Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications
After a stellar freshman season that saw her garner Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year Honors, Hofstra softball pitcher Olivia Galati has certainly not had a sophomore slump and instead has become an even more dominant force in the circle.
Galati earned her third CAA Softball Pitcher of Week honor this past Monday after recording two complete-game victories over Connecticut to help the Pride capture the Hyatt Place Invitational at Hofstra Softball Stadium last weekend. In her last six appearances Galati has been on fire with 56 strikeouts and no walks while helping to lead the Pride to wins over Michigan State, Purdue, Buffalo and Connecticut. Scoring has been hard to come by against Galati all season with the sophomore boasting a 1.36 earned run average (ERA) in 15 appearances on the mound.
Hofstra softball head coach Bill Edwards said Galati worked extra hard in the offseason to improve both her change up and screwball and she continues to amaze him each time she enters the circle. “She has not only added pitches but she has added strength and endurance because she trained all offseason,” said Edwards. "She is in rare form." Galati said the training she put in during the offseason with strength coach Scott Wilks combined with having a year of collegiate softball under her belt has made a big difference so far in 2011. The St. John’s the Baptist High School product has also had a great support system with fellow Pride pitcher Erin Wade.
“We are both very close,” said Galati of her relationship with Wade, who is also having a fine season in the circle so far with a 2.38 ERA. “We help each other out all the time.”
Galati will look to continue her sophomore success when the Pride play at Drexel in a three-game series to start Colonial Athletic Association play starting with a doubleheader on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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