Jon Santer
Assistant Sports Editor
When the dust clears and “Get Up” by 50 Cent blares over the loudspeaker at Potter Field, the entire vicinity knows to pay attention.
From the opposing pitcher taking a deep breath, to the outfielders taking a few steps back, to the Springfield College softball parents and fans putting their cell phones back into their pockets and turning their attention back to the field, this hip-hop song signifies the appearance of one of the most explosive batters that the college has seen in recent years.
Jenna Webb, a freshman from Harrison, N.Y., bats fourth in head coach Julie Perrelli’s line-up and leads the team in all hitting categories including hits, home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage.
Being extremely skilled with a bat in her hands, the first year Physical Education student is only thinking one thing when she approaches the plate.
“I just want to put the ball in play and hopefully drive in some runners,” said the humble Webb. “I mean, I always have a home run in the back of my mind, but I would rather drive in runners than strike out going for the fences.”
Through 26 games with the Pride, Webb has blasted four home runs, and has driven in 28 runners to lead Springfield to a 13-13 record after a sluggish 3-7 start to the season.
“Jenna has such a keen eye at the plate,” said Perrelli. “She has such a sweet swing. She is so disciplined in the batter’s box, and when she swings she hits it hard no matter where it is. She is just one of those great talented players and we are very lucky that she is on our team.”
Webb’s prowess at the plate is nothing new. The former Harrison High School star posted a .540 batting average, 10 home runs, and a program-record 56 RBIs her senior year with the Huskies. Webb, who now approaches the plate with a .446 batting average, owes a few people for the smooth transition into the college game.
“My hitting coach in high school helped me a lot. He helped me grow as a player,” recalled Webb. “In high school I was a lot more sensitive than I am now. I would get down on myself a lot easier, but he has helped me move on with at-bats and has helped me to be smarter when I am at the plate. Also, the entire team cares about each other including the freshmen, so that makes it a lot easier for me out there.”
One senior, Breann Joyce, has been one of Webb’s biggest supporters this season. Formerly hitting fourth in the Springfield line-up, Joyce knows the pressure that comes with that spot and believes that Webb has the impact that can push the Pride over the edge come season’s end.
“Jenna is an extremely hard worker,” commented Joyce. “She just does everything 110 percent and she is the athlete that every coach wants. Her impact is huge, and she is doing her job well and executing. You can’t ask for much more than that.”