Edinboro University softball coach Dan Gierlak is accustomed to playing the role of underdog. So the news that his Fighting Scots are tied for fourth in the Western Division in the PSAC Softball Preseason Coaches Poll should come as no surprise.
California(Pa.) is the preseason favorite in the West, receiving all five first place votes. The Vulcans were 35-10 a year ago. Slippery Rock, 21-23 last year, is picked second, with Mercyhurst (20-23) third. Edinboro is tied with Gannon (22-21) for fourth place.
Kutztown is the favorite in the East. The Golden Bears were 46-12-1 last year and received three first place votes. Shippensburg is a close second with a pair of first place votes after finishing with a 26-19 record.
Bloomsburg is the favorite in the Central Division, picking up four first place votes. The Huskies were 35-11 a year ago. Defending national champion Lock Haven picked up the other first place vote. The Lady Eagles were 51-6 last year, but now begin a new era without standout pitcher Kristin Erb.
A year ago the Fighting Scots were also lightly regarded, but finished strong to qualify for the PSAC Playoffs. Edinboro would finish the year with a 26-19 record, setting a school record for wins. The Fighting Scots went 2-2 in the playoffs before being eliminated.
Gierlak will showcase an extremely young team this year after two very strong recruiting classes. In fact, he notes that as many as seven freshmen could start. He also must replace his keystone combo of Dana Webb and Katelyn Gurgiolo. Webb, regarded as the finest player ever at Edinboro and the school’s first All-American, hit .448 with 17 home runs and 59 RBIs while playing second base. Gurgiolo was her partner at shortstop and hit .393 with 23 stolen bases.
Edinboro will rely on the pitching of Beth Mullins, a first team All-PSAC West choice a year ago. The junior finished with a 15-11 record and a 2.25 ERA.
Sophomores Jade Thrower and Aimee Sisson are the top returning position players. Thrower, who will see most of her time at first base or designated hitter, hit .270 with six home runs and 19 RBIs. Sisson caught all but one game a year ago. She hit .250 with a pair of homers and 22 RBIs.
Edinboro will open the 2010 campaign with its annual southern trip, playing in the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Florida on Sunday, March 7 through Friday, March 12. They debut against Urbana and Northern State on March 7.
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