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Coach Jan Hutchinson has seen a lot of softball in her 26 years as head coach. She knows that playing with intensity can separate the good teams from the great teams. As Hutchinson prepares for the 2004 season she sees an intensity in the Huskies that is getting her excited for the start of the season.

“I am really looking forward to this season,” said Hutchinson. “The team has been practicing with a lot of emotion and intensity. They are fired up during all the drills and can't wait for the season to start. Last year was disappointing since we did not make the NCAA final eight. I know this year's team is using that as one of its goals for the year. They want to go out on top as seniors.”

“Our team leadership is very good this year with seniors Amber Cowher and Jess Shnyder stepping into the role of leaders,” Hutchinson added. “They have both been All-Americans in their careers and have worked hard in the off-season to get even better. They are certainly leading by example.”

“We return all but two starters in the field and have all of our pitchers returning,” said Hutchinson. “If we can keep everyone healthy we should have another outstanding season.”

INFIELD

The Huskies infield is both strong and deep this year. Returning players Dee Wolfe and Sara Roba will be vying for the starting first base job. Wolfe came on offensively for the Huskies at the end of last year and will be a key figure in the middle of the lineup this year. Roba is a bat you want in the lineup and is also solid defensively. A freshman, Kristen Koveleski, is a solid player with great work ethic and will see time at both first and the outfield.

Kelly Zarski

At second base sophomore Kelly Zarski will get the nod with freshman Jess Snader adding quickness and depth to the second base and shortstop positions. Zarksi had a good offensive season as a freshman and should continue to get better. Snader has great range and a strong arm.

Amanda Breon, a first team All-PSAC selection last year, will start again at shortstop for the Huskies. Breon is a quiet leader who can hit for power and average. She is an outstanding player at shortstop with great range, a strong arm and solid fundamentals.

At the hot corner, look for Laurel Koster to once again earn the starting job. Koster is very quick defensively and will be backed up by sophomore Cyrstal Condran.

OUTFIELD

Jess Shnyder

In leftfield the Huskies will start Samantha Basalik who has gotten better each of her three years with the Huskies. Basalik has good range and is expected to have a breakout year with the bat.

In centerfield, All-American Jess Shnyder is back for her fourth year after leading the team in most offensive categories a year ago. Shnyder has great range in the outfield and will once again be a key offensive performer.

Right field will be a toss up in the early going for the Huskies. Because the team is so deep and talented in the infield, look for several infielders to get some playing time in right. Among those battling for the spot will be Roba, Zarski, Snader, Kovaleski and Tina Jennosa.

PITCHING

Amber Cowher

The Huskies staff can best be described in one word—talented. Led by senior Amber Cowher, the Huskies can send anyone of four pitchers to toe the rubber this year with confidence. This fall each of the Huskies' pitchers either added a pitch or improved the pitches they were already throwing. The power for each of the pitchers also increased.

Cowher, who has been an All-American during her career, threw 37 consecutive shutout innings last year for the Huskies while striking out a career-high 193 batters. Cowher not only improved as a pitcher, but also as a hitter. Look for her to be a key performer offensively as well for the Huskies.

Jaime Wilson, Amanda Smith, a pair of junior, and a red-shirt sophomore Jen Probst, have also made big strides the past two seasons and are ready to now become key performers for the Huskies. All three saw considerable time on the mound, including both PSAC and NCAA post-season games, with several strong performances.

CATCHING

Senior Becca Kehler and Alyson Taylor will see time behind the plate this season. Kehler is a slugger who once hit four home runs in her first four at-bats of the year, while Taylor had a great fall season and is ready to be a key contributor. Taylor also has good mechanics and a strong arm. Freshman Tina Jennosa is a solid catcher with a strong bat who will add depth both behind the plate and in right field.

OVERALL

“I have a lot of optimism as we start the year,” said Hutchinson. “We are experienced, deep in pitching and have a good work ethic. This team can go far if it so desires.”

As far as the PSAC goes, Hutchinson is predicting a dogfight among several teams.

“Shippensburg will once again be very good, while Mansfield and East Stroudsburg are much improved and are looking to qualify for the PSAC playoffs,” Hutchinson added. “West Chester has added a new coach who should field a strong team, while Kutztown is always a team to watch.”