Cheryl Andrizzi University Year: Junior Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher

Cheryl Andrizzi waited so long for her chance to pitch she was almost too ready.

The University junior has allowed 10 runs in eight games, but only two in the last six as the Titans were opening a commanding lead at the halfway point of the Greater Spokane League softball season.

“The main thing is keeping my attitude positive,” she said. “I have games when I’m negative and I don’t do as well. I have to believe in myself before I can do anything.”

Andrizzi has 61 strikeouts in 53 innings and just six walks. Of the 10 runs she allowed, six came in an early game. She is also U-Hi’s leading hitter.

“One thing is we play good defense,” U-Hi coach Ken Van Sickle said. “Cheryl has a good slider and a good rise ball and she throws a little faster than the other good pitchers in the league right now.”

Andrizzi was obviously ready for the season.

“It’s because last year I was always ready to play but I knew I wasn’t going to get a chance because we had a senior pitcher,” she explained. “It made me want to pitch even more, so I practiced all winter. I knew we would have a good team.

“I have a lot of confidence in my fielders. If we didn’t have defense, we wouldn’t be where we are. I’d like to strike everybody out but I can’t.” , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo