Softball hopes to recoup against West Chester

The first two weeks of Penn's softball season were characterized by 10-run losses, shutouts and no-hit performances. The team's defense was as porous as a Brillo pad, the offense as streaky as the Naturist Society. But over the past week, the Quakers (5-18) have looked like a new team. The infield, anchored by outfielder-turned-shortstop Laurie Nestler, has cut down on its errors. The offense, though still hot-and-cold, has come through with big innings, including a pair of game-saving two-run rallies against Delaware last Saturday. In Wednesday's doubleheader at Villanova, Penn lost the two games by only one run each -- a great improvement over the Wildcats' 10-2 shellacking March 7. The Quakers seem on the verge of turning the corner. That opportunity will present itself Sunday afternoon, when Penn travels to West Chester for a doubleheader. "The kids are really working hard, and they're getting better," Penn coach Linda Carothers said. "They're improving something every game. You can't expect much more." Carothers has had the luxury of shuffling her players among different positions. "With all the arranging and the youth that we have, it's real positive," Carothers said. Sunday's matchup with the Golden Rams could be the start of a new season. And with the Ivy League schedule quickly approaching, a break-out performance could not come at a better time.