Sophomore Marian Nelson swings at a pitch during the March 30 game against Mont Alto.
Penn State Beaver’s baseball and softball teams began play in March, one year after their 2020 season was canceled after a brief seven-game period.
Meanwhile, student athletes from fall and winter sports will have to settle with scrimmage games in April since their seasons were officially canceled earlier this semester.
Although spring sports will be occurring, sophomore Cassadie Speed, a softball player, said things will be much different.
“Masks are mandatory on and off the field, even on the bench,” Speed said. “And half of the team has to get tested every two weeks – one- fourth of the team each week at random selection.”
Regardless of the constant masking and testing, Speed says that she is just grateful and happy to be able to play her first official season.
The baseball and softball schedules will run through late April, and competition will be limited to Penn State University Athletic Conference teams only.
For game dates, check the Penn State Beaver Athletics website.
Baseball Coach Jack Hilfinger and softball Coach Andy Kirshner both said they are optimistic and excited for the upcoming season.
Hilfinger said winning was his top priority.
The United States Collegiate Athletic Association is moving forward with spring championships, according to Kirschner, the athletic director. The USCAA has scheduled baseball and softball national tournaments, though Kirschner said those plans could change if member colleges like Penn State have difficulty managing COVID on their teams.
The PSUAC initially delayed the fall and winter sports last semester, with hopes of pushing competition to the spring semester. However, in December the PSUAC announced its decision to cancel fall and winter sports for the year.
Kirshner said that the decision was “above him” and that the PSUAC has the final say in the fate of Penn State Beaver’s sports.
Many student athletes have not been able to participate in winter and fall sports this past year
leaving students with questions and concerns over what is next for their athletic career.
Senior basketball player Sonny Martinez said the cancellation of his senior season is “just another one of those things you have to get through.”
Kirschner said that games were canceled because of safety concerns at the beginning of the seasons.
“The amount of work that was going to have to be put in to work around COVID and still have those seasons would have been difficult,” Kirschner said.
As COVID-19 extends into 2021, public attendance at collegiate games is a concern.
According to university policy and faculty concern, if coronavirus cases are to stay at a “safe” level, public attendance will be considered but will still look a little different than what fans are used to.
To follow the university’s COVID-19 policy, fans would most likely have designated seating to maintain social distancing.
The athletic department also plans to livestream games for those who are unable or uncomfortable to attend games in person.