Prep softball notes: University puts little focus on its perfect Greater Spokane League record

University isn’t worried.

In fact, Titans head coach Jon Schuh hasn’t given University’s 14-0 record in the Greater Spokane League this year much thought.

Neither have his players. To them, the record is just a number. They know that an undefeated record might help their seeding later in the year, but it doesn’t determine anything in postseason.

“You can go 18-0 and then you can lose your next two games and be done. Whoop-de-do-da,” Schuh said.

Instead, the Titans have approached the season one game at a time, never looking ahead to the next big opponent. And that strategy still stands heading into the final week of the regular season.

“We just told them (the players) to think good thoughts,” Schuh said. “If they go out there and we play a good ball game and we have to be on the wrong side of that, then it is what it is.”

University will begin its final four-game battle for an unblemished season on Friday when it hosts Shadle Park at 4 p.m. The Highlanders, who have topped the league standings in the last two seasons, are in third place in the league at 11-3.

Friday’s game will offer Shadle Park a chance to redeem itself after falling to University 5-3 earlier in the season.

“University is never an easy opponent,” Highlanders head coach Guy Perham said. “They’re always a team to beat. Always.”

University pitcher Kirsten Anstrom has been a constant force for the Titans this year, but Schuh said University’s next three opponents have pitching that can easily match its own.

Shadle Park’s biggest threat is pitcher Jaya Allen, who offers a rare combination of speed and movement among GSL pitchers.

Allen has taken over for her team in nearly every game this year. Her 176 strikeouts are the most among any pitcher in the league. Allen also picked up a perfect game and two other no-hitters this season.

“She throws with velocity and has a presence in the circle,” Schuh said of Allen.

The Titans will begin their final week in the regular season against Mt. Spokane (13-1) on Tuesday. They take on Central Valley on Thursday and Rogers next Friday for their season finale.

Shadle Park, Mt. Spokane and Central Valley all have winning records this season. Mt. Spokane poses the biggest threat as its lone league loss came April 11, a 10-8 setback against the Titans.

Jesse Dupuis has helped Mt. Spokane to a majority of its wins this season. She had a 1.32 earned-run average heading into games this week. CV pitcher Kelsey Gumm’s 1.52 ERA, as of last Friday, is second in league behind Dupuis.

Despite the tough upcoming matchups, Schuh and his players are still staying focused on the game that is in front of them.

Schuh said if they leave the regular season next week with a not-so-perfect record, so be it. They’re looking at the big picture – not the number.

“You want a ‘W’ if you can get it,” Schuh said. “But I’m not thinking about that at all. … Whatever happens, happens.”

League leaders

As of last Friday, Shadle’s Allen holds the top spot in several statistical categories in the GSL. The senior slugger has maintained her top spot at the plate with a .600 batting average (21 for 35). Allen also leads the league with six home runs and 24 runs batted in.

Allen’s 140 strikeouts beat out the next-best pitcher, CV’s Gumm, by 51.

Five University players lead the league in runs, with Alex Surby in front of the pack. At the start of the week, Surby had 22 runs and the highest number of stolen bases (16).

Surby is also one of three U-Hi players to top the league in number of hits. Coming into the week, Surby was tied will Allen with 21 hits. Surby’s teammates, Anstrom and Hannah Click, led that category with 23 and 22 hits, respectively.