Shalene Petrich sat down with The Post's Rob Mixer to talk about everything from her favorite thing about Athens to iPod karaoke. The Chehalis, Wash., native is hitting .321 and is second on the team in walks with 11. The center fielder also leads the team with a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 in 33 games.
The Post: Describe your hometown of Chehalis, Wash.
Shalene Petrich: I come from a very small town. It's kind of like Athens, but there are a lot of farmers around. Everyone knows everyone, pretty much - everybody knows everything, too.
Post: What is your favorite aspect of playing college softball?
Petrich: I just enjoy playing at this level, it's such a higher level than high school softball. When you're younger and trying to become a collegiate athlete, you're always searching for that higher level. For me, when I came here and got to college, that was when I thought I found a place where I belong.
Post: How has your leadership role evolved from last year (as a sophomore) to this year?
Petrich: I think my leadership role is really the same - I'm one of those quiet leaders. In the outfield, I have been doing the leading since I play center field. I kind of lead by example, and that's really how I've always been. Every game, I go out there and give 120 percent, and I expect everyone else to do that, too.
Post: What is your favorite thing about Athens?
Petrich: What I like the most is that it reminds me of my hometown. It's kind of a small town, but there is still a good variety of people here. I like that it really makes me feel comfortable and at home even though I'm really far away.
Post: Who is the best iPod karaoke singer on the bus?
Petrich: That's a tough one. I'm going to say Candace Saucedo, just because I like one of the songs she sang for us. I think it was You're My Little Secret.
Post: If you had to pick one song to sing for your teammates on the bus, what would it be?
Petrich: Baby Got Back.
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