March 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Junior pitcher Jennifer Connell (Roswell, Ga./Roswell) has spent a lot of quality on the mound, 508.2 innings pitched over her first two seasons on the Hilltop to be exact. But as the Hoyas begin play in the BIG EAST Conference on Friday against Pittsburgh, Connell has hit her stride throwing as well as she has over her two years at Georgetown.
I think it's a combination of everything, experience level and I've thrown so many games here," Connell said. "I think I'm hitting my spots a lot better, I'm more focused and I'm more mentally prepared for anything that comes.
That mental focus and preparedness was on display for the Hoyas during their spring break trip through North Carolina. After taking a loss to East Carolina on March 10, Connell came back and allowed just one run on three hits over 7.0 innings against Toledo on March 11.
She followed up her win by no-hitting Gardner Webb the following day for the first no-hitter in program history, a feat that earned her a spot on the BIG EAST Softball Weekly Honor Roll.
"[In the past] I probably would have jinxed myself," Connell said. "I remember doing that last year, I realized I had a no-hitter going and as soon as I realized it the next girl got a hit and ruined it. This year I'm better at focusing and keeping that out of my mind and just playing."
The timing for Connell could not be any better as the Hoyas begin conference play for the first time in program history and immediately have doubleheaders with Pittsburgh, South Florida and Seton Hall over the next six days.
"There's a little degree of nervousness [entering BIG EAST play], but it's more excitement and ready to play to see what we're capable of," Connell said.
Vs. Pittsburgh The Panthers are 11-9 and 4-4 on the road entering conference play coming off a doubleheader sweep of Robert Morris on Tuesday. Reba Tutt leads the club batting .277 (18-for-65) and Sam Card leads the club with 12 RBI's. On the mound, Cory Berliner has been strong with a 4-4 record and a 0.94 ERA in 52 innings.
