Softball's powerhouse pitching may be key to securing playoff spot

It takes great discipline to be involved in the sport of soft ball and UCCS' players are no exception to this rule. The Scribe catches up with two of the Mountain Lion captains and star pitchers to ask them about their experiences.

Senior Captain Stacy Ortiz:

A senior from Mullen high school in Littleton, Colo., Stacy Ortiz is a second year captain of the UCCS women's softball team. She primarily plays the position of pitcher. "I love the game of softball and I enjoy the competition," she explained. "I also enjoy the many friends that I have met along the way. It has also taught me to be organized and dedicated. You have to learn to have a good balance with practices, games, meetings, classes and studying. In order to succeed in being a student-athlete, you have to be very disciplined with everything."

This spring, Ortiz and the rest of the team have been working hard. "As a pitcher you have to be mentally prepared to pitch the game. You're the only player on the team that touches the so ball on every single play during the game," she said. "You have to be mentally prepared for that."

Ortiz studies her opponents before each game in order to brush up on their habits and tendencies. "The week before the game, I focus on figuring out what their weaknesses are when they are up to bat," she said. "When I walk onto the mound, I try to block out everything I can and just focus on the game."

Pitching the entire game can be strenuous, so Ortiz takes care to prepare herself physically as well. "I make sure that I have stretched really well. I slowly start loosening up my pitching arm and wrist," she added. "I practice putting spins on the ball and start pitching to my catcher for at least 45 minutes prior to each game."

"I practice throwing all my pitches, which include a curve, screw ball, drop, rise, o -speed and change-up," she continued. "Once I step into the pitching circle, I'm focused only on softball."

Ortiz's career highlight was her 18-win season as a freshmen, and she wants to get back to that level of success. "Winning. You want to try and be the best team out there," she said. "Our goal in every game is to do the best that we can do to help each other win the game. Winning the RMAC is one of our main goals."

Having achieved the RMAC Honor Roll for academics, Ortiz' ambitions also extend beyond so ball. "My goal is to obtain a Masters Degree in Business Management," she explained. "Education has always been my number one goal."

"I worked hard to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Business in three years," she added. "I will obtain my Masters Degree in 5 years. I would like to obtain a career in a good company that will benefit from my educational experience."

Junior Captain Sarah McCauley:

A junior from ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Sarah McCauley is both a pitcher and team captain for the Mountain Lions' softball team. She finds her motivations from a couple of different places. "I am motivated by the competition of the game and my teammates."

She works hard before each game to ensure adequate preparation. "To help me prepare for games, I physically practice my pitches and other parts of the game," she said. "I also like to get in the game mentally by imagining myself being successful."

McCauley's goals for the season are relatively straightforward and team-oriented. "My personal goals are to be successful as a pitcher to help my team win games." "Our main team goal is to make it the RMAC Conference tournament by doing all the little things right along the way," she added.