Not many players can be labeled as a quad-threat
meaning they can swing away, bunt, slap hit and use a sneakier variation of the slap hit ' but that is exactly how coach Jill Matyuch describes sophomore center fielder Shalene Petrich.
I think she's just got a lot of athleticism and a lot of speed Matyuch said. She's just a natural athlete.
Petrich, who bats second for the Bobcats, is hitting .313 and leads Ohio with nine stolen bases.
I've always had this repertoire Petrich said. I'm put in the two-spot
basically
because I always hit the ball on the ground. I'm always doing something
so when Courtney (Waters) gets on
I can move her around and make things happen.
Last year, she was selected to the All-Mid-American Conference Freshman Team and All-MAC Second Team while amassing a .339 batting average and leading the team with 29 stolen bases, mostly playing as the Bobcats' designated player.
I think I had a good year
Petrich said.-
and I think that is why I had a great year.
Petrich, who hails from Washington, may not have expected much from herself last year, but she certainly does this year.
I guess I feel like I'm one of the top players and I need to start playing better
Petrich said. I've been consistent
but I still feel like I have a lot of improvement left this year.
Being one of the top players on the team is nothing new for Petrich. In high school she was named All-State twice, as well as Team MVP twice at W.F. West High School, where she teamed with fellow Bobcat Michelle Sauter in leading the school to consecutive top-5 finishes.
She's got a huge role on this team
