Seneca Valley graduate Lauren Pennell, above, had to shoulder the majority of the pitching duties for the Grove City College softball team in 2009, but the arrival of freshman Amanda Sheppeck,below, of Knoch has reduced Pennell's workload.

GROVE CITY — Lauren Pennell had no relief last season — literally.

As a freshman pitcher on the Grove City College women's softball team, Pennell appeared in all but one of the Wolverines' games, logging 201 2/3 innings and posting a 15-18 record.

It was a grueling season for the Seneca Valley graduate.

"It definitely taught me to be mentally tougher," Pennell said.

But Pennell has had a less strenuous 2010 season. With three other pitchers on the roster, including part-timer Amanda Sheppeck from Knoch, Pennell's workload has been cut to 76 innings.

That has led to a healthier Pennell, in both body and mind.

"At this time last year, it felt like my arm was ready to fall off," Pennell said. "My father is a chiropractor and he was doing everything he could think of to keep my body and arm from hurting.

"Maybe the only thing I miss is having the bullpen all to myself," she added. "We have a nice bullpen. Now I have to share it."

While her innings have been reduced, so has her success. Pennell is 3-11 and her ERA has risen from 3.68 a year ago to 4.33.

It has been a disappointing campaign all around for the Wolverines, who have limped to a 8-19 record.

Grove City has struggled to score runs, putting even more pressure on the pitching staff.

"It's definitely frustrating knowing how good we are, but not showing it," Pennell said. "We have some talented players. It's all mental."

The Wolverines have five regular season games left before the Presidents' Athletic Conference tournament in early May. Pennell is determined to help her team develop some confidence and finish strong.

"We can't roll over out there and die," Pennell said.

Sheppeck is a big part of Grove City's future. The first baseman is leading the team in RBI while hitting .286.She hadn't intended to play softball until she tried out for the team and made the roster."I actually didn't even expect to start," the freshman said.But Sheppeck has started all but one game and has shown some pop at the plate with a home run, three doubles and a triple.In a pinch, she was asked to pitch. Sheppeck has appeared in 15 games with one start and has a team-best 3.27 ERA."There was a lot of pressure because I hadn't pitched a lot," Sheppeck said. "Even in high school I only pitched because we needed a few extra pitchers."Her successful season has Sheppeck wondering how good she can be.Pennell has helped groom her, Sheppeck said."When we're warming up, she'll talk to me," Sheppeck said. "If I'm striding too far or trying to spin the ball too much, she's tell me. It's great having her around."