First-year student Jocelyn Pfleiger is dominating the softball field in her first collegiate season as the new single-season home run record holder.
Pfleiger broke the record with her ninth home run of the season against Elizabethtown College on April 12. Also in that game, Pfleiger had four RBIs, two walks and a double.
“Obviously, she has been a major impact on our run-scoring ability,” Head Coach Terry Burdette said. “She leads or is near the top of the MAC Commonwealth in every major offensive category.”
Pfleiger currently leads the team with a batting average of .398, 12 doubles, 31 RBIs and a total of 41 hits this season.
For two consecutive weeks in March, Pfleiger was recognized by the National Fastpitch Coach Association (NFCA) as a top performer, along with first-year pitcher, Rebecca Gottleib, who was named a top performer for one week.
“I didn’t expect to accomplish as much as I did but I feel like I can do better than what I’m doing now,” Pfleiger said. “I never settle for what I do.”
Pfleiger said that her teammates Angela Acampora and Rachel Benden have made the transition for the first-years students on the team easier by contributing to a supportive and fun atmosphere.
Acampora is a senior and plays first base. “She’s like my mentor,” Pfleiger said. “I love her to death, she really helped boost my confidence and everything.”
Pfleiger said that junior pitcher Benden gets everyone engaged by cheering on teammates and encouraging others to do the same.
“Those are the two I look up to most…and they build the team chemistry,” Pfleiger said.
One key to her success is the mindset and energy Pfleiger brings to the field. She said that before a game she likes to have a clear mindset, so she won’t overthink when playing. She also finds that being energetic and hyping up her teammates helps her prepare for the match ahead.
“She is a great teammate and vocal leader,” Burdette said. “She plays with a lot of enthusiasm and energy which helps keep our team engaged.”
The team’s goal this season is to reach the playoffs and see how far they can go, Pfleiger said. The last time Hood softball made the playoffs was in 2018 when the Blazers qualified for their third consecutive conference tournament.
The softball team has an overall record of 14-15-1 this season and are 4-6 in conference play. The team has a doubleheader at Messiah University on April 27. On Sunday, May 1, the Blazers will play another doubleheader at Catholic University which will conclude their regular season.
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