The Youngstown State softball team opens the campaign at the UNC-Charlotte Classic, Feb., 16-17, in Charlotte, N.C. The Penguins open the campaign against Army on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. before taking Drexel at 3 p.m.. On Feb. 17, the Penguins Charlotte at 1 p.m. and close out the tournament against Army at 3 p.m.
Up Next
The Guins will play at least five games in three days at the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament at Kennesaw State, Feb. 22-24. The Penguins face Virginia Tech and Troy on Feb. 22 at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. On the second day, YSU faces NC State at 12:30 p.m. and Georgia State at 3 p.m. The Penguins close out the tournament against Northern Colorado on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.
Casey In the Circle
With 13 wins last season, junior Casey Crozier became the first YSU pitcher to post back-to-back 10-win seasons since Kelly Murphy did so in 2003 and 2004. She also ranks fourth all-time with 224 strikeouts. Her 127 whiffs in 2012 are the third-most in a single-season in school history.
Rumph Shaker
Senior Vicky Rumph posted a .340 batting average with 53 hits, 28 runs scored, 13 doubles, four home runs and a .975 fielding percentage last season. She was one of just three Penguins to start all 51 games this past year. A 2012 All-Horizon League Second-Team selection, Rumph is also two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.
Penguins Picked Fourth
The Youngstown State softball team was picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League in a poll of the league's head coaches, the Indianapolis-based office announced. The Penguins received 30 points and finished behind preseason favorite Loyola with 48 points, UIC (39 points) and Valparaiso (37). The Ramblers picked up six of the eight first-place votes while the Flames and Crusaders each had one. Following Youngstown State was Green Bay (22) at fifth, Cleveland State was sixth (20), Wright State (19) and Detroit (9).
Three Named Preseason All-Horizon League
Senior Vicky Rumph was named Preseason All-Horizon League by CollegeSportsMadness.com, and senior outfielder Sarah Gabel and junior pitcher Casey Crozier were named to the second-team, the website announced. Head Coach Brian Campbell was named Preseason Coach of the Year as well.
Gabel Coming Off Strong 2012
Senior outfielder Sarah Gabel turned in a strong 2012 season with a .297 batting average with two doubles, two triples and two home runs. Gabel also drove in 26 runs and scored 20 times as well.
Ewing on the Move
Junior Courtney Ewing, who plattoned at first base last season, making the transition to center field. Ewing batted .290 with two home runs and 17 runs scored last year.
Ingalls Provided Power
Junior Sarah Ingalls will be looked to continue to provide the power she did last season. Ingalls, a first baseman, belted four home runs and four doubles a year ago. Ingalls and Vicky Rumph are the team's second-leading returning home run hitters.
Haslett Impressive in Rookie Campaign
Sophomore pitcher Kayla Haslett was named to the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team last season after postiing an 8-8 record. Four of her wins came against Horizon League opponents.
Who's New
The Penguins have added six newcomer to the 2013 squad. They include freshman infielder Miranda Castiglione, sophomore utility Katie Hill, freshman outfielder Joradan Macey, freshman first baseman Molly Manietta, freshman shortstop Kelly Stowe and freshman catcher Carly Yasses.
