Hennessy is finding ways to improve on perfection
Pitcher has become
driving force
for softball team
It would certainly be difficult for Meagan Hennessy to top what she did last spring when she became one of the state’s dominant hurlers.
While going 15-4 and leading Freehold Township to its first major championship, the Lady Buc Monmouth County Tournament, Hennessy was nothing short of brilliant, authoring not one, not two, but three no-hitters, including a perfect game. She pitched to a meager earned run average of just 0.37, surrendering a scant seven earned runs in 131.2 innings of work. She fanned 173 batters. The Pats knew they could play with anyone when she was on the mound.
If Hennessy has anything to say about it, however, the 2002 season will be just as dominating. The senior did not rest on her laurels. In the summer, she played travel softball with the Freehold Township Recreation’s Tornados and did her regular fall and winter buildup toward what she and her teammates hope will be another memorable spring season.
"Everything can be improved upon," said Hennessy, who has won a school record 42 games in her career. "I’ve been working on all my pitches. I need to have more confidence in my other pitches."
Hennessy’s throwing arsenal includes five pitches: the change-up, fastball, riser, curve and drop. It’s this collection of pitches that separates her from other pitchers and makes her so very effective.
In a pinch, when she needs a strike or an out pitch, Hennessy’s bread-and-butter pitches are her change-up and fastball. She is looking to change that this year. She wants to make life more miserable for hitters by being just as comfortable throwing her other pitches in clutch situations.
"My philosophy is pretty much the same: keep hitters off balance," noted Hennessy.
If she can get complete command of those pitches and the confidence to throw them at any time in the count, batters will be almost helpless against the superior Patriot thrower.
The Lady Patriots certainly want that to be the case as they look to pick up where they left off last year when they had the greatest season in school history. They won 20 games for the first time (24-5), won the Manalapan Invitational as well as the Lady Buc county championship and ranked 17th in the state. With all but one starter returning, there is every reason for the Lady Patriots to expect big things in 2002.
"We want to improve on last year," Hennessy pointed out. "We’re all excited for the season to get started. We worked together all winter."
Hennessy and her teammates spent a lot of time in the batting cages over the winter getting ready for the season.
"We worked on our hitting; that’s our main focus," she said. "We want to score more runs."
Hennessy was very effective in her own way with the bat last year, hitting .405 at the top of the line-up with a sensational on-base percentage of .506.
"My job is the same as last year — try to get on base and set the table," she remarked.
Hennessy’s mind will be completely focused on the high school this spring because she has already made her college decision. She will be attending Moravian (Pa.) College, where she will continue her softball career.
"I liked the campus, and the girls on the softball team are very nice," Hennessy said.
Opening Day for the Lady Pats was yesterday at home against Kearney. Freehold Township is back at home at 4 p.m. tomorrow for an A North contest with Marlboro.