RallyNorth.net

Sisters in softball

Tuesday, April, 29 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

These are the best of times for Timberlane senior Steph Barrett.

The Owls (7-1) are the top-ranked team in both Class L and the Eagle-Tribune region and she's enjoying a superb season on the mound, even better than her first two.

While she was more than effective as a junior (15-6, 2.28 ERA, 103 Ks in 134 innings), Steph has been dominating this year, striking out 74 in 56 innings to go along with a sparkling 0.96 ERA. Her new catcher has been vital in the upgrade.

Last year's catcher, Amanda Horgan, was certainly one of the more talented around, but there is no way she could match the chemistry Steph has with her replacement, younger sister Jess Barrett, a talented sophomore who was a utility player last year.

"It makes a big difference," said Steph. "I was so excited when I knew she'd be my catcher because I knew we would work so well together. We have a better connection than I've had with any other catcher. She knows what's working and 99 percent of the time we're on the same page.

"I think she has incredible talent and she has the innate ability to know me. If I'm stressed, she knows how to loosen me up."

Jess, who is also the team's backup pitcher, has been catching for three years.

"I like catching a lot and it makes it a lot more comfortable catching Steph," said Jess, a top defensive catcher who is batting .231, but has the stroke to hit much higher. "I feel like I know her and I'd like to think we've made a difference. I think the team knows we have great chemistry."

Part of that chemistry, no doubt, comes from their familial connection, but it's also a result of a whole lot of practice.

"It's a lot easier when your catcher is in your own home," said Steph. "Anytime I want, I can just ask her (Jess) to go outside so I can throw, and she'll do it."

Timberlane coach Mike Sorter says Steph finally believes in herself.

"What I like about her this year is her confidence," said Sorter. "She had some self-doubt in the past, but no more. She's ready all the time now."

The southpaw also thinks she's finally learned a valuable lesson from former Owls standout Renee Clavette, another lefty.

"I watched the way she had a presence on the mound," said Steph of the former Eagle-Tribune MVP. "I didn't have it as a sophomore. I got a little bit of it last year and now I feel like I have it."

Finally, Steph is benefitting from a little added offense | her own. Often replaced for a designated hitter her first two years, partly so Sorter could give someone else an opportunity to play, she implored him to let her bat full time this year and she's responded big time.

After nine games, she leads the team with a .500 average (13 of 26). Her two-way play may be enough to lead the Owls to their second state title. They also won the Class I crown in 1998.

"I think that also helps my (pitching) confidence, getting a chance to help myself," said Steph of her batting prowess. "I feel I have just as much to contribute offensively as anyone and it killed me the last two years to watch the team bat and not contribute."