Mandy Leach - Bloomsburg Huskies

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2012 Softball Media Guide Season Preview As she starts her second season leading the Bloomsburg University softball team, head coach Susan Kocher might be more challenged this season then in her first season. Last year, Kocher’s first season after being a long-time assistant for the Huskies, she guided an experienced team led by six seniors who knew exactly how the coach wanted things done both at practice and in game situations. This year all of those seniors have graduated and in their place are a group of talented, but relatively inexperienced players. How those players mix with the returning veterans will determine the success the Huskies will have this season. “We have a lot of talent, but it’s young talent,” said Kocher. “There is a lot of excitement with this group. We are versatile, which adds strength and depth to the team” “We didn’t get to play many games in the fall because of the weather,” said Kocher. But we had a good win over Iona in the Carole Weil Tournament in Allentown,” Kocher said. “It was definitely a stepping stone for the kids as they look to build their own reputation.” PITCHING The Huskies top returning starter is junior Cait Paine. The lefty has a lot of experience as she takes over the role of the “go-to” pitcher. She has worked on adding new pitches and refining the ones she already threw. Overall she has better movement on her ball this season. Behind Paine will be Mandi Black. The sophomore who saw limited time in the circle last year, but has a lot of skill. Black is also very athletic and will also see time in the outfield for the Huskies. The third person on the team who will see time as a pitcher is freshman Caitlin O’Connor who missed the fall season with an injury. O’Connor was a great high school pitcher and will hopefully add some depth later in the season. O’Connor is also a strong hitter and will see time as a designated player. INFIELD The Huskies outstanding versatility will be on display in the infield, with all the players being able to play multiple positions. Last year’s starting first baseman Mandy Leach has been working out at both first and third this season. Leach had improved in 2011 with the bat and will look to be more consistent this season. Defensively, with quick feet, she is solid at either corner position. Mandi Baer drove in 18 runs last year 4 | Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania In the middle infield the Huskies have a couple of very talented players all battling for playing time. Mandi Baer, a starter at second last year as a freshman, is a very skilled player with good bat speed who is also a good bunter. Baer is expected to see time at both second and shortstop this season.
2012 Softball Media Guide Season Preview Another player who will see time at both positions is Chrissy Belko. The sophomore saw limited time a year ago, but has an explosive bat with tremendous power. Her strong arm and good range makes her a strong fielder. A couple of freshmen expected to make impacts this year in the middle infield are Erika Yanora and Kayla McHale. Yanora has a strong arm, plays with maturity and has a big bat. She also runs well and is a strong bunter. McHale, who can also play the outfield, has good fundamentals with good speed and a strong arm. Sophomore Rachel Fredell rounds out the infield for the Huskies. Fredell, who hit .311 in limited action last year, has good power and plays with a lot of composure. She will see time at both first and third. CATCHER Behind the plate the Huskies have senior Sam Pientack. As a junior, Pientack hit nearly .400 with eight homers and 31 RBI. The Huskies expect her to pick up offensively where she left off last year and provide good leadership. Pientack, who will also see time at third base, has a strong arm and works well with the pitchers. When Pientack is not catching, freshman Dallas Ostin will be behind the plate. Ostin brings power as a hitter and is a fundamentally sound catcher. OUTFIELD The Huskies top returning outfielder will be Raychelle Kuhns. The junior, who plays centerfield, is tremendous defensively with a strong arm. Offensively she continues to improve after hitting .268 with three homers and 14 RBI last season. Sophomore Lyndsay Busler will also see time in the outfield this season. As a freshman Busler saw limited time, but did hit two homers and drive in three runs. She has improved offensively, while defensively she has a strong arm and moves well. Another sophomore looking to make an impact this season is Hannah Moir. A year ago Moir saw limited time, but has been working hard to improve both her offense and defense. A freshman looking to get playing time in the outfield is Gabby Baltzley. She brings speed and solid fundamentals to the team. OVERALL Despite the relatively young team, the Huskies expect to once again contend for a PSAC title. “We have the talent to compete for a conference championship,” said Kocher. “It is just a matter of playing together. I wish we had been able to play more in the fall, but I think once we get some experience behind us we will be fine.” Raychelle Kuhns started in all 42 games for the Huskies in 2011 www.BUhuskies.com | 5
Page 3 and 4: 2012 Softball Media Guide About Blo
Page 5: 2012 Softball Media Guide Bloomsbur
Page 9 and 10: 2012 Softball Media Guide Susan Koc
Page 11 and 12: Player Profiles
Page 13 and 14: 2012 Softball Media Guide 16 Mandy
Page 15 and 16: 2012 Softball Media Guide 9 Cait PA
Page 17 and 18: 2012 Softball Media Guide 1/13 Mand
Page 19 and 20: 2012 Softball Media Guide 2/20 Hann
Page 21 and 22: 2012 Softball Media Guide 22 Gabby
Page 23 and 24: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 25 and 26: 2012 Softball Media Guide 2011 Stat
Page 27 and 28: 2012 Softball Media Guide Pennsylva
Page 29: 2012 Schedule MARCH 1 at Georgian C

Mandy Leach - Bloomsburg Huskies

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