The Goldey-Beacom College Lightning had a fragmented 2010 campaign. They broke out with a 9-4 start, then dropped nine straight games, eventually putting them seven games under .500. That record was a bit deceiving, however, as six of those losses came by one run. Head coach Jerry Grasso is confident that 2011 will be better, in large part due to the incoming talented freshmen class and the experienced upperclassman.
“We have some interesting personalities on the field, and all of them get along well off the field,” Grasso said. “This team will be solid one-through-nine offensively, and we will have added depth on the bench to go to when needed.”
The Lightning’s top priority is pitching and defense. The pitching staff let-up 128 earned runs in 39 games, with an ERA of 3.75 last season. As a staff, they gave up 70 extra-base hits, including 16 homeruns.
Statistics are not a true measure of talent though, as Grasso feels the pitching staff is loaded with experience including five returning starters and the addition of an All-MVAC freshman pitcher.
Ace senior, Heather Draper (Bridgeville, Del.) returns in 2011 ranking third on the school’s list for all-time pitching career victories with 15 and is determined to win over eight games this season. In 73 2/3 innings pitched, Draper struck out 63 batters in 18 appearances. Juniors Sadie Jones (Milford, Del.) and Shannon O’Hara (LaPlata, Md.) will be heavily relied on as well. Jones broke the school record with three saves and did a stellar job in 20 appearances, leading the staff in ERA with a 3.05. The southpaw totaled 35 K’s in her 43 2/3 innings pitched. O’Hara a hard-throwing right-hander, tossed 19 innings and struck-out 10 last year.
Sophomore LeAnne Miller (Vineland, N.J.) was named top newcomer last season because of her solid performance on the mound and at the plate. Miller chucked 51 1/3 innings and tossed two shutouts. She was solid at the plate, batting .359, with eight runs scored and three stolen bases. Other sophomore, Ashley Antosh (Honey Brook, Pa.) hurled 17 2/3 innings and mowed down 19 batters. Antosh came through at the plate as well, batting .360 with seven RBI and an on-base percentage of .500. Freshman Veronica Peters (Leonardtown, Md.) will give the staff added stability on the mound and at the plate as well.
Behind the plate, the Lightning return 2nd team All-Conference player Danielle Rice. The hard-hitting junior broke four single-season records offensively last year, including homeruns (7), RBI’s (40), walks (25) and hit by pitches (8). She is third on the all-time list for RBI’s with 63, and with another strong season, will likely break into the 100-hit club. Rice has a strong arm, and a quick release behind the plate. She batted a sweltering .394, tallying 66 total bases and an OB% of .542.
The Lightning begin the 2011 season with the Virginia Wesleyan Tournament on Mar. 3-6.
