Around The Corner...

I've been out of town for the holidays, and I hope everyone reading this is having a great holiday season with their families.

The players are all back home at the moment, but will soon begin the 2012 season in earnest. First pitch is only six weeks away, if you can believe that. So far we've had a very mild winter; maybe that's a sign of better softball weather than we got a year ago. Soon after the new year, I will begin previewing (from a fan's perspective as usual) the new season. My prediction last year was totally off, as a reader so kindly reminded me soon afterward. But you will recall Coach Rappl talking of Super Regionals, so I was in good company. The Golden Griffins must always set the bar high; they have too proud of a tradition. Failing to qualify for the MAAC tournament last season was not acceptable; that must be their dedicated goal upon returning to campus.

Pictured is former Griff Jess Martin. Jess saw her single season homer record fall to Paige Freiberger in 2010, and now another of her records is in peril. Senior Katie Lancellotti is just four home runs short of tying her career record. And watching Katie play this past fall, I say she has a great chance of becoming the all-time home run queen. There is another player to watch for however. Junior Stephanie Pfentner is only 12 away from the record. So we could be talking about this again next year. Or maybe even this season...