Coming off her most successful season in an Ohio softball uniform, shortstop Crystal Turner's biggest fear was realized when a torn shoulder forced her into a medical redshirt last season. Nineteen games into this season, Turner is third on the team in batting, runs batted in and home runs. The Post's Joe Arnold sat down with Turner to discuss her return to the Bobcats' lineup.
The Post: How difficult was it sitting out last season, watching the team turn in its best postseason showing in recent years?
Turner: It was really frustrating, especially because we made it to (the Mid-American Conference Tournament). I kept telling the coaches if I could only get into hit once, it would be worth it, giving up my redshirt. It was really frustrating to see everybody else, them having a winning season and not being a part of it in terms of being on the field.
The Post: That redshirt came right after your most productive season. Did that fact add to your frustration?
Turner: Oh yeah. I've picked up where I left off pretty good, but you lose a year. That's a long break to get it all back.
The Post: What is the one area of your game where the year off hurt you the most?
Turner: Probably live pitching. It took a while for me to get my timing down and get into my swing.
The Post: When could you start working out again?
Turner: I started hitting towards the end of last season. It was only ten reps a day, but I didn't go live until I got back (this season).
The Post: You are third on the team in batting. Does that surprise you, given the year off?
Turner: No, not really because I knew how hard I had to work to get back into the lineup. We need leaders right now.
The Post: Where do you see yourself leading the most, defensively or offensively?
Turner: Probably both right now because we have a young infield. We have a good lineup one through nine.
The Post: Do you and first baseman Kiersten Scrima see yourselves as the leaders of that infield given that you didn't play last season?
Turner: Yeah. They're so inexperienced, and when they get down we have to be there to help them. We can't be the ones to mess up and have them pick us up.
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Joe Arnold
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Crystal Turner
