Lady Jays Make Playoffs By The Skin of Their Teeth!!

The Elizabethtown College Softball team split an intense Commonwealth Conference doubleheader this past Saturday against Albright College.  Winning 10-2 in the first game, and falling 7-1 in the second, the Lady Jays were still able to make conference playoffs.

Entering their final game of the season, the Lady Jays (18-11-1 overall) were tied with Alvernia University (6-6) for the fourth and final spot in playoffs.  Because the Jays had previously swept Alvernia, the outcome of Alvernia's game against Lycoming College determined whether the Jays would make playoffs. Alvernia split their doubleheader with Lycoming guaranteeing Elizabethtown the final spot in playoffs.

Elizabethtown will be the fourth seeded team, playing the Lebanon Valley College (the first seed team), on Friday, May 7 at 11:00am in Annville.

In game one against Arcadia, freshman Elly McCarthy went 2-4 while hitting her ninth homerun of the season to tie the programs single-season record.  Catcher Courtney Comstock stayed strong defensively and offensively finishing 3-4 with three runs scored and two runs batted in.  Winning pitcher Julie Sebastian finished 2-3 with a double and two runs scored.

The Jays came out strong scoring five runs at the bottom of the third, three more in the sixth inning, and finally a two-run double from freshman Whitney Brenaman.

"I think that first game was so different from the rest was because our mindset was just to have fun," said Junior Captian Shannon Marsico.  "In the back of our minds we all knew in order to make playoffs we had to at least win one of the two games, but throughout the game we found ways to keep it upbeat and fun.  I really feel like the lack of pressure on the girls helped us have more confidence up at the plate."

Pitching for the first game was Sophmore Julie Sebastian (10-5) who struck out six, walked one, and gave up only five hits.

"We've been working a lot on Julie's movement," said catcher Courtney Comstock. "In the middle of the season it seemed to decrease a little, but after working with a new pitching coach, her pitches are even better than before.  You can tell she's more confident in the circle."

In game two, Elizabethtown took a one run lead in the bottom of the second and pitching for the Jays was freshman Emily Vogel who shut out the knights in the first four innings.  However, sloppy fielding in the fifth inning caused Arcadia to gain a 4-1 lead on the Jays.  The girls could not fight back at the plate accumulating only six hits off of Knight's pitcher Kelsey Roberts.

"Acradia just capitalized on our mistakes," said Coach Kathy Staib.  "Unfortunately, we weren't able to pick Emily up at the plate and thats really where we got into trouble.  But ya know, it's all a learning experience.  I have complete confidence that these girls will make it far in playoffs.  Their a strong group of girls."

Visit Elizabethtown College's Athletic website to find out more information on the Lady Jays: Blue Jay Softball

Lady Jays Stay Hot Throughout Start of Season

It has been a challenging few weeks in the world of Blue Jay softball. With our current record of 10-7-1, the Lady Jays have proven themselves to be a top competitor in their conference. The girls came out strong at the start of the season, beating Gettysburg College for the first time in years. Following a big win against the Bullets, the girls continued to play strong, sweeping Swarthmore College and scoring 14 runs in 2 games.

Extending their unbeaten streak to eight games, the girls then swept Alvernia University in a Commonwealth Conference doubleheader. Freshman pitcher Emily Vogel carried the Blue Jays on the mound only allowing 2 runs and 6 hits throughout both games. Speaking to Emily the following day, I asked her if she could explain what her mindset was going into the day, knowing she had to pitch two conference games.

"Well, you (refering to sophomore pitcher Julie Sebastian) couldn't be there for family reasons,

so I just knew I had to give it my all and get a win for you and the team. The outcome of both games were in my hands so I just made sure I tried my hardest on every pitch I threw and didn't leave anything behind on the mound," said Vogel.

Privileged to play on this amazing team, I was able to snag interviews with some of the other players including Junior captain Shannon Marsico. Curious to find out Marsico's views on our strong team, I asked her how she thinks this years team differers from last years team?

"I really think it's our chemistry," said Marsico. "I've never been on a team that was this close. I mean we not only consider ourselves a family, but call ourselves a family to. That should show you right there how much we care about each other and as a result, we play better together."

That simply is proof right there that good chemistry between teammates truly does influence the outcome of games. Pulling head coach Katy Staib aside after the exciting win against Alvernia College, I asked her what she feels is the main reason behind the team's wins.

"It definitely has to do with the strong bond these girls have," said Staib. "When you can get a team to not only pick each other up when a player is down, but stay confident and positive even when situations get tough, then you have a truly gifted team. Thats what we have this year."

Unfortunately after one more extraordinary win against Moravian College, the Blue Jays fell to their rivals Messiah College and again to Lebanon Valley College. The girls battled throughout both games, but in the end struggled to get the necessary hits to put runs on the scoreboard.

"Those losses will only make us stronger," said senior captain Sarah Church. "Every game is a learning experience and as long as the girls learn from mistakes that were made during this game and capitalize on them next year, then today was definitely beneficial to us all."

In the upcoming week, the Lady Jays will be facing Albright College in a Conference double header and will also be playing DeSales University. Speaking with a group of the girls, I asked them what should be expected by spectators in the upcoming week? Shouting above everyone, freshman catcher Caroline Schuster yelled with excitement, "They should expect to see WINS! Duh!!" Laughter arose as the girls began to pump themselves up for their next game.

As I watched my team bond with laugher and words of encouragement for one another, I realized once again how special this team really is. Even after four losses in a row, I still saw the drive to win in each player's eyes. Throughout our lowest points we continue to play not only as a strong team, but as a strong "family".

If you would like to learn more about the Lady Jays, or see the results of their upcoming games, check out their website at Blue Jay Softball.

Meet the Fam!

Welcome to my blog of Elizabehtown College's Blue Jay Softball team! I'm so excited to share with all of you my experiences as a Blue Jay athlete! And let me tell you, I've had some very exciting experiences on the softball team thus far, and they've only gotten better! First, let me give you some of my background information and then I'll fill you in on my wonderful team!

I first started playing tee-ball when I was 6! When I was about 10 years old I became interested in pitching, thus starting my long and memorable journey as a softball pitcher. After enrolling in private and group pitching lessons, my dad noticed that I began surpassing my teammates and opponents in the league I had been playing in, as far as talent. So at age 12 I tried out for my first tournament team called Chaos!

It was a completely higher level of talent than the town league I had played for, but nothing I couldn't handle! Tournament softball was extremely time consuming but I decided at a young age to dedicated myself to the sport since I had enjoyed it so much. I ended up switching to a different team called Delco Rage, which I eventually stayed with from age 14 to 18.

Looking back, some of my most fondest memories were playing with my teammates from Rage, who I am still very close with. Along with being the starting pitcher for Rage, I was also the starting varsity pitcher for my high school for 3 years!

During a college showcase tournament for Rage, I was scouted by the head coach for Elizabethtown College's softball team and soon after received an e-mail from her asking if I would be interested in playing for the school! After a few meetings and overnights, I gladly agreed and enrolled in Elizabethtown College with the privilege of being one of the starting pitchers as a freshman!

My first year as a college softball player was scary, yet exciting! It was a whole new level of talent and commitment than anything I had been involved in before. However, I was determined to give it my all. I shared the mound with another freshman pitcher. It was a difficult adjustment since there wasn't an older pitcher on the team to receive advice from, and although at times I struggled, it was a good first experience.

Now, as a sophomore, and with one year under my belt, I am confident in myself, and my team. Although the other pitcher transferred to another school, we gained a new freshman pitcher who has become one of my best friends. I'm glad I can teach her the things I had to learn on my own.

Now let me describe my team to you! This year, our head coach, Kathy Staib, did an EXCELLENT job recruiting 8 new freshman! Every girl is not only extremely talented, but they all have amazing personalities as well! Throughout pre-season, the

whole team grew as one and became extremely close. We all have a bond that is rare in a team. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to play with these girls.

Everyone has a different personality that adds to the team. We all pick each other up when we notice one is down, and most importantly we stick together even during the tough times. You know you're on a unique team when everyone refers to the team as a whole, as "family".

There is one special thing we do before games and when times may be tough during a game. We all huddle together, place our hands on top of each others in the middle, and after our captains say a few words of encouragement, I whisper, "1,2,3 family" (the whole team says family in whispers together) and then our captain yells, "HERE WE GO JAYS" (and the whole team yells JAYS!) Sounds a little cheesy reading about it, but when your in the moment, it reminds us all that even through the tough times were there for each other.

Well, now that you have a better understanding of myself and my team, I hope you look forward to future posts about funny and interesting things that go on during practices and games! And let me tell you, my team is hilarious! In addition, I'll keep you updated on our games! I hope reading about us encourages you to check out a game! I promise you wont regret it! :)