March 27, 2003
They came to Lehigh University as strangers. They will leave Lehigh as life-long friends. They've made a lasting impact to their sport and will forever be known as two of the greatest softball players in Mountain Hawks' history. They are seniors Jenny Bender and Stephanie Digneo. Bender is a pitcher, Digneo is an infielder, and together they make up one of the best overall duos in the Patriot League.
Jenny Bender came to the South Mountain from Flemington High School in Flemington, New Jersey. She garnered numerous accolades at Flemington, the most important being named Express-Times Player of the Year. Upon her arrival at Lehigh she made an immediate impact. As a freshman she appeared in all 43 games for the Mountain Hawks and made 41 starts. She won the Patriot League batting crown, hitting .408 (58-for-142), led the league in triples with five, went a team best 6-5 in the pitching circle for the Mountain Hawks, and was honored as a First Team All Patriot League performer at the designated player position, while helping lead the Mountain Hawks to a regular season league championship.
"Jenny is a tremendous competitor and the best clutch hitter that I have ever played with," noted Stephanie Digneo. "I would have to say that her teammates see Jenny as a very hard worker and a person who leads by example but also as a person who brings humor and laughter to the field everyday. She is an extremely hard worker and never settles for less than her best."
"I am proud to have been her teammate, friend, and roommate for the past four years," Digneo continues. "I feel extremely fortunate to have had the chance to play the sport that I love with one of my best friends. I feel extremely fortunate to have been given this opportunity."
Like Bender, Stephanie Digneo was a standout prep star. She attended St. Marie Goretti High School in Philadelphia and was named Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year during both her junior and senior seasons. Digneo's freshman season at Lehigh was much like Bender's. Digneo hit .382 with 28 RBI, 15 doubles, and two homeruns. She earned Second Team Mid-Atlantic Regional All-American and Second Team All-Patriot League honors, while posting the fourth highest batting average in the league.
"Stephanie Digneo and Jenny Bender have defined the Lehigh softball program," said head coach Fran Troyan. "Jenny arrived here four years ago and appeared to be a fun-loving student-athlete who loved to play softball. I have come to understand that while Jenny is one of the kindest and funniest people on earth, she is also one of the fiercest competitors that I have ever known."
"Two of the finest moments in my coaching career came in 1998 when Jenny committed to Lehigh and in 2001 when she beat Seton Hall in the NCAA Tournament," added Troyan.
"With regards to Stephanie Digneo, its hard to say whether she is a better player, student, or person. She has contributed as much to the program as any player who has wore the Brown and White. She's been a Regional All-American, a two-year captain, a 4.0 student, and is an awesome family person."
"Together, Stephanie and Jenny have allowed me to be witness to the growth and blossoming of a friendship that will stand the test of time."
Since their freshman season, the dynamic duo has continued to serve as one the Patriot League's top player combinations. Their arrival at Lehigh has contributed to three consecutive regular season league titles for the Mountain Hawks, one Patriot League Tournament Championship, and one appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Bender and Digneo have consistently hit the ball, each has a career average above .395 and each garnered career hit 200 within 24 hours of the other. Lehigh's career hits total of 247, set by current assistant coach Kim Miller is also in jeopardy this season. Bender has been a stellar pitcher and designated player, while Digneo is an outstanding shortstop. Between the two of them, 16 awards have been handed out, including the league batting crown, the league hits title, multiple all-league selections, and a pair of Mid-Atlantic Region honors. Lehigh teams have also managed a combined 101-54 record during the last three seasons.
An undying friendship has also developed between to the two. They respect each other on and off the field.
"I've played with a lot of great athletes, but Stephanie is by far the best shortstop I've ever played with," said friend and teammate Jenny Bender. "Not only is she an amazing fielder, but she's an outstanding hitter. She is intense and an outstanding competitor. Since the first day she arrived at Lehigh she has been a leader, it is her nature to be at the front of the line. I can't imagine her anywhere else. I'm very lucky to have experienced four years at Lehigh along side of her."
Digneo has started all 154 games in her career, while Bender has played in all 147, starting 145. Each has had a career that will most certainly go down in the softball record books at Lehigh. The names and performances will long be remembered after they have graduated and their impact on Lehigh softball will be felt for many years to come.
"It has been an honor to play on the same field as Stephanie as Jenny over the past two years," said teammate Elizabeth Gripp. "They are true competitors and very gifted athletes who have raised the bar for Lehigh Softball. They are key components to the team with respect to their individual talents and leadership abilities. They have provided the stability of our success. They will truly be missed, not only as a teammates, but as friends."