Female Athlete of the Week
Versatility and unselfishness are becoming team trademarks for the Mariner Tritons.
Several players have moved around to different positions this season and their willingness to adjust has made the team stronger and deeper overall.
Sophomore MacKenzie Hunt, for example, has taken a simple approach to her increased role as a pitcher.
“I just try to do my best each time out,” she said.
Hunt pitched and did everything short of selling concessions for the Tritons last week in victories over Cypress Lake and Cape Coral.
The Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week pitched a five-inning, no-hit shutout, striking out 13 batters, in a 17-0 win over Cypress Lake. She also went 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles and a triple.
Two days later, in a 10-0 win over rival Cape Coral, Hunt belted a two-run home run, tallied four RBI, and pitched five shutout innings.
“She’s bringing the offense for us,” Tritons coach Bill Stoudt said. “She’s helping out in the outfield and she’s picked up the pace for us as a pitcher.”
Hunt is in her seventh year playing softball and second for the Tritons. She is one of a large group of eight freshmen who played varsity last year. They took some lumps, but still managed a respectable 14-11 mark.
Like many of her teammates, Hunt has delivered more at the plate this season. Through 11 games, she has a .486 average with nine extra-base hits. She also is gaining more experience and confidence on the mound in recent weeks.
The Tritons (7-5) have benefited from the hard work shown by players like Hunt. They’ve won five of their last six, including a spirited 2-1 victory over North Fort Myers.
“We’re becoming more balanced,” Stoudt said. “They’re hitting the ball and scoring runs and getting better on defense, too. Even when they make errors they pick themselves up right away and keep going.”
Honorable mentions:
Adrienne Wadsworth, Mariner tennis: Wadsworth continued her impressive play at No. 3 singles, recording victories over Ida Baker and North Fort Myers. She also posted two doubles wins last week.
Caitlin Holloway, senior, Ida Baker softball: Holloway bashed two home runs and went 4-for-4 in a 15-4 win over Miami Varela at the Gulliver Prep Slam Fest in Miami.