Penguins slated to open Saturday

They'll play four games this weekend in the Kentucky Tournament.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Experience and leadership are the two aspects of the 2006 Youngstown State softball program that Coach Christy Cameron hopes will take the Penguins back into contention for the Horizon League crown.
The title is a major focus of this season's squad as Youngstown State serves as the host of the 2006 Horizon League Championships at McCune Park in Canfield beginning May 11.
After fighting through the 2005 campaign with a 19-34 record, eight freshmen and just four returning starters, the 2006 version of the Penguins returns six starters in the field, the designated player and three starting pitchers as well as 13 letter winners.
This weekend, the Penguins open the 2006 campaign at the Kentucky Tournament. YSU opens against Kentucky on Saturday at 2 p.m. and faces Morehead State at 4:30 p.m.
On Sunday, YSU plays Ohio at 9 a.m. and Belmont at 11:30 a.m.
"We have a much more experienced team than last season," Cameron said. "Last year, we played a lot of freshmen and they gained valuable experience."
Pitching still key
As in the recent past, the Youngstown State pitching staff will be very instrumental in the Penguins' success this season.
Leading the staff is 2003 Horizon League Pitcher of the Year and 2004 All-Horizon League Second-Team selection Kelly Murphy. The senior right-hander from North Olmsted is YSU's all-time strikeout leader and needs three victories to become the school's all-time wins leader.
Last season, Murphy battled through a finger injury and posted an 8-9 record with a 2.27 earned-run average.
Juniors Karlie Burnell, who was named to the 2004 Horizon League All-Newcomer squad, and Tricia Hilbish combined for five wins last season.
Patteson returns
The cornerstone of the Penguins infield in 2006 is at shortstop with senior Tiffany Patteson, a three-time All-Horizon League selection.
Patteson, who was named to the Canadian National Team the last two summers, owns the YSU career triples record with 15 and has the opportunity to become the school's all-time hits and doubles leader.
Patteson needs 39 more hits and six more doubles to become the career leader in those categories.
At the hot corner, senior Lacey Hess returns after 29 starts at third base. Hess committed just six errors in 145 total chances.
Sophomore McKenzie Bedra, who led the team with seven home runs in 2005, batted .283 and played in 22 games at third base.
Sophomore Becky Hibner, who played 49 games at first base and batted .271 and committed just five errors in 390 chances last season, is slated to start at first base.
Hole at second base
The major hole to fill in the infield is at second base after the Penguins lost four-year starter Char Kudlock to graduation.
Sophomore Kelli Sheibley and freshman Allyse Ledford are the two main contenders for the starting spot at second base.
Another big loss for the Penguins was behind the plate with the departure of Horizon League Newcomer of the Year Sarah Berry.
McDonnell, a second-team All-Oregon selection, and sophomore Jamie Fornal head the list to move behind the dish.
The designated player role is one which may be filled by a multitude of players, including Bedra, Fornal, and sophomore Shauna Barry.
Senior Lacy Bronson, who started in 99 games the last two seasons, is penciled in as the starter in left field. Bronson batted .244 overall and committed just three errors in left field a year ago.
Sophomore Bethany Hafley started 50 of 53 games in center field and ended the season on a six-game hitting streak.