SHU Baseball and Softball ventures South

The Seton Hill University (SHU) baseball team is off to a great start this season with a current record of 15-5. Starting their season with a series of games in North Carolina, the Griffins beat Bloomsburg University with a score of 11-1 but then lost the next two games to Indiana University Pennsylvania and Millersville University, both of which were Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference games.

Seton Hill University Griffins took on the #1 ranked Spartans from the University of Tampa. A great day for baseball with clear skies and warm weather, the Griffins held strong but the Spartans finished with the 17.3 win. Photo courtesy of Christian Strong
Seton Hill University Griffins took on the #1 ranked Spartans from the University of Tampa. A great day for baseball with clear skies and warm weather, the Griffins held strong but the Spartans finished with the 17.3 win. Photo courtesy of Christian Strong

After these games, the team embarked upon a trip down south to Florida where they played a total of seven games, winning five and losing two. Most major league baseball teams that are located in colder climates make a training trip annually down south.

Many college athletic teams have started to do the same, SHU athletic teams included. It seemed to be a great change for athletes to get away from the cold and play in warmer weather. This is also an opportunity for the athletes to get in shape and ready for their long season ahead.

“Our season got off to a slower start than we would have liked, but our spring trip to Florida yielded a lot of learning experiences for our team,” said men’s baseball head coach Marc Marizzaldi. “It has taken the first 15 games for guys to settle into particular roles and we are beginning to understand what it takes to play consistent championship caliber baseball.”

Last year the Griffins went to the NCAA Atlantic Regional for the sixth time in program history and had their fourth straight year of winning 40 or more games.

Redshirt senior Taylor Schmidt is up to bat ready to crush the ball into the stands. Schmidt suffered an injury earlier this year but is eager to get back on the diamond. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer
Redshirt senior Taylor Schmidt is up to bat ready to crush the ball into the stands. Schmidt suffered an injury earlier this year but is eager to get back on the diamond. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer

“We are riding a seven-game win streak heading into a very important week of regional and PSAC games. Ultimately we are embracing the challenge of getting one percent better each and every day, relying heavily upon our senior leadership and the maturation of our younger players,” said Coach Marizzaldi.

The Lady Griffins softball team is off to a decent start with a record of 7-11. They started their season off in Florida playing double headers for five days, winning three games against Georgian Court University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and The University of Findlay. After their spring training trip, they began a series of games in Salem, Va., winning three games and losing only one UVA – Wise by a score of 1-2.

Junior outfielder and hitter Adam Ferita, from Belle Vernon, Pa. slides safe to home plate earning one run for the Griffins. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer
Junior outfielder and hitter Adam Ferita, from Belle Vernon, Pa. slides safe to home plate earning one run for the Griffins. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer

Redshirt sophomore Abbey Suhoski received player of the week for her performance in the weekend trip to Salem, VA and the WV Wesleyan Tourney. This is the first time ever a Griffin softball player has earned this recognition.

“It is an honor to receive something like that,” said Suhoski. “I practice to my best ability to achieve success, and it is an honor to be recognized for my accomplishment. This just means I have to keep up the work into the next week.”

One of the lady Griffins is focused and in her zone as she takes a few practice swings before getting up to bat. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer
One of the lady Griffins is focused and in her zone as she takes a few practice swings before getting up to bat. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer

After taking a redshirt year due to injury, Suhoski said, “I am really excited to be back on the field. I watched the team succeed and do so well last year, I am happy to be here this year to help them be much more successful. We set high expectations for this season, and we expect to win.”

The Lady Griffins huddle around the pitchers circle discussing the game plan and giving each other confidence. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer
The Lady Griffins huddle around the pitchers circle discussing the game plan and giving each other confidence. Photo courtesy of J. Palmer

Be sure to catch the Griffins baseball team in action at home on Tuesday March 22 against Shippensburg University at 3 p.m. The softball team’s next home game is on Tuesday, March 22 against Wheeling Jesuit University starting at 4:30 p.m.

Published By: Laramie Cowan

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