Reicoff focused on season, not HR record

Rachael Kriger, Cal Times Sports Editor

Lindsey Reicoff might have set the new home run record for the California University of Pennsylvania softball team, but her main focus stays with the team.

Reicoff, a senior from Chartiers Valley, set Cal U’s home run record against Mercyhurst Univeristy on March 26. Reicoff was formerly tied with Jillian Russell, who attended the school from 2009-2012, with 47 home runs, but broke the record with her 48 home run. However Reicoff doesn’t really have a number set for what she wants to finish the season with, or extend her record with.

“I don’t really have a specific number,” Reicoff said. “Whatever happens, happens. I don’t really think of that stuff. I just go out there and play my game.”

For Reicoff, she didn’t even realize it at first that she broke the record. She said that it was something in the back of her mind whenever she came into the season, but not something she dwelled on week in and week out.

“I keep things kind of quiet, so only my close teammates really knew,” Reicoff said. “My parents were there and my parents were both really quiet.”

What’s most important to Reicoff is the team’s success and the ultimate team goal, which is getting to the playoffs. However, going further, Reicoff said the team, who didn’t lose any players after last season, wants to win a national championship.

Reicoff, who got started in softball through her family, especially her father, is a first base player whenever she isn’t batting.  She said her experience has given her plenty of confidence in the position, but it wasn’t the position she came to Cal U to play.

“I came here to be a pitcher, but I got injured and coach Bertagnolli switched me over to first base,” Reicoff said. “I actually like it better than pitching.”

Reicoff and the softball team have a busy month of April ahead. The team, who are 21-1 and captained by seniors Reicoff, Alex Sagl, Meghan Uher, Erica Vallecorsa, and Natalysa Smarra, have matches coming up against Seton Hill (4/8), Slippery Rock (4/9), Edinboro (4/15), Mercyhurst (4/16), Seton Hill (4/22), and  Gannon (4/23) to finish out the seaosn. As for their ranking, the Vulcans are the  number one team in the PSAC West.