Huntingdon softball relying on youth in circle

HUNTINGDON - After last year's run to the Class A state tournament, the Huntingdon softball team looked to have all the pieces back except for one.

Pitcher Sara Beth Hayes was set to graduate, so the Fillies had to find the right person to take over in the pitchers' circle.

Huntingdon coach Jay Lowery is starting to find the answer, but it isn't in the form of one stud pitcher. The Fillies use three arms - sophomore Caitlin Kreuziger, freshman Adyn Swenson and freshman Kaci Fuller.

"We started in the offseason with pitchers keeping the ball down," Lowery said. "We knew they were young, and that they were going to get some balls hit. We knew that we had to play good defense. They were going to have to get groundball outs. When they work ahead, they know their defense is going to work behind them and get outs."

Huntingdon is back where it wants be heading into the postseason. The Fillies have one loss in District 13-A and hold a one-game lead on West Carroll in the district standings. They need one win in their final two district games to secure the No. 1 seed.

"We've had some ups and downs, but these girls have been resilient and not let things get to them," Lowery said. "We talk a lot about one pitch at a time. We get in situations, and these younger girls get down on themselves. We carry it into the dugout or into the field with us. We are learning that if you get out, its OK."

Kreuziger had the advantage heading into this year because she did get to play some last year as a freshman without the pressure of being in must-win games.

"In some of the games last year, Coach Lowery told me that even though I am a freshman I was going to have to step up and pitch," Kreuziger said. "I know the other two have my back, and if I am struggling, I can count on them."

As the season has progressed, Lowery isn't set on going with one pitcher in the key district games. He feels that all three are capable of helping his team to a win.

"It depends on the week and the day as to who we choose," Lowery said. "Some people try and say this is is ace. Last time we played West Carroll, we threw Adyn, and she gave up one run. [Tuesday], we throw Caitlin, and she doesn't give up any. It is a lot of day-to-day and whose stuff is working that week. If someone doesn't have it, someone else can come in and help out."

On Tuesday, Kreuziger helped the Fillies avenge their lone district loss on the season as she shutout West Carroll, allowing six hits and striking out nine.

"I have a routine every time I go into the circle," Kreuziger said. "I take a deep breath. I unbuckle my glove or play with the ball, and then wait for my sign and go. So a lot of it for me is mental.

"I think we are ready for the postseason. It is going to take a lot of team effort and a lot of positivity."

Huntingdon has two losses this season to Class A competition -- a 1-0 loss to West Carroll and a 4-3 loss to Scotts Hill in the semifinals of the WTSCA Tournament. So as the postseason looms in less than two weeks, Lowery feels his players are more comfortable in their roles.

"I think they are understanding what we want and what we expect," Lowery said. "We try to do a good job letting them know the day before that 'Hey, let's get your mind right, you are going to start tomorrow.' So that we they have an idea, and they aren't learning five minutes before game time."

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.