Senior Piper Wagner and the Grizzlies are preparing to open the 2022 season on February 11 with the Grizzly Open

All-American, Versatile Softball Infielders Have Can-Do Attitudes

1/28/2022 1:00:00 PM

A National Fastpitch Coaches Association and NAIA All-American returns to anchor a veteran infield unit in hopes of leading the No. 11-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team to more victories and hardware on the diamond this spring.

The Grizzlies return three starting infielders and have several players ready to challenge those returning players for starting roles and other playing time in a season that’s scheduled to begin February 11 on the first day of the Grizzly Open in Lawrenceville.

GGCAthletics.com provides preseason insight on the 2022 softball team, starting with corner and middle infielders.

Our infield has a good core of returnees and starting players. These experienced players can lead the younger players from last year who saw some playing time and could have increased roles if they build off strong fall seasons,

- Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg, who collected her 300th coaching victory during last season

Senior Piper Wagner has been a multiple time All-American and anchors the middle infield as the shortstop heading into the 2022 season

Senior Piper Wagner is back for her fifth season after garnering second NFCA and NAIA All-America team honors in 2021. The shortstop led the Grizzlies last season with a .401 batting average, six home runs, 34 RBI, 20 doubles, and 36 runs scored. She started all 46 games last spring and was named the most outstanding player of the 2021 Association of Independent Institutions championship tournament.

Sophomore Nikki Lajara turned heads with her play in fall practices and the preseason and is preparing to showcase her dazzling speed in the field and base paths this spring. The versatile player started nine of 13 contests in 2021, when she collected two doubles and drove in a pair of runs.

This team has developed an attitude that its members will play anywhere that makes the team successful. I’m encouraged to see that mentality carry over to our play on the field this spring,

- Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg, preparing for her 10th season leading the Grizzlies

Other talented returning players include junior first baseman Lea McFadden, who sparked GGC’s offense with .405 batting and .439 on-base averages from the leadoff spot in the lineup. She started 34 games last season.

Senior Brooke Parker is a second-year third baseman who started 42 games last spring while sophomore middle infielders Josie Haulk and Christina Zeppa combined to have 28 starts in 45 games. Six of Zeppa’s seven pinch-hit contributions were doubles and she had five RBI in 21 at bats. Haulk scored eight runs and tallied 19 hits in 2021.

Junior Lea McFadden moved from the hot corner to first base to help the defense to go along with her steady offensive play

Veteran corner infielders Lani Trent and Taylor Chenard will seek more playing time this spring after limited 2021 opportunities. Trent batted .500 with four hits over eight at bats in pinch-hitting roles in seven games last season. Chenard spent considerable time playing first base during fall practices and team intrasquad scrimmages.

Freshmen Jane Hoover and Lindzie Owen will add depth to the infield while Owen also could be available to play any outfield positions.

There should be plenty of playing time to spread around as GGC opens the season by hosting 12 straight games at the Grizzly Softball Complex. The Grizzly Open, February 11-13, will feature games against Thomas, No. 23 Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky), No. 22 University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky), and Reinhardt University (Georgia).

Senior Brooke Parker adds depth and experience to the infield as she prepares for her second season in Lawrenceville this spring

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