Finally a Feast
ERIE — Ally DeJidas wanted more than just a taste of college softball.
She got precious few nibbles at the plate and in the field last season as a freshman outfielder/first baseman at Mercyhurst University.
The Freeport graduate's inaugural season was cut to a mere 16 games and 44 at-bats.
It left her famished for more.
Hopeful that the 2021 campaign would be unabbreviated, DeJidas went to work, making her left-handed swing more powerful and precise and her speed more dangerous, whether it was running down fly balls or running the base paths.
When the 2021 season began, no one was happier than DeJidas.
“I was so beyond eager (for this season),” DeJidas said. “With last year being cut so short and knowing how much potential our team had was a tough pill to swallow. It really made me realize to never take anything for granted and to take advantage of every opportunity given because it can be taken away from you at any moment. It made me eager to finally get back out there.”
That eagerness has shown.
DeJidas is batting .333 with six home runs and 20 RBI in 24 games this season while hitting cleanup in a stacked Mercyhurst lineup.
DeJidas' dedication hasn't been lost on Lakers' coach Leanne Baker.
“Her love of the game shows,” Baker said. “(Her) work ethic each day has made a great impact on this team.”
DeJidas made sure to use the shutdown wisely.
Whenever she could, she worked on her game.
When the team had a Zoom meeting during the shutdown, Baker asked members of the team to bring something to show that was important to them.
While some players brought necklaces handed down through their family, or other special heirlooms, DeJidas brought her softball bat.
“As soon as we got home in March last year, I got right back to work,” DeJidas said. “It's probably the hardest I've worked softball-wise. I was swinging the bat a lot as well as working hard in the weight room to just continually improve my game in any way possible. When we would be finally able to play again, I knew I would be ready to go.”
DeJidas also makes an impact with her infectious personality.
It's difficult to find DeJidas without a smile on her face while on the softball field.
“I'm just truly enjoying the game,” DeJidas said. “We have a great atmosphere on the team that has definitely showed throughout the season so far.
“College softball is a different game,” DeJidas added. “And I absolutely love everything about it. There is always something I need to work on because of how much I expect from myself.”
