Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Lady Pioneers venture to Florida

After missing the playoffs by one game last season, the Point Park University softball team is looking to strengthen their weaknesses and come back for the 2011 season.Their road to redemption will begin today when they are set to leave for sunny Kissimmee, Fla. to begin spring training. “When we knew that we weren’t going to make the playoffs last year, we realized that we had to do everything that we could to improve,” Head Coach Michelle Coultas said.Olivia Sorce, a sophomore infielder, reflected on when they just missed the 2010 postseason and believes they fell due to their lack of conditioning.”We had a good team, we were just strained by the end of the year,” Sorce said. “We could have used some tougher practices to get more prepared for what we were going to face in the stretch run.”             As a result of that notion, Coultas implemented an off-season conditioning program for the players to stay in shape.”We’re lifting year-round now,” Coultas said. “I sensed that the girls were running out of steam down the stretch. Now that we have the lifting program it will keep the girls strong all the time.”Pitching, hitting and speed were all points of emphasis she named that the team is going to focus during their week-long stay. There were also some key recruits that were brought in to address those needs.One is freshman right-handed pitcher Lindsey Inzana, from Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Va.She pointed out six others who will fulfill the aforementioned voids.”We brought in Ashley Morran, Teresa Davis and Brea Magnone to spruce up our hitting,” Coultas added. “Abby Mathieu, Destiny James and Ashley Miller were brought in to provide more speed on the base paths.” This week that is dedicated to drills, workouts and games should help its newcomers get used to the college game.Miller, a transfer from Eastern Gateway Community College, will be one of the many first-year players to fill in for last year’s many graduated outfielders. She projected excitement about her first spring training with the team. “I think that we’re going to win a championship this year,” Miller said. “There’s so much talent. I think we’re in a position where we have a strong group of seniors helping us out and getting us prepared for the year.”In addition to correcting all of those things, they plan to enjoy the Florida weather. “I’ve heard that there are possible plans for us to go to Disney World …,” Miller said. “We have team dinners set, and I’m sure there are going to be points in which we lay out on the beach, which will be nice because it’s so cold here in Pittsburgh.” The team will be busy their eight-day spring training trip. After arriving to Florida on Friday, there will be a practice on Saturday. The team will play a total of 10 games during their stay in Florida.”It’s clear that we have what it takes to win,” Sorce said. “I think it’s just a matter of whether or not we can make it all come together.” 

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