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Two-time TAAC player of the year and 2009 Stritch graduate Kristen Roznoski is making a statement on the field for the undefeated and No. 14-ranked Owens softball team this season.
The sophomore transfer from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio is leading the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Div. II in hitting (as of April 14) with a .565 average.
Aside from the two games she sat out after running full steam into a centerfield fence going after a ball, Roznoski has started every game from the leadoff spot while playing centerfield.
Aside from her batting average, Roznoski has five doubles, two triples, eight walks, 32 runs scored, 16 RBI, a .710 slugging percentage, a .611 on base percentage and 24 stolen bases. She has only struck out once, looking, and if you ask her, "it wasn't a strike."
The on base percentage is second best in the nation and the stolen base total is ninth best. She has helped lead the Express to the nation's second best team batting average.
Roznoski started every game at shortstop for Ursuline College last season, where she hit .321 with three RBI and 32 steals. Roznoski said the positional transition was "weird" at first.
"I didn't even know what last line was," she said when describing the technique of dropping to one knee to field a ground ball in the outfield. It has now gotten to the point where she loves it in the grass.
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| Kristen Roznoski |
"I don't ever want to go back in the dirt."
Owens head coach Duane Lanham converted her to centerfield to take advantage of her speed, and Roznoski hasn't disappointed. She has a perfect fielding percentage with 14 putouts and two assists through 20 games.
Roznoski made the decision to transfer to Owens after realizing the cost of going to Ursuline was too much considering she wasn't sure what she wanted to major in.
"My dad was really happy (about the decision to transfer). I should have came (to Owens) from the beginning. I had always wanted to move away for college, though. I'm glad I got out of that stage. My dad never lets me forget it because he could have saved so much money."
In addition, she said Ursuline's assistant coach was tough, but more of a friend. At Owens, it's about the game and getting better everyday more than anything.
"I'd much rather play for a coach like Lanham anyday," she said. "I'm in much better shape than I was last year."
Roznoski made the decision just days before classes were set to begin at Owens. She ended up getting a late start on classes and practice.
"She missed a little, but it didn't slow her progress," Lanham said.
In fact, Lanham calls Roznoski, "a constant threat once on the bases," and Roznoski said she's really improved this year under the eighth-year head coach.
"I've improved a lot, mostly from the mental aspect. I think about situations more, and I'm more agressive on my leadoffs. Plus, my slapping has got better as far as reading the pitch and making sure I know what to do with it."
Her improvements have allowed her to become the No. 1 hitter in the country as of April 14, and she likes it.
"It's exciting. It's not a ton of pressure, but I want to keep it. It's really cool. My mom and dad are really proud of me."
One twist to the batting race is her teammate Alaina Haubert's (Gibsonburg H.S.) .533 batting average - fifth best in the country. In fact, Roznoski recently overtook Haubert for the No. 1 spot.
Lanham said Roznoski needs to continue to work to maintain what she is doing and keep herself grounded as the individual and team accolades come into sight, which could possibly include an opportunity to play NCAA Division I softball at Bowling Green State University next year according to Lanham.
Owens is currently 20-0 this season through games on April 14. They are the only undefeated team in the nation's top 25.
Roznoski and her teammates have home games scheduled for April 18 and 19 at 4 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.
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