Star Softball Pitcher Strikes Out Competition

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Author: Ryan Graff

Brittany Vacura (sophomore), current pitcher for the women’s softball team, has been playing softball since she was in the womb, literally. Her mother, a pitcher as well, continued to play softball until she was six months pregnant with Vacura and instilled love of the game in her daughter.

Raised in an athletic family, Vacura began playing tee ball at age seven and club softball at age 12.

An Elk Grove, California native, Vacura earned herself a spot on her Franklin High School varsity softball team as a first-year and immediately took charge of the rubber. She won All-League awards in both her junior and senior seasons, leading Franklin to one league championship.

“Going undefeated in my junior year is my best softball memory from high school. Not only did we win league, but also we beat our rivals to claim the title. It was really cool,” Vacura said.

Vacura was heavily recruited by Occidental College, and she ultimately decided to attend due to its challenging academics and softball program. This season, the 5’6″ biology major has taken ownership of the circle for the Tigers (6-1 overall, 2-1 conference).

She currently has a record of 5-1, all four of which have been complete games. Through her 37.2 innings, she has a minuscule earned run average of 1.67, which she complements with 24 strikeouts.

The softball team is trying to combat an idle fifth place conference finish last year, and Vacura’s talents are promising thus far. Her rhythmic and methodical pitching style allows her to constantly mix up pitches and deceive batters. This is paying off for Vacura, as opposing hitters have a dreadful .154 average against her this season.

In Vacura’s eyes, team chemistry is the recipe for success in 2011. “This year we have a really close team that works well together. All of us encourage each other, and I feel like that makes us a strong unit. We definitely have the potential to do really well this season,” Vacura said.

One of the strongest bonds that Vacura has is with catcher Ashley Noone (sophomore). These battery mates have been together since their collegiate debut last season, and the success of the softball team depends on the strength of their relationship.

By knowing each other’s playing styles and anticipating each other’s tendencies, they are both more confident throwing and calling pitches. This dynamic duo will look to capitalize on this for the rest of the season in their pursuit of an SCIAC title.

Vacura and the Tigers will take the diamond again on March 5 at SCIAC-rival Redlands for a double-header. Game times are at noon and 2 p.m., respectively.

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