Softball hopes for two victories against Kashow's alma mater

West Chester, like Penn, is 2-9. But unlike the improving Quakers, the Golden Rams have lost four straight. After games against unknowns like Marycrest (Indiana), Findlay (Ohio), Assumption and Slippery Rock, the West Chester softball team is finally facing someone they know: Penn softball coach and West Chester alum Carol Kashow. "Before the game, it'll be nice to see the purple and gold again," Kashow said. "But once the game starts, it's just another competitor we want to go real hard against and beat." The Quakers (2-9) enter the 2:30 p.m. doubleheader having won two of three after a weekend split against La Salle. Penn was hoping to continue their winning ways last Sunday, but a rain-out against Long Island-Brooklyn washed away those aspirations. That chance will arrive today, however, as West Chester (2-9) has lost four in a row, and their opponents are hitting .359. The Golden Rams are led by sophomore second baseman Jen Charles, who boasts a .455 batting average and a .514 on-base percentage. Penn's starter in the first game will be sophomore pitcher Suzanne Arbogast, who has both of the Quakers' wins this season. "I used to play with [Charles]," Arbogast said. "She used to not be able to hit the changeup, so I'll try that." The starter in the second game is still undecided. Jen Strawley, who has not started a game since the team's trip to Florida, is a questionable choice after being hit on the knee during batting practice yesterday. Freshman outfielder Vicky Frondozo leads the emerging Quakers offense with a .407 batting average. Frondozo, as well as Heather Finley and Michelle Zaptin, usually go to practice 45 minutes early and hit off the machine. "I actually wish I could be doing better," Frondozo said. "The DP puts a lot of pressure on me, and that's a big reason I come in early. I have to reassure myself." Frondozo spends most of the extra time working on slapping and bunting, rather than hitting away like most players. Her .481 on-base percentage at the leadoff position has made her a key component of the recent offensive success. After managing only five runs in their first seven games, the offense has begun to come out of its shell. Though they were shutout in the first game against La Salle, they scored six in the nightcap. That outburst followed 13 runs in their two previous games. Part of the reason for the offense's early struggles is the slow start of junior tri-captain Sherryl Fodera, who was a unanimous First Team All-Ivy selection last year. Fodera is disappointed but not discouraged by her .232 batting average, which is down from .405 a year ago. "I haven't been doing well," Fodera said. "But if a couple of people start, the team is going to hit. I play a role in that, and I should because I've played a lot of games and we have a young team. Fodera was instrumental in last year's 10-9 victory over the Golden Rams. She had four hits, scored three runs and drove in three more, including the game-winner. Kashow was excited to play today after the Sunday rain-out and a great practice yesterday. "It was one of, if not the, best practice so far this year," Kashow said. "The girls were having fun and they were aggressive at the plate, which we've been working on all year." After facing some of the top teams in the country, La Salle and West Chester are more representative of the Ivy League teams the Quakers are preparing to face. "We beat [West Chester] in fall ball," Kashow said. "They have a couple of kids who can hit the ball, average defense and average pitching. We expect to go strong against them tomorrow." After two errorless games against La Salle and a six-run outburst in the nightcap, the Quakers seem to be moving in the right direction after their disappointing start. If the hitting becomes a little more consistent, Penn could definitely be a contender when the Ivy League schedule starts in 10 days.