Following a historical softball season for the Rams last year, stand-out pitcher Chelsea Plimpton, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’11, is looking for the  same success as she leads her team in her final season with the Rams.

Plimpton, who transferred from St. John’s University in Queens to Fordham in her sophomore year for more playing time, has become the Rams’ most-trusted pitcher.

In the Rams’ first Atlantic 10 conference game against St. Louis on March 20, Plimpton started the game strong for Fordham by not surrendering a hit until the fourth inning. The team would eventually win the game 3-1.

“We aren’t really doing anything differently [this season]. If anything, this year we are playing with more confidence because we know the potential we have,” Plimpton said.

With another shot at the elusive Atlantic 10 championship approaching and a taste of the NCAA Division I Regional finals, Plimpton and her teammates know that they cannot expect anything else from their team this season.

“The biggest challenges we are facing are staying positive as the season goes on. The season is almost halfway through and our schedule has been tough. We’ve played some big teams,” Plimpton said. “[My team] is expected to win and that adds a lot more pressure than was on us last year. It is harder losing this year. Again, staying positive and remember[ing] that we love playing the game is helping us get through it.”

After ending her first season as Fordham’s number-two pitcher, Plimpton finished last season as part of a stellar pitching staff. This included an earned-run average (ERA) record of 1.34, 25 complete game shut-outs, 626 strikeouts and a wins record of 49, all of which are season records. This has already been a memorable year for Plimpton, who was named Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week for the first time in her career. In addition, Plimpton season highlights include a five-inning, no-hitter 15-0 victory against Princeton on March 12.

“Chelsea has been our most valuable player so far this season.  She is one of the hardest workers, and it has really paid off for her as she has pitched very well so far,” Bridget Orchard, softball head coach, said. “She has the potential to win our conference and take us deep into NCAA Regionals.”

All of Plimpton’s successes are only a consequence of the devotion she has brought to the game since she was six years old, when her baseball-fan father signed her up for a pee-wee league. During the season, Plimpton does little else but focus on the game.

“Going out really isn’t an option,” Plimpton said. “Despite all the time at Lombardi, going to practice and how annoying and tedious it can be, it’s worth it. If there’s any mark I would want to leave, it would be to win the A10 championship, especially because it’s something we’ve never done before and we’ve never won.”

On top of the team’s dedication, the pitcher credits the Rams’ successes to the bond between the girls.

“They’re my best friends and we go through this experience together,” Plimpton said. “We’re all very supportive of each other and so, win or lose, we’re all happy to be surrounded by each other.”

As the season continues, the Rams, with Plimpton’s talent, are in a good position to make an impact in the Atlantic 10 conference once again.