March 30, 2017
By Mike Gilbert, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After what seemed like an eternity on the road, the Penn State softball squad finally returns to Beard Field this weekend. The team played its first 30 games away from the friendly confines of State College, but now gets a chance to open up their home turf against Indiana beginning on Friday.
"We're so excited and at the same time, I worry about us being so excited that by the fifth inning, our adrenaline crashes. We've done that in the past, but to be at home in front of our fans, it's going to be amazing," said head coach Amanda Lehotak.
The Lions have only been the "home team" eight times this season, meaning even though they have been playing away from Beard Field, they have started the game on defense. According to Lehotak, there is a big difference in strategy and feel of the game when opening up on defense instead of at bat.
"Statistically, if you're the home team, the winning percentage is much higher. When you're the visitor, you feel like the underdog. If you're the home team, I feel like you can ease into it a little bit. You can see how they're going to throw you and how they are going to attack you," said Lehotak.
There is a mental part of the game associated with being the home team as well.
"It's a completely different mindset and kind of out of our comfort zone since we've had so many games where we're not in that position. But, it's a weekend where we can take care of business," added Lehotak.
The keys to the weekend series against the Indiana Hoosiers are the same as all season, according to Lehotak. Her team must rely on the starting pitching relaxing and finding a groove, and the defense needs to limit runs being scored in bunches. Of course, timely hitting is a key factor, something the team is still working on.
The players themselves can't wait for Friday to arrive.
"I'm very excited. Everybody always talks about how it's the best part playing at home, and I'm just very excited," said freshman bright spot Madey Smith.
The excitement coming home is even higher due to the stakes, as the game with the Hoosiers will open home Big Ten play Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at 6pm, 3pm and 1pm, respectively. The Nittany Lions come into the conference home opener at 12-18 on the year, while Indiana is 16-16.
Fairly evenly matched with their Big Ten opponent, the Nittany Lions are primed to make a splash this week, and can do that in front of an army of supporters.