ALTOONA, Pa. - A mix of six talented returners and eight highly touted freshmen are set to help the Penn State Altoona women’s softball team return to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference playoffs for the first time since 2004.  After struggling to a 5-30 overall record last year and winning just two league games, the Lions have improved in many positions and are optimistic about their chances for success in 2009.

“Our expectations are to improve in all areas of the game, and our goal, as always, is to compete in the AMCC playoffs,” noted second-year head coach Nikki Runzo.  “I am a firm believer that anyone can be beaten on any given day, but we need to put in the time and effort if we plan on surprising some teams this season.”

A pair of juniors, Kara Myers (Millheim, PA/Penns Valley) and Aisha Kassam (Lititz, PA/Warwick), are the only upperclassmen and will serve as team captains.  Myers, a two-year starter at catcher who hit .346 last season, will anchor the Lion lineup and handle the young pitching staff.  Kassam should move into a permanent starting role in 2009 and could see time at first base and in the outfield.  Both players, according to Runzo, will need to be leaders both on and off the field.

Four sophomores, all of whom saw significant playing time last year as freshmen, will be back to provide depth and stability at key positions.  Shortstop Megan Turiano (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) started nearly every game, and Callie Lyle (Brockway, PA/Brockway) will be a force on the mound as well as in center field.  Chelsey Rhodes (Williamsburg, PA/Williamsburg) is a left-handed hurler who features a mix of pitches, and Karen Keim (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth) can play both infield and outfield for Altoona.

“We will not be successful this season without solid leadership and positive contributions from our six returning players,” said Runzo.  “There is a very small margin for error, and we have to rely on our players with college experience to help the newcomers adjust quicker.”

Runzo has high praise for her freshmen class and notes that up to five freshmen could be in the opening day lineup.  Erin Cline (Murrysville, PA/Franklin Regional) will play third base and, just like Myers, has outstanding power at the plate.  Alanna Luzier (Frenchville, PA/Clearfield), whose cousin plays on the Penn State Altoona baseball team, will fill a hole at second base and helped her high school squad to two District VI Class AAA Championships.  Newcomers Andrea Layton (Everett, PA/Everett) and Brittany Hoffman (Milton, PA/Milton) will help plug the void left by Emily Cummins, the squad’s best pitcher the last two seasons. 

Practice has been extremely positive, according to Runzo, and she feels the numbers in all three major areas – hitting, fielding, and pitching – will be much improved this year.

“I’m really pleased with the players’ excitement, attitude, and intensity level,” she noted.  “We have a talented group and have spent a lot of time thus far working on the little things.  Fundamentals and being mentally ready to play were lacking last year, so that has been a major emphasis.”

The 2009 schedule will do the Lions no favors as Altoona will open the season playing six games during a three day weekend in Virginia.  The Lions play at Sweet Briar, Roanoke, and Ferrum from March 7-9 before opening AMCC play two weeks later at Medaille.  Non-conference tests against Juniata and Westminster will be visible measuring sticks, and five of the squad’s nine conference doubleheader are on the road.

Six players, including three freshmen, are from the region and have competed against each other at their District VI high schools.  District VI and the surrounding area are hotbeds for softball talent, and Runzo hopes to continue keeping the best local players right here at home.

“Having a local flavor to the roster helps in many ways,” she noted.  “It gets people in this area excited about Penn State Altoona softball and obviously makes it easier for them to continue coming to games and follow the kids.  We can build a solid program with a strong local core, and I hope to continue attracting area players to our school and our program.”

Runzo will be assisted by Fred Caldwell, a Bellefonte native who has years of experience coaching both high school and travel ball.  His resume includes multiple District VI Championships at Bellefonte High School and national tournament appearances with the 18-and-under Firestorm team based out of central Pennsylvania.  Deb Wasko is back for her seventh season as an assistant coach and helps the team with many administrative duties.

Penn State Altoona opens its season on March 7 with a doubleheader at Sweet Briar College.