The Bobcats will look to add to their early season success this weekend when they travel to North Carolina for the 2008 Golden Corral Phoenix Classic.
One of the big reasons the Bobcats have started the season 3-2 is the strong pitching performances turned in by freshman pitcher Emily Wethington.
Wethington made her debut at the Pirate Invitational two weeks ago in North Carolina. Pitching a total of eight and 2/3 innings, which included a start and two relief appearances, Wethington recorded an ERA of just 1.04 to go along with 15 strikeouts. Wethington's immediate contributions to the Bobcats came as no surprise to coach Jill Matyuch, however.
We knew what we had with Emily when we got her
Matyuch said.
Wethington is a two-time Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year, but her past achievements didn't stop her from being a little nervous before her first appearance, as she decided to call her dad right before her first game to ask for advice.
I was nervous before the game she said. When I talked to my dad he just told me to go out and play my game.After pitching well for a few games, Wethington said she now feels a little less nervous.
I feel more relaxed now
she said, but there is always room for improvement.
Strong pitching is not the only contribution Wethington brings to the Bobcats. When she is not on the mound, she is playing first base and helping the Bobcats on offense.
But Wethington is not the only freshman making an impact on the team.
We have a real strong recruiting class
Matyuch said. If the other freshmen are not starting as of now
they are still pushing for some playing time.
Senior captains Alicia Catlette and Courtney Waters are both looking to add to the success the Bobcats have experienced thus far when they face both Seton Hall and Elon two times each this weekend.
We need to keep building on things
and we need to keep working toward our overall goal of the (Mid-American Conference) Championship
Waters said.
The team's strengths are pitching and offense, Matyuch said, and the team can look to build on these going into the weekend.
Besides pitching and offense, the closeness of the team could be a big part of how well the team plays.
It's like a sisterhood being on the team
Wethington said. It is nice knowing there are 20 other girls who are there for you when you need it.
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