UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa - Penn State softball is gearing up for another long Florida trip, its fourth of five road trips to start the season, set to play 12 games in 10 days starting March 1 against Boston College in Madeira Beach, Florida.
While the team has hit some early obstacles in its long road schedule, with 10 newcomers, mainly freshman, head coach Amanda Lehotak is confident that these speed bumps are working themselves out.
"When you're not scoring and hitting like you do in practice, that level of frustration starts to kick in," Lehotak said. "Some of that is youth. People starting for the first time, this is the first time they've ever failed."
While some game results haven't been in the Nittany Lions' favor, they have had some close matchups. Seven games have been decided by two runs or less.
The addition of some strong hitters and good baserunners has helped to keep games close, and the team is hoping to build from those chances.
"We executed two perfectly hit-and-runs this [past] weekend," Lehotak said. "You can't let loose offensively on the bases if you can't get on."
Production by the younger players has certainly been something to admire. Freshmen Melina Livingston and Ally Kurland both recorded home runs while in Durham, North Carolina two weeks ago, and Baily Parshall has had strong performances in the circle with a 2-4 record so far on the season.
Moving forward, the key to better production will be due, in part, to the team chemistry that they continue to foster.
"So far I feel like the seniors have taken me under their wing, showed me what Penn State softball really is," Livingston said. "It has been generally very easy for me to follow in their footsteps to see how this team runs and how we work together."
Livingston was a highly-regarded recruit out of Michigan, coming out of high school ranked a top-five player in the state by State Champs Network in 2018. Among her numerous softball accolades, she was also a four-year varsity swimmer who qualified for the state meet every year.
Instead of harping on the past few weekends, Livingston is focused on what the team can do heading into a long stretch of road games.
"This weekend I really want to see us grow as a team and find that one thing we are missing. To show how Penn State softball is on the rise and how we are ready to compete against the best teams in the country," Livingston said.
While Florida is more of a business trip for the Nittany Lions, there will be some great opportunities for fun and relaxation as it is the team's Spring Break trip. Lehotak has enjoyed being in the sun so far this year, as have the girls because it is a change of pace from a gloomy winter in State College.
Outside of game action during the Florida trip, the team will also be taking a day to Busch Gardens amusement park, and checking out some MLB spring training action to unwind.
Looking ahead, Lehotak is trying to take things one day at a time. These past few days have been dedicated to studying film and preparing for the next challenge, wanting to improve on their mistakes and capitalize on what they have been doing right.
"Just continuing our attention to detail, trying to get things better," Lehotak said. "We're right there, we just need to figure out how to finish."
Practice this week has shown greater improvement and confidence, according to Lehotak. Heading back down to Florida, the Nittany Lions are looking to rewrite the narrative of their season.
"Once it comes together, watch out," Lehotak said.
