Q & A with Behrend Softball Coach Stacy Pondo
What
are your general thoughts on how the season started? Where do you feel like
your team stands right now?
I believe we started off the
season a bit slow but have continued to work hard and get better as we've
moved on. We had some tough competition and had to overcome some obstacles
within our team. Heading into the season, we have built up some confidence
and hope to carry that over throughout the remainder of the season.
Who is performing
particularly well for the team right now?
As of right now Kristin Macha has
stepped up to the plate with her hitting as well as Nikki Kaschauer,
Rachelle Lawrence, and Katie Whitby. Each of them has been very strong
defensively as well as offensively and will look to carry the team into post
season. Julie Koman has done a great job on the mound and leads the team
with wins and strikeouts per inning.
We are very optimistic about this
season. We should do fairly well in the conference, La Roche and Lake Erie
will be our top competitors for the season.
Has anybody really
surprised you with what they brought back from the offseason?
The team in general has worked
very hard in the offseason with conditioning, pitching and catching, and
fielding on their own. They came into the season very strong-willed and
ready to play ball.
What is the
biggest challenge for your team in the remainder of the season?
Staying focused and on track to
compete in post season play. We need to be mentally ready for every game
and take each one of them seriously.
What are your
expectations for the end of the season and into the postseason?
Our goal is to work hard and take
one game at a time. Ultimately, we are gearing up to play in the conference
tournament.