Fresno State Athletics
Setting the Tone
4/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 20, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - As the regular season for Fresno State's softball squad continues to unfold as more of a growing-up period than its usual domination of opponents, a player such as junior Lindsay Fossatti is a welcomed addition.
One of just four juniors on an underclassmen-laden squad, Fossatti has been her usual steady self on the field this season by sucking up line drives and crazy bounces at the hot corner as if a magnet. Her solid play and leadership have been immeasurable to the Bulldogs this season. But for a Bulldog squad that hasn't showcased a long stretch of dominance yet still excellent enough to continue to be nationally ranked every week since 1983, it serves as motivation.
"We just need to be more consistent in the final weeks of play," explained the 5-foot-9 junior. "We must get contributions from everyone involved. We must recognize that it is our play on the field that will determine our destination."
Fossatti's numbers speak for themselves. The two-time All-WAC First Team selection was hitting nearly .400 in her last 17 games going into the Hawai'i weekend series at home last week. The 1999 First-Team All-West Region selection was also fourth on the team in both hits and total bases while leading the club in walks.
However, the Tustin, Calif., native also represents a small contingent of veteran players on a Bulldogs' squad that has experienced their share of growing pains.
"They (the underclassmen) really have matured quickly but then again, they didn't really have much of a choice," said Fossatti. "I think a lot of us have maybe been trying to do too much in an effort to pick up the slack. But you have to give them credit. They were thrown into the fire and unlike most people when put in a new situation, they are responding. Maybe not what our fans or media are used to, but there is a future and they are the future to our success.
"In my opinion, this program will always be solid because of players like them," Fossatti added. "They are not afraid to admit to mistakes and they move on. They grow and they won't allow failure to hinder their spirits."
Someone like Fossatti, who has now played in 183 career games for Fresno State, serves as the perfect role model for a younger player trying to discover their role in the Bulldogs' grand scheme of things.
"I'm responsible for taking them by the hand and showing them what Fresno State softball is all about," said the Bulldog third baseman. "It's not necessarily a different approach, but you always try to set an example."
The same kind of example that had been shown to her by former Fresno State standout Amanda Scott and the guidance of head coach Margie Wright.
"Playing for Coach Wright is the probably one of the greatest things that's happened to me in my career," Fossatti said. "She has so much knowledge and passion for the game, and brings so much energy. It's not just about the game but how discipline transcends the lines on the field into your life, period"
The way Fossatti has performed on the field and having developed into a team leader after just two seasons, it's obvious she was listening and it's obvious she is leading by example.
