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| Ashley Betzold StarTribune and Pioneer Press All-Metro (photo by Jim Lindquist) |
Betzold has been a staple in the circle for the Tigers since she was an eighth-grader and will take some impressive statistics into Thursday's 2013 Class AAA tournament in Mankato.
So far this spring, Betzold has thrown 143 innings and compiled a stingy earned run average of 1.08. She has recorded almost a strikeout (130) an inning and owns a 19-5 record.
"Ashley is a battler," Tiger coach Paul Harrington said. "The tougher the situation, the tougher she gets.
"She is also an amazing defensive player. She never hurts herself in the field. Having her there is like having another shortstop up the middle."
While best known for her pitching ability, The Tiger senior also carries a big bat, leading the team with a .410 average and 17 RBI while hitting in the third spot in the batting order.
Harrington said that in addition to her obvious pitching and hitting skills, Betzold supplies leadership to a young team that sports just one other senior.
"She's not what you would call a vocal leader," he said, "but she leads by example. The other kids see how hard she works and they want to do the same. They don't want to let her down."
Betzold, the only Missota Conference player to make either all-metro team, will attend St. Mary's University in Winona next fall where she plans to continue to her softball career.
