University’s Kirsten Anstrom at head of pack in GSL

University junior Kirsten Anstrom has this hunter-like approach at the plate.

It’s appropriate, considering she’s one of the top hitters in the Greater Spokane League. And she’s also the Titans’ best hunter.

Anstrom isn’t likely to let any pitch, good or bad, get by her. And she’s bagged three whitetail deer.

She admits she could be more choosey at the plate. And coach, Jon Schuh, would like for her to be more disciplined.

“She’s always been able to hit,” Schuh said. “She can hit a bad ball. Sometimes she’s not patient enough. If she were a little more patient she’d see better pitches.”

Anstrom agrees.

“I have the ability to be disciplined,” Anstrom admitted. “But for some reason at times I’m just a little undisciplined. When you’re hitting really well you see the ball well. So if it’s not a strike you’re able to make it work anyway. I’m confident enough in my swing that I can hit a bad pitch.”

Anstrom is also strong enough to make the most out of most pitches.

“She’s one of the strongest, if not the strongest, girl at University. I’d like for her to use her bottom part – her legs, hips – more.”

Anstrom couldn’t put a number on it but figures she’s the strongest female at U-Hi. And she figures she’s stronger than a lot of boys.

She’s also U-Hi’s most versatile player. She can play any position, including catcher.

“That’s what I played a lot in middle school,” Anstrom said.

“It doesn’t take her very long to get acquainted with what she has to do,” Schuh said.

This year she’s the backup pitcher to starter Rachel Hawley. Most games Anstrom is at second base. But she’s also started at shortstop and can play in the outfield.

“I’ve played every position at one time or another in my life,” Anstrom said.

Anstrom was first team all-Greater Spokane League as a freshman when she hit .422 and led the Titans in RBIs, triples and hits.

As a first team all-GSL pick as a sophomore, she batted .508, fourth best, while leading in triples and second in hits and stolen bases.

Going into the week, Anstrom led the GSL at .578 and was first in hits (26), triples (4), RBIs (23) and runs (26).

And she’s earned her deer hunting license for next fall. Her father made a deal with her when she entered high school that he’d buy her hunting license each fall if she hit a home run in the spring season.

She hit a two home runs in one game this spring, including a grand slam.

Anstrom didn’t hit a home run last spring and didn’t hunt last fall.

Hunting is a hobby she shares with her father.

“I’m more nervous shooting a deer than anytime in softball,” she said.

Anstrom is one of U-Hi’s top players in slowpitch, which is a short season played in the fall.

The slower-paced game allows her to work on fundamentals.

“It helps me to slow the game down,” she said. “It helps me to wait more on a pitch.”

Whether slowpitch or fastpitch, Schuh has grown to appreciate Anstrom’s game.

“When she’s dialed in she’s tough,” Schuh said. “She hits to all parts of the field.”

Playing on a dirt infield puts a smile on Anstrom’s face. She’s been playing on dirt for as long as she can remember, long before she got started playing the game.

“My parents put me in softball for fun and it was the only sport that I took to,” she said.

She wants to play the game well after high school. This summer will be key in getting noticed by college coaches.

U-Hi entered the week tied for first with Shadle Park in the Greater Spokane League. The Titans, who were shut out 3-0 by the Highlanders earlier, travel to Shadle for the rematch Friday. The game will likely decide the league title.

GSL teams conclude regular-season play next week with three more games before the chase for a state berth begins.

“We’ve definitely improved,” Anstrom said. “There’s been a lot of learning.”

Anstrom is looking forward to the rematch with Shadle. She and Highlanders standout pitcher Jaya Allen are friends.

Allen got the best of Anstrom in the first game, not allowing her a hit.

“I have a ton of respect for Jaya,” Anstrom said. “I don’t think we liked each other when we were younger because we were competitive against each other. We definitely talk about the games now.”

Anstrom plans a simple approach against Allen.

“You can definitely over think things,” Anstrom said.