Fairfield University Athletics

2016: Petersen offered the Stags a great deal of versatility, having the ability to contribute as a first baseman, a designated hitter, and as a catcher. She did not catch this season, spending 26 games at first base and serving six games as a designated hitter. She picked up five hits and five RBI in her 25 at-bats and hit her first career home run in 2016. The home run came against Saint Peter’s as she finished the game with two runs scored and two RBI. She also drove home a run against Northern Kentucky, Holy Cross, and Rhode Island. In the Holy Cross game, she went 2 for 3 for her first multiple hit game of her career. Petersen performed well in the field as well with 49 putouts and three assists without an error. 

2015: Petersen picked up a hit in her first career at-bat, a single against Monmouth on March 7. Her next hit came against Siena on April 12, another base hit as a shortstop. She closed out the regular-season with a base hit in her final two appearances, getting a single against UConn and Iona. Her on-base percentage stands at .240 which improved with a walk and a hit by pitch. Peterson played flawlessly in the field, registering 24 putouts and one assist in her 25 chances.

Before Fairfield: Petersen enjoyed a great deal of success at Bayport-Blue Point High School. In her freshman season, she was selected as one of the top 50 softball players on Long Island by MSG-Varsity. Her knack for picking up extra-base hits was a key quality in helping her earn All-State honors in 2013 and 2014. She also collected the Player of the Year award in those same seasons. Petersen’s speed and bat control enabled her to set the school record for highest batting average in a season, posting a .580 hitting percentage during her junior season. In the classroom, Petersen was ranked in the top 10 for her class and was a member of the high honor roll. She received a Presidential Academic Award and AP Achievement award as well. Petersen spent three seasons with the Long Island Sudden Impact U-18 Gold team. Petersen lists biochemistry as her field of study at Fairfield University.