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Clarkson University Athletics

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Softball April 8, 2017

CU Softball Preview - vs. RIT/Rochester (4/9-10)

Despite rain and snow off and on for the last month, the Clarkson University Softball team has yet to miss any games, having played half of its schedule through early April. Though one doubleheader got pushed back two days, the Golden Knights look to keep that streak alive when they open conference play this weekend by hosting RIT and the University of Rochester at Scott Field.

Clarkson enters the weekend with a record of 10-10 overall, having last played on March 30. RIT, which the Knights will play on Sunday, comes in at 13-6 while Monday's opponent, the University of Rochester, is 10-6 before playing Skidmore on Sunday. The Knights haven't enjoyed much success against the two Rochester teams through three seasons, sporting an 0-6 record against the Yellowjackets and a 1-5 mark against the Tigers, though four of the five losses versus RIT have come by one run.

Senior catcher Ali Schwenzfeier is Clarkson's top offensive performer at the midway point of 2017, boasting a .377/.431/.642 slash line with 19 runs and 18 more driven in. Classmate Jamie Bridge has the second-highest batting average at .359 and has a team-best 23 hits, while junior Summer Lancette has eight extra-base hits with six doubles and two home runs for a .534 slugging percentage. Freshman Michele Winn is hitting .302/.377/.698 with a league-best six home runs and 20 runs driven in. From the pitching slab, Bridge has 45 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched to go with a 3.81 earned run average, while freshman Leah Allen has a 3.87 earned run average in 34.1 innings.

RIT has a solid offense, but it's pitching is carrying it more than anything thanks to a team ERA under 2.00. Lauren Mahar has a 1.76 earned run average and five victories to go along with 40 strikeouts in 51.2 innings and Sierra Valentine is close with a 2.16 earned run average, five more wins, and 46 whiffs in 48.2 innings. RIT's third pitcher, Torie Adler, has also posted a 1.91 earned run average in 25.2 innings. On offense, the Tigers have four players hitting above .350, but no one else above .260. Erin Guinan leads the team with a .433 batting average, having gone 29-for-67 at the dish with 17 runs scored and 14 more driven in. Alexandria Lunderman has a team-best 15 RBI and is also above .400 with a .404/.466/.558 batting line. Tori Blaker (.355) and Danielle Hotz (.353) are also hitting well, with Hotz reaching base at a .468 clip thanks to 11 walks.

Despite getting hit around a bit against Cortland State earlier this week, Rochester also has a solid pitching staff. Sam Malecki has won only three games and lost four despite a 1.72 earned run average and 27 strikeouts in 40.2 innings, while Eleni Wechsler has a 1.99 earned run average and 38 strikeouts in 56.1 innings, helping her claim six victories. Rochester has a steady offense with six players hitting .320 or better. Shelby Corning leads the team in batting average at .386 and she is followed closely by Lydia Petricca, who has matching rates of a .382 batting average and .382 on-base percentage as she has yet to take a walk in 55 plate appearances. Harleigh Kaczegowicz (.339), Courtney Semkewyc (.333), Rachel Pletz (.326) and Jocelyn Blackshear (.320) are also hitting well. Pletz and Blackshear have done the most slugging, with Pletz leading the team with seven extra-base hits and a .565 slugging percentage and Blackshear bashing three home runs.
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Players Mentioned

Jamie Bridge

#6 Jamie Bridge

P/OF
5' 4"
Senior
R/R
Summer Lancette

#14 Summer Lancette

OF
5' 2"
Junior
L/R
Ali Schwenzfeier

#13 Ali Schwenzfeier

UT
5' 4"
Senior
R/R
Michele Winn

#3 Michele Winn

C/IF
5' 6"
Freshman
L/L
Leah Allen

#23 Leah Allen

P/IF
5' 8"
Freshman
R/R

Players Mentioned

Jamie Bridge

#6 Jamie Bridge

5' 4"
Senior
R/R
P/OF
Summer Lancette

#14 Summer Lancette

5' 2"
Junior
L/R
OF
Ali Schwenzfeier

#13 Ali Schwenzfeier

5' 4"
Senior
R/R
UT
Michele Winn

#3 Michele Winn

5' 6"
Freshman
L/L
C/IF
Leah Allen

#23 Leah Allen

5' 8"
Freshman
R/R
P/IF