April 21, 2008

QUEENS, N.Y. - Freshmen Kacee Cox and Kat Lawrence have stepped up and had an immediate impact for the Red Storm during their first season in the BIG EAST. Under the leadership of second year head coach Amy Kvilhaug, they have paced the team in their respective categories and made their way into the top statistical leaders of the conference.

"We have a great freshmen class this year," said Kvilhaug. "I have been pleased with Kat [Lawrence] on all levels, not just performance. She has not shown any freshman inexperience and has proved that she is a smart player that does the right things. She always wants to pitch in big situations and will be a great player in the future. Kacee [Cox] is a coachable player that is great to be around. She strives to get better all the time and continues to do so. She has never moved out of the three-spot in the lineup and has responded by hitting over .300 as a freshman. She will grow to be a special ball player."

Cox has played a starting role in each of the Red Storm's 43 games this season. A power hitter, she has made her way onto a laundry list of statistical categories in the BIG EAST and sits among the leaders in the conference.

Prior to St. John's, Cox played for Royal High School in Simi Valley, Calif., where her team was ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 2 in the country.

"Coming from a successful high school program made it easier to transition to college softball," said Cox. "I would say that coming to St. John's was smooth transition because of my high school experience."

Growing up, it wasn't all about softball. Cox rode horses for 11 years, but ceased because softball became more competitive and more time consuming. As an only child, Cox was close to her parents. In fact, her father never missed one her games until she came to Queens. Despite the distance, her parents make the trip quite often to watch her compete at the Division I level.

Cox was looking for a change of pace which she found in New York. Her desire to go away to college landed her here at St. John's, competing against the top softball teams in the country. One element she didn't bargain for was the change in temperature, but she has certainly adapted, as it doesn't seem to have affected her play. With a .324 batting average in only her first intercollegiate season, Cox has found her stride.

"At the plate, I just try to relax and watch the ball. I try not to think and just do it, because I know it is something that I know how to do. I can thank my father for that. He helped me a lot when I was growing up."

Cox is currently tied for fourth in the conference in home runs with 7. She is second in doubles, with 14. And with her 30 RBI, Cox secured sixth among the conference leaders.

"I like the competition in the BIG EAST," said Cox. "Ironically, many of the players in this conference are people that I have played against on other teams I've been on. USF was exciting to play because they are so talented and DePaul was fun to play against because two of my friends are on the team. Each team you play is talented because college athletes are the best of the best in our respective areas."

The most memorable moment for Cox this season was playing against Seton Hall a few weeks ago. The Red Storm assembled a come-back in the seventh inning of each game in the doubleheader and rallied for wins in both.

Kat Lawrence, also a California native, has been a standout for the Red Storm as well. She came to New York looking to compete against the best at an East Coast institution. With family in the area and the proximity to the city, Lawrence knew she would be comfortable here.

"I love it here," said Lawrence. "The city is so diverse and there are always so many things to do. It's a little cold here for me, but I am getting used to it."

While Lawrence's most recent feat of a five inning, 12 strikeout, perfect-game against Marist last week was impressive, she has been getting the job done all season. She currently ranks fifth in the conference in both innings pitched and strikeouts, with 145.0 and 137 respectively. She is also fourth in games started at 23.

"I love to work hard and the success that results," Lawrence added. "When I am on the mound, I am just focusing of where I am going to put the pitch, every time. My favorite pitch to throw is my rise ball."

Lawrence continues to improve as evident by her perfect game coming less than a month after her 15 strikeout performance versus St. Peter's.

"My favorite team that we have played so far was Cal State Fullerton," said Lawrence. It was an extremely fun and competitive game. Although we didn't win, we made a come-back in the final inning."

Lawrence says her favorite part about St. John's is her team. Although she misses the heat and her convertible in California, New York has proven to be a good place for her. "They have become my sisters and my friends. I love to hang out with my team," said Lawrence.

Her most exciting game in a Red Storm uniform came in February against LSU. Lawrence retired nine consecutive batters versus the number nine ranked Tigers at the LSU Tiger Classic, the team's first game this season.

Perhaps contributing to Lawrence's success on the mound has been her unusual pre-game rituals. "I always have an energy supplement before each game. My whole team makes fun of me for it. I also braid my hair before every game."

As a freshman, leadership from upperclassmen is essential. Lawrence has found inspiration in senior teammate Danielle Estrada.

"Danielle is the hardest worker on the team," said Lawrence. "She is willing to put everything out there for the team every time on the field.

In their first season with the Red Storm, Lawrence and Cox have been an integral part of the team's success. Cox, as a freshman batter has hit in the heart of the lineup for St. John's all season, ranking second on the team in batting average. Lawrence has been the ace of the Red Storm pitching staff as a rookie. As the season comes to a close, these two freshmen look to make a bigger impact for St. John's in their years to come.