Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/90990
cavalier profile GIANNINA CIPOLLONI Fourth-Year • Softball Giannina Cipolloni, a fourth-year psychology major and an integral part of the "It is all about the jump … I know whether I am going to be safe based on the jump," she explained. "I guess being fast helps a little bit, too, but if I didn't get a hard jump and get my timing right [off the pitcher] then I wouldn't have as many stolen bases. "When the pitcher rocks back then I rock back, once their hand breaks, then I UVa softball squad, bats leadoff and plays center field — a position she has held down since her first year. "I really like playing center, particularly over any other outfield position only because I don't have to chase down foul balls," Cipolloni said with a laugh. "Every- thing I go after is in fair play." take off." on base while taking as many pitches as possible, so her teammates can track the opposing pitcher. Once she gets on, let the excitement begin; she may swipe a base or two, and last season after she hit .303 and led Virginia with 32 stolen bases, which ranked second in the ACC. She led the team in hits (54) and runs (33) in 2011, with only one error in 55 center field starts (a .987 fielding percentage). This season, against Saint Joseph's Feb. 25, Cipolloni set the Cavalier career stolen bases record with her 66th career steal. 30 ◆ CAVALIER CORNER The Philadelphia native was named to the Mid-Atlantic All-Region second team then see if one her teammates, including her younger sister, Erica, can bring her home. "It is not anything different than I have been doing my whole life, Cipolloni, as the Cavaliers' leadoff hitter, has to set the tone for the game — get "It is fun getting on base and having her hit me in. My high school coach used to say, when I was on third, 'Come on E, hit big sis in. " Cipolloni said. it will lighten the moment and relax her a little bit. She has been doing a great job." — Sean Corso ◆ Photo by Matt Riley/courtesy UVa ' Sometimes I'll say that to her —