SOFTBALL '07: Deep Frosh Class Ready To Go

Interchangeable parts provided a spark for the production of everything from guns to automobiles, and they might be just as essential this spring as the Harvard softball team tries to produce something else: victories.

The Crimson’s newest class of recruits is full of athletes who can’t be pinned down to a single position, and several have the potential to be key contributors throughout the season.

“They add everything,” head coach Jenny Allard says. “Two of them pitch, all are strong offensively, and we have a lot of them starting defensively. They add to the strength of the team.”

MURPHY’S LAW

Lauren Murphy is listed as a catcher and third baseman, but it isn’t her defense prowess that has been turning heads. Instead, the Sierra Madre, Calif. native has mostly been slotted as the team’s designated hitter, and for good reason. Her five home runs and 14 RBI lead the team, and her .423 batting average so far is the squad’s second highest.

In the second half of a day-night doubleheader against St. Joseph’s on March 4, Murphy lit up the scoreboard, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, one of which was a grand slam.

She finished the game with five RBI and the confidence of her new coach.

“She has a strong bat,” Allard says. “Anything [St. Joseph’s] pitched to her, she hit. She will be a great bat for us in the line-up.”

COOL CUSTOMER AT THE HOT CORNER

While Murphy is busy lighting up the scoreboard, third baseman Melissa Schellberg is doing her best to prevent the opponent from doing the same.

Schellberg, who hails from Las Vegas, has started eight of nine games so far this season at the hot corner.

“Melissa is very consistent,” Murphy says. “She has a good arm and good range at third.”

Schellberg has recorded a team-leading 18 defensive assists while maintaining a .903 fielding percentage.

Allard credits her quick hands and ability to stay low as two of the things that make her “one of the best defensive third basemen we have ever had in the program.”

DEPTH FROM DANA

According to Allard, the key to successful team pitching in the Ivy League is depth, which is exactly what Dana Roberts provides.

“In order for us, or any team in the conference, to win the title you have to have depth,” Allard says. “If you are only relying on two pitchers they are going to know those pitchers inside and out.”

Allard includes Roberts as one of the team’s “true starters,” and Murphy praises her teammate’s varied pitching arsenal.

“Dana has a really good curveball and a very good changeup,” Murphy says. “And her dropball is great.”

So far Roberts, who is also listed as a utility player, has pitched 16 innings in four appearances on the mound, posting a solid 3.06 ERA.

SPEEDY STEPHANIE

Stephanie Krysiak is a speedy centerfielder from The Woodlands, Tex., whose ability to make the big play has kept her name in the starting lineup for all nine games this season.

“She’s very, very quick,” Murphy says. “And she’s a hustler also. She gets to everything and goes all out for every play.”

Her speed also makes her an asset on offense, where she has already seen 23 at-bats.

“She will make a lot of things happen on offense with her speed,” Allard says.

PLEDGE WEEK

Jessica Pledger, like Murphy, is listed as both a catcher and a third basemen, but has seen most of her action this year behind the plate. She has also appeared as a designated hitter and in several pinch-hit opportunities.

Pledger will have to split time at backstop with sophomore Hayley Bock, but her versatility could prove to be essential as the season progresses.

“She has great offensive pop,” Allard says.

FRANCISCAN ORDER

When sophomore Bailey Vertovez moves in from the outfield to take the mound, it is this Chantilly, Va. native who steps up to take her place on defense.

Jennifer Francis has started three games this season in right field, but has yet to take an at-bat. Allard is particularily impressed with this rookie’s arm.

“She’s got a great throw from right field,” she says. “She also gets great extension on the ball.”

MARGAUX FOR IT

The Crimson will look to Margaux Black for relief pitching throughout the season as she acclimates to the world of NCAA softball. She brings much-needed depth to the pitching corps.

“She is a tremendous athlete,” Allard says. “She is going to get some innings and is continuing to develop her pitching this year.”

Black, from Atlanta, may also see some time at shortstop or first base, adding options at both of those positions.