NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - We are less than one month from the start of softball season. Sophomore Molly Collins (Verona, Pa. / Riverview) stepped up to the plate metaphorically to discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming games. "I'd say we're excited. We're anxious for the season to start. I mean we're all cooped up the dome, we're in the gym so we're ready to see everything play out."

The weather has not been cooperating in these early weeks of February, but lucky for the team, they do not play until the final week of March. Still, they are looking to get outdoors and move freely away from the indoor batting nets and stuffy gym.

Aside from the weather, each season also comes with its fair share of challenges and this is nothing new to experienced athletes. Even this early on, the team is already responding positively to adversity "Our flexibility," said Sophmore Abby Kane (Murrysville, Pa. / Franklin Regional) during a Feb. 22 practice. "Our ability to adapt and to move people around so we can still play together well."

Besides, this will not be the first time the women played together as a team. In September, they attended an annual softball tournament at Penn State DuBois.

It was a beautiful day on September 11 of last year when the softball team faced off against Penn State Dubois and Penn State Beaver at the DuBois Fall Classic. This marked the first time the women played together in preparation for their season the following spring.

Highlights of the day included the women's tremendous ability to follow up on big plays. They showed all the right signs in game two at the top of the second with Penn State Beaver in the circle. New Kensington blasted a line drive to the infield gap on a 2-2 pitch that resulted in a first base error and put New Kensington in scoring position at second base.

The play was followed up by yet another line drive on a full count, this time down the first base foul line which left New Kensington with two runners in scoring position. Two batters later, New Kensington earned an RBI on a 1-1 pitch and sacrifice fly to right field scoring the first points of the game. The women finished that weekend with substantial and valuable early team experience.

As for the weeks ahead, the motivation is palpable. "When someone does something correct, either field a ground ball or make an amazing throw we cheer them on," said Sophmore Andrea Eiler (Eau Claire, Pa. / Moniteau) during a Feb.22 practice. "We try to be really supportive of each other. I think being supportive just helps."

There is a lot to look forward to for both the players and the Penn State New Kensington community. "Playing with new girls and getting to know new faces," said Collins. "Seeing everyone's talent out on the field, and possibly making it past the final four."

The women will play their first matchup of the season in a doubleheader at home against Westmoreland County Community College on Tuesday, March 22. Game one begins at 2:00 p.m., game two at 4:00 p.m.

Written by Matt Heavner, PSNK Athletics Communications Intern