Riley Johnson started the season 0-for-17 at the plate.

Since then, she’s gone 7-for-21 with a home run and four RBIs.

In addition to emerging as an extra offensive weapon in an already potent Syracuse lineup, the sophomore has given the Orange stability as the everyday left fielder after being used as a utility player last year.

“Early on in the season, (Johnson) was putting the ball in play, but everything was just being caught,” SU head coach Leigh Ross said. “But she kept a great attitude through that.”

Ross noted how Johnson went through similar struggles last year, in part because she put too much pressure on herself.

One year later and one year older, Johnson has changed her mindset and Ross has seen that help her improvement.

“I think she’s starting to understand that pressure tightens you up,” Ross said. “If you let go of, ‘I don’t have a hit yet’ and remind yourself, ‘I’m having quality at-bats,’ then you’re going to keep your confidence.”

Johnson’s first hit of the season came in emphatic fashion in the form of a solo home run in a 6-2 loss to then-No. 13 Oklahoma.

Since then, her six other hits haven’t just been meaningless singles, but clutch ones that have helped decided games.

On Feb. 28, Johnson had the game-winning RBI single in the second inning of a 2-0 win over Nebraska-Omaha. On Mar. 1, she hit a game-tying double when Syracuse was down to its last out against Bradley.

For Johnson, it’s just been about keeping the right attitude.

“Just because I’m not getting hits in the book, they’re eventually going to fall in,” Johnson said. “I was having good at-bats, and just staying positive really helped.”

Johnson has also moved from middle infield to an everyday left fielder this season, and isn’t the only sophomore transitioning into a new role. Danielle Chitkowski has also had to relocate positions while fighting through struggles at the plate.

Chitkowski praised Johnson’s hitting approach and emphasized her vast improvement as a player.

“Riley has improved so much, and I’ve only played one season with her,” Chitkowski said. “She’s quick and smart at the plate and came up big this weekend.

“She’s a great teammate and always looks for ways to get better.”

As for Johnson’s adjustments in the field, she’s adapting just fine.

Ross said that the Orange is a better team with Johnson in left, and that she’s getting better at the position every day.

After all, she’s been trained to be multi-faceted even before she arrived on campus almost two years ago.

“Before coming to college, my dad had me play and learn multiple positions,” Johnson said. “Transitioning to the outfield wasn’t as difficult as it could’ve been.”

When Johnson was shuffled around between positions last year, she wasn’t able to find her niche in the field.

So far this season, she’s recorded 21-of-22 putouts while amassing a .955 fielding percentage.

Johnson admitted that her first weekend in left field was a little difficult. Now, she says she’s more comfortable at the position, and the results certainly back that up.

Whether it’s been at the plate or in the field, Johnson has had changes to make. She’s more confident, more relaxed and knows what she needs to do to continue her recent success at the plate.

Said Johnson: “It’s just staying true to our plan. Not getting down on myself and knowing that my hits were eventually going to fall in.”

Published on March 5, 2014 at 2:05 am

Contact Matt: mcschnei@syr.edu | @matt_schneidman