Q & A With Behrend Head Softball Coach Stacy Pondo

What are your general thoughts on how the season started down in Clermont, Florida and where do you feel like your team stands right now?

Overall we had a good week. We learned a lot about our team and where we need to put more emphasis on. We will strive to do our best in the upcoming games with limited practices outside. We are looking forward to a promising season.

Who is performing particularly well for the team right now?
We've had many girls step up at different times throughout the week of Florida. Emma Hahn, a freshman, had a phenomenal game against against Cortland State (#6 team in the country) and has come up strong as a relief and starter during the week of Florida. Julie Koman pitched a complete game with extra innings to get the nod over Ithaca College (#23 seed). In that game Maddie Wieser, a sophomore, hit a two-run double with a full count and two outs to give us the winning runs. Amy Greene, a freshman, hit a solo homerun to get the team going in the right direction when the team was down 6-0 against The Sage Colleges. Katie Whitby also came up in big situations at the plate to assist her teammates. Lia Sorce provided the team with two in the park homeruns plus additional hits at the right times. There have been many contributors throughout the week anywhere from the freshman class up to the senior class.

What does the league competition in the AMCC look like this season?

The AMCC looks to be a very competitive once again. Frostburg and Medaille will be bringing back major contributors to their programs. We do not want to take anyone lightly and will strive to be our best in every game.

Has anybody really surprised you with the start they had to open the 2009 season?
Being that we are an outdoor sport but practicing indoors for a month and a half prior to going outside, you are not always sure of how everything will pan out due to the circumstances. The team as a whole played in some very difficult games, however, they stepped up to the plate as needed. We did have several players step up throughout the spring training week: Nicole Ganster started the week off on a strong note on the offensive side. Emma Hahn added depth to our pitching rotation while Amy Greene brought a solid offense and defense to the team. Others that were consistent throughout the week were: Julie Koman on the mound, Katie Whitby and Lia Sorce at the plate, and Rachelle Lawrence both in the field and up to bat.

What is the biggest challenge as your team returns home and prepares for the heart of your schedule?

Our biggest challenge is being able to get outside for practices. Being inside does not give you the same perspective as you would see on the playing field. We are working through some problem areas that we noticed in Florida. Our concentration is to get better each and every day.

What are your expectations for the end of the season and into the postseason?

Our goal each year is to take one game at a time to focus and build on it. We want to grow and get stronger as the season goes on so that can peak at the right time. We want to finish strong each and every game with our focal point being AMCC playoffs.