by Steve Janik, Sports Information Assistant

The Saint Vincent College softball team enters the 2014 season looking for a return to form following a 12-18 (5-13 Presidents' Athletic Conference) record in 2013 and failing to qualify for the PAC playoffs after taking first-place and hosting the tournament in 2012.

However, the future looks bright in Latrobe for Coach Nicole Hinerman's Bearcats in the upcoming season. They return two All-PAC players from last season in sophomore outfielder Sarah Swettlen (second team) and senior first baseman Shannon Baczek (honorable mention) along with several experienced upperclassmen who will try to make the team a contender again.

Coach Hinerman is very happy with what she is seeing so far in terms of leadership from her seniors, especially on such a young team. "The seniors have really brought a good attitude to the team," she says. "They are constantly trying to make everyone better as well as helping all of our (ten) freshmen adjust to everything."

The offense is led by Swettlen, who led the team with a .368 batting average after appearing 19 games with 18 starts while missing the second half of the year due to injury. In her shortened season she also drove in 12 runs and posted a .737 slugging percentage while leading the team with three home runs and four triples. With that success in an abbreviated campaign, coach Hinerman is optimistic about the sophomore's future.

"She has worked really hard to come back and is in great shape. She's doing better now than she ever did last year; I think she is ready to take the next step," said Hinerman.

Joining her in the outfield will be junior Suzie Cool who has plenty of experience in her first two years. In 2013, she finished fourth on the team with a .282 average in 28 games, playing mostly in center field. Expect junior Ally Panzella, sophomores Candace Scanga and Emily Tuszynski and several freshmen to see time in the outfield as well.

Baczek has also enjoyed great success in her time on campus. In addition to being named All-PAC Honorable Mention last season, in 2012 she was named an All-PAC First Team player at first base. In 2013, she batted .281 while driving in nine runs along with a home run in 23 games. While a great hitter, the senior is also well-known for her defensive abilities. In 176 chances, she committed only two errors last year and in 2012 had a perfect fielding percentage in 321 opportunities.

Luckily for the Bearcats it is more than a one-headed attack in the infield. Baczek is joined by classmates Becky Deane and Lindsey Daniels, who have had equal success to their throwing partner across the diamond. At third base, Deane has been named to the All-PAC Second Team twice in her career (2011, 2012) and is the active hits leader on the team with 81. She has also been one of the top run producers in her time on campus slugging three home runs and driving in 36 runs in 97 games played.

Daniels is not far behind her teammates.  In her three years she has racked up 71 hits, driving in 19 runs on 12 doubles, four triples, and a home run over a span of 98 games played, all of which came as a starter. 

While it seems like Saint Vincent might have the answer at the plate, pitching depth was a focus in recruiting for Hinerman. "We've definitely improved. Last year we didn't have that extra pitcher to put in, in case our pitcher was in trouble. This year with six we are able to do that," she said.

SVC certainly has a good backbone to build the group around in senior Ally Vrcek. She battled injuries in 2013 but still managed to have a solid year going 7-8 with a 2.39 era which was good enough for seventh in the PAC while hurling 14 complete games. Vrcek tallied 91 strikeouts (4th in PAC) and held her opponents' to a .237 batting average. The 2012 First Team All-PAC pitcher will look to have a healthy senior season and get back to her dominant form.

While the ace is ready to hit the ground running, the youth on the staff is noticeable for the Bearcats. However, Coach Hinerman is positive their ability will outshine the inexperience. "In practice, everyone has looked good so far. We will able to use people in multiple spots throughout a game.  We had that in 2012 when we made the playoffs and I think that will help us a lot again this year." Vying for time in the circle is junior Kelley Sedlock who made her way from the women's basketball team to softball, and four freshmen: Laken Lyon, Samantha Emert, Cassidy Uscilowski, and Alexis Foster.

While it seems the team returns many weapons from last season, they do have to replace a vital part of their previous success in graduated catcher Maria Adams. Fighting for the spot in 2013 are sophomore Jenna LoVasco and freshman Breanne Wallace. Last season, LoVasco appeared in 16 games (14 starts) batting .278 with a home run and seven RBI. Wallace was a part of three District 6 championship teams at Ligonier Valley High School.

Saint Vincent will begin its season in Clermont, FL taking part in the NTC Tournament with their opener coming against Misericordia University on March 2. They open PAC play on March 29 when they will travel to Grove City College.