University Park, Pa., February 1, 2007--The Penn State softball team finished last season with a school-record 39 wins and earned bids to both the Big Ten and the NCAA Tournaments. The team hopes to build on that success as the 2007 season approaches. The Nittany Lions open at the Carolina Classic, taking on No. 2 Tennessee and North Carolina State on Feb. 10. With several weeks of practice behind them and the season opener approaching, Coach Petrini discusses Nittany Lion softball.
How are practices going?
Practices are going really well. We have a veteran group so things are really good and we¡¯re anxious to get started.
How are the freshmen progressing? Are they ready for the season to start?
All freshmen always progress as the year goes. Some are a little bit farther along than others, but what they do in practice and what they actually do in games, we have yet to see.
Who will be the biggest surprise for the team this season?
I don¡¯t know that I count on surprises. I think that kids will progress in a natural manner and I¡¯m always pleasantly surprised when something out of the ordinary happens.
You open the season with the No. 2 team in the country [Tennessee] and then play two teams receiving votes [NC State and UNC]. How are you preparing for those challenges?
We¡¯re preparing for every game like it¡¯s the same as any other game. There¡¯s no ¡®oh, it¡¯s Tennessee¡¯, we¡¯re just preparing to play.
Currently, there are 12 teams ranked and receiving votes on your schedule. How will this schedule benefit the team?
I think the team is ready for the challenge of playing a very strong schedule. I intentionally scheduled it that way because I thought this group would be ready to take on that kind of schedule.
Can Nittany Lion fans except anything new in the pitching philosophy with Jocelyn as the coach?
I think they¡¯ll see that our pitchers are continuing to improve and I think that one of our freshmen, Jackie Hill, will see a lot of action.
How will not being about to practice outside impact the team in the first tournaments?
I think it works in our favor in that we spend a lot more time drilling on some of the finer skills than if we were to go outside all the time.
