When she arrived for fall practice at Shippensburg University in August, Madalyn Dyer knew at least one teammate. She and Morgan Lindsay went to high

Freshman Madalyn Dyer

school together for one year. Their familiarity helped ease Dyer's transition to college softball.

            Eight months later, Lindsay further cemented her standing in the program after the Red Raiders lost their pitching coach and more responsibility fell on her. Dyer, meanwhile, has emerged as the Raiders No. 2 starting pitcher.

            Both Upper Perkiomen graduates should play significant roles for the team when it takes on Kutztown University this weekend in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Lindsay, a senior catcher, has been behind the plate for every inning of every game this season.

            Lindsay, who has not missed a game over the last three seasons, welcomes the additional responsibility. She claims to advocate for the pitchers.

            "I do whatever I can to help them progress," Lindsay said.

            Dyer, a freshman pitcher, has emerged as Shippensburg's No. 2 starter. Her next appearance could come against the host Golden Bears in the second game of a doubleheader, scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Saturday at the North Campus Softball Field.

            "I'm so happy that I get to throw to Morgan," Dyer said.

Senior Morgan Lindsay

            COVID-19 eliminated the 2020 high school season, the only opportunity for Lindsay and Dyer to play together for the Indians. They participated in a handful of winter workouts as a senior and ninth grader, respectively, before the season was cancelled that March. Last summer, Dyer played one game with Lindsay on a travel team before heading to school.

            According to Lindsay, the Raiders (18-6) are well-positioned to defend their PSAC title and qualify for the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Tournament for the third consecutive season. They have won four straight and 13 of their last 16 games.

            Midway through her final college season, Lindsay is hitting .306 with six home runs and 23 RBIs. The Hereford native has posted a .336 career average with 22 home runs and 122 RBIs for Shippensburg since transferring from Colgate following the 2021 season.

            Last season, the 2020 Upper Perkiomen graduate earned second-team All-PSAC Eastern Division honors by posting a .388 average, 10 home runs and 58 RBIs. Lindsay recorded a .483 on-base percentage and a 1.150 OPS while striking out just five times in 198 plate appearances.

            This spring, Lindsay homered in three consecutive games and registered two hits in four consecutive contests in February. She delivered a season-high five RBIs in a loss to Lees-McRae on Feb. 18 and she drove in four runs on three hits during Dyer's victory over Shepherd.

            Lindsay's greatest contribution may come from behind the plate. The departure of Shippensburg's pitching coach prior to the start of the season has forced her to call pitches. She advises head coach Alison Van Scyoc on in-game pitching moves and matchups.

            "I don't think anyone could call a better game than her," Dyer said of Lindsay. "She knows the hitters in the conference, she trusts her own ability and the pitchers on our staff."

            Dyer improved to 4-0 on the mound following a complete game victory over Lock Haven on March 26. The Green Lane native permitted one run and four hits while striking out nine in a 3-1 victory.

            The 2023 Upper Perkiomen graduate edged out five other pitchers to become the team's second conference starter. In 31 1/3 innings, she has registered 36 strikeouts.

            Dyer made her first start during a March 8 non-league doubleheader against West Liberty, earning the mound win in a 12-4 victory with 4 2/3 innings of work. Her first conference win came 11 days later when she tossed three innings against Shepherd. Lindsay's three-run homer in the top of the first inning helped lead the Raiders to a 14-5, five-inning victory.

            "My changeup has really improved since the fall," Dyer said.