CALIFORNIA, PA (May 16, 2010) – Kutztown University's 3-2 season-ending defeat to California University of Pennsylvania in an NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Lilly Field is only a temporary stop for the Golden Bears. With a talented core of young players returning, the Golden Bears' future is brighter than the sun. (BOXSCORE)
Of course, that was of little solace to the Golden Bears, who desperately believed they would be the ones advancing to next weekend's Super Regional instead of California. Unfortunately, Cal sophomore Kristen Mckenzie answered Kutztown's two runs in the bottom of the third inning by hitting a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning, which proved to be the difference.
Kutztown finished its fantastic season with a 43-18 overall record.
“We played with a lot of energy and started the game off good,” Kutztown head coach Judy Lawes said. “After the home run, we had some opportunities to score, but it didn't go our way in the end. The girls played well and it was a good championship game.”
The loss ended the brilliant careers of Katlin Arbogast (Ambler, PA/Wissahickon) and Maria Schiavo (Old Forge, PA/Old Forge), who were the heart and soul of this team. Arbogast finished her career with 99 victories, 1,027 strikeouts, 100 complete games and 30 shutouts. She was a two-time PSAC East Pitcher of the Year. Schiavo was a two-time all-PSAC East selection.
However, Arbogast's and Schiavo's spirit, work-ethic and lessons will live on through the returning members of the KU softball team in 2011. Junior pitcher Monica Glomb (Mars, PA/Mars) is ready to inherit the role of ace. She tossed 3.1 innings of perfect softball against the Vulcans.
“I am going to miss Katlin and Maria a ton,” Lawes said. “They have meant so much to our program but I know they will continue to support us. This season is definitely a positive for our program. I am extremely proud of this team. They learned, grew and made friendships during the season and that's what's it's all about.”
Freshman catcher Katie Lynch (Willow Street, PA/Lampeter-Strasburg), the PSAC Freshman of the Year, is ready to become the next leader for the Golden Bears. Her intensity and hitting prowess is a strong combination. Lynch had a hit in every game of the NCAA tournament for the Golden Bears including a RBI single in the third inning that scored Jen Stow and gave KU a 2-0 lead.
Schiavo, who had two hits, drove in Kutztown's first run of the game, which scored Maria Isgro (Galloway, NJ/Absegami). Schiavo finished the season with a .332 batting average and a team-high 69 hits. Lynch also had 69 hits and finished with a team-leading .348 average, which was one point ahead of sophomore second baseman Nicole Colineri (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood), who will also return.
First baseman Heather Hannum (Horsham, PA/Hatboro-Horsham) had two hits for the Golden Bears. After missing a significant portion of the season, Hannum was a force late in the season for Kutztown. Third baseman Nicole Henninger (Reading, PA./Muhlenberg) led KU with 10 home runs and 49 runs batted in. Henninger had a hit in three of the four NCAA games played over the weekend.
Krista Tedjeske (Summerhill, PA/Forest Hill) and Brie Knipe are also key members who will make the Golden Bears a force in the future. Michelle McGinty (Warminster,PA/Archbishop Wood), Stow, and Sarah Couch (Wyalusing, PA/Wyalusing) also had clutch moments during the season and the experience they gained this season will only enhance and deepen the tradition that veteran head coach Judy Lawes has built.
The Golden Bears were in numerous close games this season. Even when Cal took a 3-2 advantage, Kutztown always remained confident in its ability to rally. The Golden Bears' final threat against Cal was in the fifth inning. Trailing by a run, Schiavo and Hannum had hits. Unfortunately, Kutztown could not bring Schiavo home from third base with the tying run.
So even as Kutztown's bus departed western Pennsylvania with sad faces and tears, once they get a moment to reflect on the fun journey they enjoyed this season and the promise of another outstanding future presents, somebody will crack a smile.
Arbogast and Schiavo both graduated on May 8 and they are destined for great things in their respective careers. Although it hurts that they will never wear the sacred maroon-and-gold again, Arbogast and Schiavo can take comfort in knowing they have left the softball program in tremendous shape. The feisty duo will forever be linked as the only pair of players in the distinguished history of the KU softball program to win 40 games in four straight seasons.
That is something to be proud of.
--KU--
