Allred would be perfectly happy with title

Timberlake’s Kala Allred is a perfectionist.

As a pitcher in fastpitch softball, you have to be.

That’s why Allred, when asked what her record is this season, was sure about one thing.

Actually, three things.

“I don’t know off the top of my head, but it’s something-and-three,” Allred said, lamenting the tiny mistakes that so often cost a pitcher – and a team – in the pitching-dominated sport. “I’m pretty sure I have 12 wins?

“It’s the disappointment of the losses to good teams that stands out more than the wins against the weaker teams.”

But those losses – a tough 3-2 stumble to Lake City and a pair to Post Falls, aren’t without their benefits.

Allred, a junior, has learned from them.

“As a pitcher, I would like to strike everyone out,” said Allred, who points to Olympian hurlers Jenny Finch and Lisa Fernandez as her biggest inspirations. “Realistically, that isn’t going to happen.

“I just know that when they do hit it, it’s my responsibility to make sure that it’s not a base hit – as a pitcher, I have to deliver the easy outs, which isn’t always easy.”

As the Tigers prepare for district play next week, Allred has the additional burden of being the only one who can take the mound.

This after her younger sister, Afton, injured herself recently sliding head first into home plate.

Kala Allred seems to have taken the increased role in stride, both as a pitcher and as a sibling.

“It just means that I have to step up to the plate and pitch every game,” Allred said. “It is her freshman year, so it’s harder for her – not being able to pitch – and she was devastated that she couldn’t.

“So I had to be the supportive sister and tell her, ‘Everything will be all right – you have three more years.’ “

But this year is happening now, and Allred said she thinks Timberlake has the chops to make a run at a state title.

“We’re doing pretty well, for having tons of freshmen,” said Allred, adding that the state tournament being in Coeur d’Alene this year is a welcome relief.

“We’re very confident – the seniors are stepping up and taking their roles as seniors and the underclassmen are falling into step.

“I think we’re going to go into state, and hopefully we have the confidence. I want to say that we’re going to win it, but saying it and doing it are two different things.”

When asked what she likes to do in her spare time, Allred seems at a bit of a loss.

“Play softball …?” she said sheepishly, sounding as if she knows there are plenty of other worthy pastimes, but she is just unable to help herself. “I mean, I play year-round – in the summer, for the Spokane Storm, and during the winter I pitch with my pitching coach, Steve Fountain.

“I have to blame it all on my friend, Tarra Tymesen – she got me into softball in the fourth grade and I’ve been doing it ever since.”