2006 Softball Preview Part 2 - Youngstown State Penguins

Feb. 1, 2006

The tournament title is a major focus of this season's squad as Youngstown State serves as the host of the 2006 Horizon League Championships at McCune Park in Canfield, Ohio.

After fighting through the 2005 campaign with a 19-34 record, eight freshmen and just four returning starters, the 2006 version of the Penguins returns six starters in the field, the designated player and three starting pitchers as well as 13 letterwinners.

"We have a much more experienced team than last season," Cameron said. "Last year, we played a lot of freshmen and they gained valuable experience.

"There is also plenty of leadership from our seniors and juniors and we will rely on them to keep us on the right track throughout the season."

Pitching
As in the recent past, the Youngstown State pitching staff will be very instrumental in the Penguins' success this season.

"Our pitching staff has been really dedicated to improving in the off-season," Cameron said. "We have a great combination of talent, experience and leadership which will be a benefit to the entire team."

Leading the staff is 2003 Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and 2004 All-Horizon League Second-Team selection Kelly Murphy. The senior right-hander from North Olmsted, Ohio, is YSU-s all-time strikeout leader and needs just three more victories to become the school's all-time wins leader. Last season, Murphy battled through a finger injury and posted an 8-9 record with a 2.27 earned-run average.

Juniors Karlie Burnell, who was named to the 2004 Horizon League All-Newcomer squad, and Tricia Hilbish combined for five wins last season and newcomer Tasha Hess, a third-team all-state performer in Oregon, is expected to throw several innings as well.

Infield
The cornerstone of the Penguins infield in 2006 is at shortstop with senior Tiffany Patteson, a three-time All-Horizon League selection. Patteson, who was named to the Canadian National Team the last two summers, already owns the YSU career triples record with 15 and has the opportunity to become the school's all-time hits and doubles leader as well. Patteson needs just 39 more hits and six more doubles to become the career leader in those categories.

"Tiffany has had such a great career here at Youngstown State," Cameron said. "Obviously she is an extremely talented player but she also works very hard to improve. She never rests on her laurels."

At the hot corner, senior Lacey Hess returns after 29 starts at third base last season. Hess committed just six errors in 145 total chances last season.

Sophomore McKenzie Bedra, who led the team with seven home runs in 2005, batted .283 and played in 22 games at third base.

Sophomore Becky Hibner, who played 49 games at first base and batted .271 and committed just five errors in 390 chances last season, is slated to start at first base.

The major hole to fill in the infield is at second base after the Penguins lost four-year starter Char Kudlock to graduation.

Sophomore Kelli Sheibley and freshman Ellyse Ledford are the two main contenders for the starting spot at second base. Sheibley appeared in seven games last season while Ledford was an all-district performer at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School in Akron, Ohio.

Freshman Kristen McDonnell, one of the team's most versatile athletes could also see action at second base and in center field.

Catcher
Another big loss for the Penguins was behind the plate with the departure of Horizon League Newcomer of the Year Sarah Berry.

McDonnell, a second-team All-Oregon selection, and sophomore Jamie Fornal head the list to move behind the dish. Last season, Fornal batted .224 in 20 games last season.

Designated Player
The designated player role is one which may be filled by a multitude of players, including Bedra, Fornal, and sophomore Shauna Barry.

Bedra batted an impressive .327 against Horizon League foes while Barry appeared in 11 games in 2005.

Fornal, who also may see action in left field, started 13 games as the designated player last season.

Outfield
The Penguins outfield remains intact from the 2005 campaign.

Senior Lacy Bronson, who started in 99 games the last two seasons, is penciled in as the starter in left field. Bronson batted .244 overall and committed just three errors in left field a year ago.

Sophomore Bethany Hafley started 50 of 53 games in center field and ended the season on a six-game hitting streak. Hafley lettered four-times at Canton Glen Oak High School and competed at the 18-and-under American Softball Association Nationals in Broken Arrow, Okla.

Conklin patrolled right field for 34 games last season and turned in a .262 batting average and should be in the same slot this year.

If not at the designated player slot, Barry, along with junior Megan Bricker, may see time in right field. Bricker appeared in 25 games last season and batted .159 with a home run.

Summary
The 2006 Penguins have an experienced group with several leaders on the team who will be called upon to guide the Youngstown State softball program back into contention for the Horizon League championshipOnce again, pitching and defense are the major strengths for the Penguins, but their potentially high-explosive offense and versatile and deep roster are components for an exciting softball season.

Click here for more on Youngstown State softball.

Story provided by Jamie Hall, Youngstown State Assistant Sports Information Director.