RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University softball pitcher Leanna Pittsenbarger was rated as the preseason's top NCAA Division I pitcher by Fastpitch News. The rankings were derived from numerous statistics to formulate a total score. The statistics used were ERA, hits per seven innings, shutouts, strikeouts and strikeouts per seven innings.

. – Eastern Kentucky University softball pitcherwas rated as the preseason's top NCAA Division I pitcher by Fastpitch News. The rankings were derived from numerous statistics to formulate a total score. The statistics used were ERA, hits per seven innings, shutouts, strikeouts and strikeouts per seven innings.Here is what the web site had to say about EKU's senior pitcher:"She may not have been the first person that came to mind, based on our criteria she came out on top. In 2014 she was named to the NFCA All-Region Team and was All-OVC. Statistically she had a strong season posting a 1.35 ERA with 297 strikeouts. Pittsenbarger also had 11 shutouts and is second nationally among returning pitcher in hits per seven innings at 3.29. Look for another strong season from her in 2015."Pittsenbarger was rated ahead of pitchers from schools such as Oregon, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, UCLA, Florida, Alabama and Kentucky. Click here for complete rankings.As a junior, the native of Urbana, Ohio set three program single-season records – strikeouts (297), shutouts (12) and opponent batting average (.139). Pittsenbarger's career strikeout total of 727 is 27 shy of tying the program mark set by EKU Athletics Hall of Famer Jonelle Csora-Clark (2000-03).Eastern Kentucky finished 29-22 overall and 15-10 in Ohio Valley Conference play in 2014. The Colonels return six starting fielders as well as Pittsenbarger in the circle. The Colonels begin the 2015 season on Feb. 5 against Jackson State at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Alabama.