Power surge
MONACA — Ashley Watkins wasn't looking to meet any expectations for her junior season as a member of the Penn State Beaver softball team.
She had more important things on her mind.
After learning her father had stage 4 cancer last summer, Watkins, a Seneca Valley graduate, was justing hoping to have good news to share with her ailing father.
“I was dealing with that, knowing he wouldn't be at the games,” said Watkins, a junior catcher-outfielder-first baseman from Cranberry Township.
“I just wanted to come home and tell him I did a great job. ... I was really just trying to do my best, to give him some good news,” Watkins added.
Watkins is having her best season to date, hitting .546 in 28 games with 12 home runs, 40 RBI, 10 doubles and four triples.
“I'm definitely seeing (the softball) right now,” Watkins noted.
Watkins earned the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Co-Player of the Week during the first week of April when she batted .523 (11 for 21) with one homer, eight RBI, nine runs, five doubles and one triple.
She was also named the Penn State Beaver Player of the Week.
Since that honor, Watkins has belted six home runs in the past week to drive her average and power numbers through the roof.
“Every time she hits the ball, she smokes it,” said Penn State Beaver coach Andy Kirschner. “The past two weeks, she's been on a tear.”
Watkins was named the PSUAC Player of the Year and a USCAA All-American last year as a sophomore, so her success isn't a big surprise, but the numbers right now are impressive.
“Seneca Valley has had so many powerhouses,” said Watkins. “I was always a power hitter, but I was not recognized as one. I was not in the No. 4 spot like I am now.”
Kirschner definitely knew what he was getting with Watkins when he recruited her.
“The first thing I noticed is what a strong hitter she was,” said Kirschner.
When she came to Penn State Beaver, Watkins knew to expect a different level of commitment.
“You definitely put in a lot more time and work into it,” Watkins said. “In high school, you just went after school. Here, you have school and work and class. There's a big difference.”
Watkins, who was moved to third base this season, has played a key role in the team's success as Penn State Beaver is 21-7 overall and 14-0 in the PSUAC.
“We're definitely doing really great in the conference,” said Watkins. “We have a great team.
“We get along, everyone's so supportive and everyone's so close. We always pick each other up.”
