If we limit our errors and the big innings, we should definitely be in the hunt for the MASCAC playoffs."
OFFENSE
This season, Fitchburg State will look to the dynamic duo of sophomore Meghan Callahan (Chelmsford, Mass./Chelmsford) and junior Leigh Trzcinski (Worcester, Mass./South) to lead the Falcons offensively. Last season, the duo combined for 74 hits, 42 runs, and 44 RBI over the 33 game stretch. Callahan, a 2008 MASCAC All-Conference second team honoree, led the Falcons with a .395 batting average, four doubles, two homeruns and 12 RBI, while Trzcinski was also solid in her sophomore campaign, ranking first on the team in hits (40), triples (8), RBIs (32), slugging percentage (.512) and stolen bases (10).
Senior Alicia Rocco (Tewksbury, Mass./Tewksbury) will also look to carry the Fitchburg State offense after coming off a solid junior season where she batted .310 over 33 games, registering 13 runs, five doubles, one homerun and 23 RBI. Senior Eryne Cotter (North Easton, Mass./Oliver Ames) aims to make an impact offensively for the Falcons after coming off knee surgery last season. In 2008, Cotter batted a respectable .286 over 27 games, tallying nine runs, three doubles and nine RBI.
Fitchburg State will also have to rely upon its newcomers for a boost in offensive production. Sophomore transfer Karen Skoczylas (Palmer, Mass./Palmer) will look to add her collegiate experience to the mix after playing one season at Holyoke Community College, while freshmen Amanda Quin (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) and Ashley McKinnon (Raynham, Mass./Bridgewater-Raynham) will see significant action in their inaugural year.
INFIELD
One of the biggest goals that Fitchburg State set coming into spring training was to improve upon its defense. Last season, the Falcons posted a .924 fielding percentage with 627 put-outs, 283 assists and 75 errors. Anchoring the Fitchburg State infield at the shortstop position will be Trzcinski who posted a team-best 150 put-outs last season. Callahan (2B) will join Trzcinski up the middle as the pair combined for eight double-plays last season, while Cotter (1B) and McKinnon (3B) will lock-down the corners.
Behind the plate, Fitchburg State will turn to newcomer Amanda Quin who looks to make a name for herself both offensively and defensively. Quin, a Townsend, Mass. native, has worked hard during the off-season to earn the starting catchers role for the 2009 campaign, while freshman Kelley Cummings (Natick, Mass./Natick) could also see some action at the catchers spot as she has proven to be a versatile player both at first base and behind the plate.
OUTFIELD
Fitchburg State's outfield looks to be one of the biggest areas of improvement during the 2009 season as the Falcons have added speed, agility and leadership to the mix. Senior Alicia Rocco will spearhead the Fitchburg State outfield from the left-field spot after totaling 32 put-outs and one outfield assist last season. Joining Rocco in the outfield will be sophomore Karen Skoczylas and sophomore Lauren Donnell (Ayer, Mass./Ayer). Skoczylas looks to lockdown the centerfield position with her speed and fielding abilities, while Donell will patrol the right field corner.
PITCHING
Controlling the circle this season for the Falcons will be sophomore ace Bethany Stone (Wells, Maine/Wells). Last season, Stone ranked tenth in the MASCAC with a 4.44 ERA and a 6-11 record in 18 appearances. The sophomore hurler tossed a team-best 112.0 innings with 17 complete games and 47 strikeouts. Newcomer Allison Cousins (Leominster, Mass./Leominster) will join Stone in the Falcons rotation as the two combine for one of the conference's top pitching duos.
SCHEDULE
The 2009 schedule will be a strong test for Fitchburg State as the Falcons will be on the road for two-thirds of the season. With only 12 home contests, the Falcons still have their eyes set on the MASCAC and ECAC playoffs. Fitchburg State kicks off the 2009 season in Fort Myers, Florida as it competes in eight spring-training games at the Gene Cusic Tournament. The Falcons then return home for five non-conference contests (Becker, UMass Dartmouth, and Roger Williams) before they start conference play with Westfield State College on 3/28.
