Abatti earning her keep on Waynesburg U golf squad
Freshman Audrey Rose Abatti was among the top golfers for the Waynesburg University (Pa.) women’s team this year.
The Holtville High School graduate led the squad at the Presidents’ Athletic Conference championship by placing 21st, the second time she paced the Yellow Jackets in spring competitions. She was second on the team two other times.
“I’m really pleased with her play overall,” Waynesburg Head Coach Rachel Rohanna Virgili said. “She’s a very hard worker. We’re very proud of her.”
Abatti said practice time in a simulator room has helped improve her game. She has added 10 yards on every club, she said.
She’s been making minor adjustments to her swing, trying to achieve smoother acceleration through the ball.
“I’m trying to break the habit of going over the club. Keeping my arms in and a lot less wrist movement,” she said.
She led the team in one event during the fall and was second among the Yellow Jackets in six others, including the conference fall championship when she shot 210 (11199).
“Her swing is in a very good place now. It’s coming down to consistency,” said the coach, noting that her chipping and putting need the most improvement.
Abatti found it challenging to adapt to some courses. “Learning to play on damp ground and muddy ground was hard,” she said. “Adjusting to the increased speed
(of greens) ... I’m used to slower greens.”
Softball
Freshman Brianna Hoffman batted .300 in 12 games for Aurora University. The Brawley Union product had four runs batted in.
Another from Brawley Union, freshman Mikalyn Emanuelli hit .148 with one RBI in 32 games for University of San Diego. The outfielder had a perfect fielding percentage in 30 chances.
Pitcher Sadriena Rodriguez led Colorado School of Mines with a 3.38 earned run average in 28 appearances, which tied for the team lead. The Southwest alumna had a 5-6 record, tying for the most wins, and had one save.
Out of Central Union, freshman Aliah Cardenas batted .423 in 40 games for Western Texas College. She had four home runs and 46 RBIs.
Another Central Union grad, Janyssa Martin hit .366 in 33 games for University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The outfielder had six home runs and 20 RBIs.
Freshman infielder Karmyna Becerra batted .281 in 36 games for California Baptist University. The Central Union product had 10 RBIs and tied for second on the team with seven stolen bases.