Frosh Skidmore WVIAC Player of Week at FSU
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Something strange happened to Butler graduate Amanda Skidmore recently.
The Fairmont State freshman first baseman was named WVIAC Softball Player of the Week — and she’s barely even a player.
Yet.
Skidmore did not start either game, but went 2-for-2 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in a 14-1 win over Washington Adventist in the first game of a doubleheader, then went 2-for-2 with a home run, single and two RBI in a 12-4 Falcon victory.
The day’s production was enough to land Skidmore the player of the week award.
“I wasn’t even aware I had won any type of award,” Skidmore said. “Brittany (senior first baseman Tallhamer) sent me a text congratulating me. I didn’t know what she was talking about.”
Prior to the Washington Adventist doubleheader, Skidmore had only one at bat — a ground-out to second base — in Fairmont State’s first five games.
She is backing up Tallhamer — a four-year starter and all-conference performer — at first base this season. Tallhamer started both games of the doubleheader.
“Washington Adventist is only in its second year of bringing back its softball program,” Fairmont State coach Rick Wade said. “I saw that as an opportunity to get some freshmen some playing time.
“I’m not at all surprised by what Amanda did. We knew she was a good hitter from watching her in high school and with the Pittsburgh Power summer team.”
Skidmore hit .337 as a sophomore with Butler, .429 as a junior and .507 last year. She helped the Pittsburgh Power win an ASA state championship.
Fairmont State was WVIAC runner-up in 2010 and played in the NCAA Division II Tournament before slipping to 20-23 last season.
“Now we have 23 players on the team, the biggest roster they’ve ever had in softball here,” Skidmore said. “Everybody is good. You have to battle for any kind of playing time you get.
“We have spring break coming up and I don’t know if anybody has any idea what our lineup is going to look like.”
Wade said the Falcons will play 13 games in a week over spring break.
“Amanda may see time at DH and our senior first baseman isn’t fleet-footed, so she may spell her that way, too,” the coach said. “She provides depth to our pitching staff, if need be, as well.”
Skidmore has never had a problem hitting at any level of softball.
“I’m confident that if I’m in there, I’ll hit,” she said. “That one at-bat I had down south ... It bothered me that I didn’t get on base.
“I was glad I had a chance to make up for it.”
All of Fairmont State’s position players and pitchers saw action during the doubleheader sweep of Washington Adventist.
“It was one of those feel-good days for a program,” Wade said. “It was a chance for freshmen to get in the lineup and build some confidence.
“With the lopsided scores, the younger players could play relaxed. Amanda took advantage and had a big day. I believe we’re going to see a lot of similar days from her as we move along.”
