Seton Hill freshman pitching duo dominant from the start

You might call it unique that Seton Hill has two freshman pitchers who have been mowing down opposing lineups in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Or maybe unusual is the right word to describe the upsurge from the first-year arms.

Griffins coach Jessica Strong is going another direction.

“Lucky,” she said. “These girls show up wanting the ball. Even if they throw a shutout, they are upset about the one hit they gave up: ‘What can I do different?’ They are unfazed in the circle.”

Logan Hartman and Lauren Dellett have been as much a pleasant surprise as they’ve been dually dominant for the Griffins (22-8 overall), who recently returned from a covid-related shutdown to resume adding to their lead in the PSAC West Division (19-5).

The pair of fast-rising right-handers, who are a combined 17-4, appear destined to become household names in the conference.

“They have been one of the highlights for us this season, for sure,” Strong said. “Our pitching staff as a whole has been so positive.”

Hartman is a Frazier graduate and three-time all-state player who led her high school team to a PIAA championship and three WPIAL title game appearances.

“I came in wanting to earn a starting spot like anyone would,” Hartman said. “I didn’t really know what to expect from the Division II level of college softball. I just came in with no nerves and just did what I normally do.”

While statistics pale in comparison to getting the drop on opposing hitters, Hartman’s have been impressive. She is 8-0 with a conference-best 0.95 ERA in 51 2/3 innings.

Throw in five complete games and a .174 opponents’ batting average, and she is quickly rounding into one of the PSAC’s best.

“The first time I met Logan, she was playing in a volleyball match at Frazier High School,” Strong said. “I said right away, she’s a fireball. She goes out and competes. It has worked out for us. She has shown up.”

Dellett is 9-4 with a 1.52 ERA and has nine complete games. She has 73 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings — and nine walks — with four shutouts.

“Lauren had high expectations right off the bat,” Strong said. “She came in and put in the time to earn her spot.”

Dellett, a Bishop McCort graduate, struck out 10 in back-to-back starts against Wheeling and Slippery Rock. She has thrown three one-hitters and also has been effective at the plate.

She homered against Pitt-Johnstown.

“When I came in, I knew if I didn’t get to start it wouldn’t bother me. I would just have to keep working,” Dellett said. “It wasn’t a horribly difficult transition for me. I just had to take my skill set and improve on it. I remember my first game, against Shippensburg. I just thought, ‘OK, I’m here. College softball.’ I felt like I belonged.”

Hartman said playing on big stages in high school and summer travel ball helped prepare her for the next-level competition.

“That helped me get ready to face a lot of big hitters,” she said. “It’s a lot different from high school because there are so many good hitters. I know I can’t overpower hitters, so I have adjusted my speed a lot.”

As far as styles, Hartman and Dellett have varying pitches. But Hartman is more prone to induce outs through her defense than blow fastballs by batters.

Dellett said she had a repertoire of pitches but honed them when she came to Seton Hill.

“I worked on them,” she said. “What can I take with me to the next level?” I mean, you always want to strike someone out, but I know I have eight other people behind me who can make plays.”

When things aren’t going well for Dellett, she is quick to reset.

“Positivity is one of my best attributes,” she said. “Not a lot upsets me.”

If the Griffins are in a pinch and the opponent is threatening a breakout inning, they know they can count on Hartman to either limit the damage or sidestep a jam.

“Logan keeps hitters off balance,” Strong said. “Lauren will work more up (in the strike zone). They complement one another.”