Fresno State Athletics
Setting the Table
3/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 27, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Entering her sophomore year, outfielder Vanessa Czarnecki has high expectations. As a freshman she earned her way into the starting lineup with timely hits and solid defense. Now she bats in the two hole and looks to cause havoc for the opposition.
"I just try to put the ball in play and make things happen," Czarnecki said. "I have to move Becky [Witt] over if she gets on base. I want to hit the ball on the ground and either beat out the throw or force the other team to commit an error."
Czarnecki came to Fresno State from Riverside Poly High in Riverside, Calif. She was a three-sport athlete, earning letters in basketball, softball and track. Her ability to play softball was highly recognized as she earned two All-CIF selections and was named the Ivy League MVP. She was her high school's athlete of the year and was named to the 1998 Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team.
Putting on a Bulldog uniform for the first time was a great accomplishment in itself for Czarnecki. But she immediately had to make an adjustment to Division I softball and to the outfield. Never playing outfield before Fresno State, Czarnecki adapted quickly and has proven to be reliable.
"Adjusting to play the outfield was a big step for me," Czarnecki said. "Many people told me I couldn't play the outfield because I didn't have the arm or the good judgement. But now I feel very comfortable anywhere in the outfield and I know I can do the job."
The 5-foot-5 left-handed batter was a menace on the bases last season. She scored at least a run in 30 games and led the team in sacrifices with 16. Her patience at the plate is also a strength as she drew 24 walks and was hit by pitches nine times. Her great maturity and versatility could not have come sooner to the top of the lineup.
"When I started towards the end of last season, I really gained some good experience," Czarnecki said. "I'm pretty much trying to continue where I left off."
Czarnecki is one of many Bulldogs who have not tasted the sweetness of a national championship Fresno State experienced recently. The one goal she is striving for is to be a key member in the Bulldogs' run at another title.
"We've had a tough season so far, but it is making us better." Czarnecki said. "I know with all my heart that we can beat anyone."
