The LHU softball team is set to open the 2015 season on Friday, March 6 when the Lady Eagles make their annual flight south for Spring Break.
 
On Friday (March 6), LHU will take on Saint Rose (9 a.m.) and Cedarville (11 a.m.), marking the first two games of their trip to the Sunshine State. In all, Lock Haven will play 14 games in Florida from March 6 to March 14, including a doubleheader at Saint Leo on Tuesday, March 10.
 
Preseason news & notes:
 
Breaking down the 2015 Lady Eagles:
8 freshmen
7 sophomores
2 juniors
4 seniors (Jessie Probst, Sarah Schwalm, Kelsey Harris & Nicole Smith)
From 5 different states - including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey & Maryland
 
A look back on last season:
LHU went 19-26 overall last season, finishing 12-16 in PSAC East play, narrowly missing a playoff spot. The Lady Eagles finished fifth in the PSAC Eastern Division and LHU was picked fourth in this season's preseason poll.
 
Two All-PSAC performers return:
Following successful 2014 campaigns, McKenna Garlock and Paige Stuppy were named to the All-PSAC East team with both players landing on the Second Team.
 
Garlock earned a spot on the Second Team at catcher. She played in all 45 games last year, making 44 starts – 34 of which came behind the plate. Garlock hit .279, collecting 39 hits on the season. She had seven doubles, four home runs and drove in 18 runs. Garlock had a .429 slugging percentage and .353 on-base percentage. She was credited with 172 put outs, 19 assists and made just five errors.
 
Stuppy earned a Second Team spot in the outfield. She played in 34 games and made 22 starts in the outfield, including the last 16 games of the season. After entering the offensive lineup in early April, she went on a tear and hit .344. Stuppy was 22-for-64 at the plate with 14 runs scored and three RBIs. She was 7-for-9 on stolen base attempts giving LHU a scoring threat every time she reached first. On the season, she had six multiple hit games and recorded a .838 fielding percentage.
 
Rookie behind the plate:
Freshman Gabrielle Henson will look to make an immediate impact behind the plate from the opening pitch of the 2015 season. The Annapolis, Maryland native has the Lady Eagle coaching staff very excited.
 
New face at first:
With rookie Gabrielle Henson looking to hold down the spot behind the plate, sophomore and returning All-Conference player McKenna Garlock will move to first base, giving LHU another huge bonus defensively.
 
Experienced outfield:
Talk about experience – look at LHU's outfield. All-PSAC left-fielder Paige Stuppy joins Jodi Weaknecht (CF) as the duo put up solid numbers last season. Nicole Smith (RF) returns to strengthen the team "all-around," and senior Kelsey Harris, who's experience is huge for The Haven, adds depth to the outfield.
 
Pitching always a key:
Senior Jessie Probst and sophomore Rachel Mouillesseaux return to lead the way for The Haven's pitching staff. Junior Amanda Saulsbury gives LHU added depth in the circle.
 
Last season, Probst and Mouillesseaux combined for 191 strikeouts. Mouillesseaux picked up 11 wins during her rookie season.
 
Strong at second, short and third:
Lock Haven is experienced all around the infield, particularly at shortstop with senior Sarah Schwalm, who has been a rock for LHU the last three seasons. She's joined by Michelle Holweger (2B) and MaKaylah Holbert (3B), who were tremendous for LHU during their freshmen seasons.
 
Smith returns:
Nicole Smith, a 2013 All-Conference player and a 2012 All-Region performer returns to lead the way for LHU in 2015. She brings back the total package and can get it done both, offensively and defensively. She hit .333 with 32 RBIs and eight home runs back in 2013.
 
Offensive productivity:
LHU will count on Nicole Smith, McKenna Garlock and Michelle Holweger to lead the way offensively this season. Last year, Holweger led the Lady Eagles at the plate, while hitting .297 with four home runs and 19 RBIs. Garlock hit .279 with four homers.
 
A look ahead:
LHU softball's full 2015 schedule is available at www.GoLHU.com or by clicking here.
http://www.golhu.com/schedule.aspx?path=softball
 
The Lady Eagles close out their swing through Florida on Saturday, March 14 with a pair of games. LHU will return to action following their Spring Break trip on Friday, March 20 at East Stroudsburg and play at home for the first time on March 27 vs. Kutztown.
 
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