With the Feb 21 storm dumping another 8 inches of snow onto the Upper Burrell plateau, the Penn State New Kensington softball team continues its preseason practice indoors. The 2011 campaign gets under way at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, with a nonconference game at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg in Greensburg, Pa.
The Lady Lions are in the midst of conditioning, fielding and hitting in the Athletics Center. Coach Mike Marsilli’s squad is working out in the weight room, doing drills in the gymnasium and taking batting practice from the pitching machine inside a 50-foot enclosed net. In addition, pitchers are throwing on the sidelines. If Punxsutawney Phil got it right and an early spring is on the way, the practices can soon move outside. The team can utilize the new grass practice field behind the Athletics Center.
Marsilli’s squad is set to play seven home doubleheaders at Wolf Pack Park in Lower Burrell, Pa. The field, located at the intersection of Wild Life Lodge and Garvers Ferry roads, has served as home to the softball team the past three years. The 24-game schedule features 16 Penn State University Athletic Conference games and eight nonconference contests.
Last year, Marsilli guided the team to 9-9 PSUAC record and a berth in the final four of the conference tournament. Marsilli, former assistant coach at Kiski Area High School, begins his third year as head coach. He is a certified coach and conducts numerous clinics throughout the year. His assistant is Brian Eshbaugh, who was the head coach of the Lady Lions for three years, 2002-05. Eshbaugh guided New Kensington to two PSUAC championships.
For the full softball schedule, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/StudentLife/Athletics/39082.htm online.