Swinging Saxons tops in nation

Just prior to the halfway mark of AU’s 2009 softball season, two Saxons, Jessica Figallo and Jesika LeBarron, as of March 29 sit atop the NCAA Division III national spotlight.

According to NCAA.org, Figallo and LeBarron are one and two, respectively, in batting average. There are 500 softball players in division three listed on the site and there isn’t another Empire 8 player on the list until Alfred’s Samantha Rollins appears in a six-way tie for 67th.

“It’s really hard to believe,” said LeBarron. “I don’t worry about stats though. What I worry about is getting the hits in the game and getting done what needs to be done.”

“A friend from another school e-mailed it to me,” (the website link) Figallo said. “It was definitely a shock.”

Figallo is batting .644, going 29-45 through 15 games. LeBarron holds a .566 average with 30 hits.

The stats are contingent on at least 55 total plate appearances and an average of two and half plate appearances per game.

LeBarron, hitting third in the order, also has averaged 2.06 RBI’s, which puts her first in the nation in that category. She’s totaled 33 RBI’s, one behind Alfred’s single season record set by Ashley Passaro in 2008. A native of Campbell NY, LeBarron batted .381 with 18 RBI’s last year.

Figallo, a former Bergen County and North Jersey all-star, finished with a .363 average last year, led the team in slugging at .647 and compiled 18 RBIs.
Figallo’s great asset is her speed. She’s able to lay down bunts and head coach Gino Olievieri had a decision to make prior to opening day. Holly Siedwand, AU’s stud hurler from a year ago, is studying abroad this semester, leaving a vacancy in the rotation and in the leadoff spot.

“Figallo’s fast,” said Olivieri. “I put her in the leadoff spot this year because we lost Holly, and she’s done a great job there.”

Figallo’s approach at the plate remains simple, even though the leadoff spot demands a lot of responsibility. If there is a pitch she likes, she will swing.
“I’m pretty aggressive with the bat,” Figallo said. “I want the first good pitch.”
Having no experience in the leadoff role prior to this season, Figallo has quickly adapted to the position and understands the prototypical qualities that a leadoff hitter posses.

“I take it real personal if I get out,” Figallo said. “I just want to set a good tone for the team.”

At this rate, its scary to see what the numbers will reveal come the end of the year. What’s perhaps even more frightening, especially for there opponents, is that both return next year.