Leah Powell readies herself to make a play at second base.
Sophomore second baseman Leah Powell had a less than ideal freshman season, batting only .189. Despite the average, Powell showed glimpses of production at the plate, finishing the year with a .308 on-base percentage.
Halfway through her second season, her batting average is currently up to .274, coupled with an on base percentage of .338 as of March 31.
Head coach Kathy Riley credits Powell’s improvement this season to more confidence at the plate.
“You can really tell primarily because if she takes a swing at a pitch, she doesn’t like, she comes right back in and is ready for the next one where as last year I think she started thinking too much and not having confidence that she was ready to get a hit," said Riley
Powell looks to get the Lancers offense going batting lead off.
Powell said seeing live pitching during practice is one of the many reasons she’s improved this season.
“We worked a lot on having our pitchers pitch us live at bats so I think seeing the ball more out of the pitcher’s hand has helped me the most," said Powell.
According to Powell, Riley has focused more on live pitching during practice this year instead of working on mechanics, which was a focus last season.
“When I break the game down we start thinking too much and we think about what we need to do instead of reacting to the ball," said Riley.
Riley said there's always an experiment on percentage of live and mechanical work with each group of players.
Halfway through her sophomore season, Powell said there is still room for improvement in her game.
“Mentally just staying in the game the entire time and staying focused," said Powell.
After making the switch from the outfield to second base this season, Riley said as Powell matures in her knowledge of the game, she will continue to get better along with recognizing game situations.
As only a second-year player, Powell tries to model her game after senior catcher Kaylynn ‘Bug’ Batten.
“She’s an amazing player, great friend, she always produces at the plate, was ranked the 14th hardest out in the nation and I hope to soon work to that," said Powell.
From playing with Batten, Powell has learned to stay calm at the plate and hit her strengths, two things Batten does well.
Riley said if Powell can make another significant jump in her game like she did from last season to this season, then it’s possible to get to the level that Batten plays at.
“It’s a great goal for her to aspire to attain so she has made a lot of progress there this year," said Riley.
Powell said her seasons successes have come in result of her friends and teammates.
“They help me have a good time, we always have a great time together and it helps me stay relaxed and that I can do it," said Powell.
