As Stags softball gets their season underway, one player who has provided a spark early on is Amanda Ulzheimer ‘20. After starting the season winless in their first five games, Fairfield has won three of their last four games. The Stags are accumulating some momentum and they hope to keep it going.
The most important aspect of being on a new team is acclimating and adjusting to new teammates. Ulzheimer, an outfielder, is doing just that and she is enjoying every minute as a part of the team of Stags.
“All the girls on the team were so welcoming and they took me under their wing. They help me so much at practice. I feel like I am part of the team even when I arrived on the first day,” said Ulzheimer.
Stags softball has bounced back from a rough start to claim three wins in four games down in Fairfax, Va. Softball is a game of momentum, so this good stretch recently is what the Stags were hoping for.
“It definitely gives us more confidence because we always knew we can do it and win games. You are going to lose games. Getting into a good stretch to win games is very important,” said Ulzheimer.
The Franklin Square, N.Y. native contributed to those winning efforts by hitting a whopping 8-12 and scoring five runs along with stealing five bases. She is for sure playing “small ball” and “doing the little things” needed to win games. She likes to keep it simple when she describes her effectiveness at the plate.
“For me, my game is just to play small ball and bunting. I just look for the open gaps on the field. My main goal is to get on first base, not to hit home runs. It’s just the way to play the game,” said Ulzheimer.
Even though she is a freshman, she believes and hopes she can serve as a catalyst to the Stags.
“I really hope I can help since the season just started. Anything can happen but I am hoping to focus on getting better every day. Staying positive is very important,” said Ulzheimer regarding her role on the team.
Ulzheimer is always optimistic when it comes to giving her outlook on herself and her team. She is always seeking improvement regardless of how well the team is performing.
“The main expectation is to always improve. We always want to win but even if we improve in those little things to make us better, then we will get better. Also we want to learn from striking out and maybe next time we can get a hit instead,” said the outfielder.
Ulzheimer shows promise in the infant stages of the season and she will do everything to keep that promise rolling. She can possibly be the decisive factor that the Stags need this season to make a push for a conference championship and maybe more. There will be a lot of opportunities for the young outfielder to make her name known around Fairfield and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
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