Southwest will lean on pitching duo
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BY LORI GRIFFIN / Lincoln Journal Star
Mark Watt isn’t one to talk about percentages when it comes to his Lincoln Southwest team’s chances of making a return trip to the state softball tournament.
What the Silver Hawks’ coach is willing to talk about are the odds that his returning pitching duo of senior Ashley Dunn and junior Becca Changstrom will get them there.
“We have as good of chances as anybody,” Watt said. “In softball, you always want to start out with great pitching, and we’re in a very good place with that. Our returning experience at pitcher is a great start and to have the confidence that they have helps a lot.”
Dunn, an all-state pitcher, finished with a 1.19 earned-run average last season, striking out 140 batters and walking just 18.
Changstrom, who started 21 games a year ago, finished with a 1.35 ERA, striking out 134.
The pair led the Silver Hawks, ranked No. 6 in last year’s Class A preseason rankings, to a 29-12 record and the No. 2 spot in the final rankings.
“Ashley and Becca are very similar as pitchers because they both have good velocity and are very accurate with their pitches,” Watt said. “But their real strengths are that they both are very humble.
“There is the potential for jealousy between the two of them, but there is no jealousy. (Tuesday), they came off the field at practice and gave each other a high five walking off the field,” Watt said. “They want what is best for the team, and I hope that carries over to the season.”
Dunn, who was 13-5 last season, is excited despite the loss of three key seniors to graduation.
Southwest, which lists six returning starters, will open the year ranked No. 8.
“I really like working with (the new players) and our chances of returning to state,” Dunn said. “We are taking it one game at a time and working hard, helping the younger girls understand what it is like to work and make it to state.”
Despite all the Silver Hawks’ experience in the circle, Dunn stresses that pitching isn’t all that makes Southwest successful.
“I’m not focused on me as an individual,” Dunn said. “Everyone has to do their job this year.”
Dunn and Changstrom were virtual unknowns last season, but this year will be very different.
And Changstrom isn’t worried.
“I just try and stay focused because when I am tense, I don’t do as well,” Changstrom said. “(At state), I just treated it as a normal game and went out and pitched.”
This year both players are expected to contribute in the field, as well.
“We need to expect both in the field as well as the circle,” Watt said. “(Changstrom) will be batting in the two hole, while (Dunn), who mostly was just a pitcher last season, is hoping to be able to play in the outfield.
“She has worked very hard to put herself in a position to be in the lineup.”
The pair will begin their quest for a repeat state tournament appearance when the season opens Thursday night at No. 4 Papillion-La Vista South.
On Saturday, the Silver Hawks take on Class B No. 2 Elkhorn, along with Waverly and Grand Island, at the Lincoln Public Schools Classic.
Reach Lori Griffin at 473-7174 or lgriffin@journalstar.com.
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