Fresno State Athletics
The Right Touch with the Left Hand
4/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 7, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - The Oregon native admits that she is not going to "blow one by anybody", but her release on the ball renders the same results. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Kristen Hunter takes the rubber starting the night-cap game in the Bulldogs doubleheaders with a confidence that originates from her ability to catch the batter off-guard.
"We chart batters to find their weaknesses and it's been effective for me to mix it up, hit my spots and mix up speeds making the ball move," 6-foot Hunter said. "If I'm throwing my game I know I am in control of the batter."
Stepping into the circle for her second season, Hunter has grown to understand what it takes to control the opponent at the plate and has developed the mentality that playing at the Division I level, let alone one of the top-ranked programs in nation, demands.
"When I face a batter I know that I have to put the ball where it needs to be. I know that Pam [West] will get it wherever it is and the batter will ground out," Hunter said. "And I know my teammates will field the ball and get the out."
A confidence in her team that not all pitchers across the nation share.
"The chemistry of this team is great," Hunter said. "Everybody gets along and is out for the common goal to win."
Part of that chemistry comes from the ultimate effort that everyone on the team puts forth for every practice and every game to build the team that can achieve greatness. Another part, Hunter said, was the large number of returners from last years team who come baring experience and a freshman class that has a positive attitude and have filled big roles on this year's squad. One of the newcomers Hunter referred to is freshman starting catcher Pam West who Hunter said was simply doing a great job for the Bulldogs.
"It's always an adjustment throwing with someone new," Hunter said. "Last year it was the same because I was a freshman but Pam is doing great this year. We have to communicate and talk a lot about why and when to throw a pitch and we are getting into a working rhythm now."
And a working rhythm is all it takes to spin one, drop one, visually distort one by the unsuspecting opponent waiting in the box. Her success in the circle speaks for itself as batters continually retire to their dugout and the Bulldogs walk away with another win.
