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Sports

Filling some big shoes
By Steve Smail, For the Clarion News


STRATTANVILLE - The Fuller name is nothing new to Clarion-Limestone softball fans as Holly Fuller pitched three years for the Lady Lions from 2003-06 amassing over 300 strikeouts for her career. Now there is another Fuller beginning her pitching career at C-L and her name is Krysta and she is looking like she'll have a chance to break her sister’s career strikeout record by the time she graduates.

Krysta has broken two of her sister’s records this season. She recorded 17 strikeouts in one game against Karns City   in a 2-0 win on April 24. Then on May 5, she fanned 17 in a 9-3 win over East Forest .  The previous mark of 15 was set during the 2006 season. She also broke the record for strikeouts in a season as she has 151 K's to date with one game left before the District 9 playoffs. The previous mark was 146 in 2006 also held by her sister Holly.

When asked how long she's been into softball Krysta replied, "Softball has been a family activity of ours for a long time. I've spent time around one softball field or another since I was a toddler. I've played several different positions, but pitching has just suited me the best. I enjoy the challenge and when Holly started pitching I was asked if I'd like to try so I've just stuck with it."

C-L head coach Rhonda Smith has seen a progression during her freshman pitchers first season in the pitching circle.

"Krysta certainly gets faster and stronger as the season has progressed," said Smith. "She is gaining more control and she's now able to hit the corners of the plate better than when the season started."

Smith attributes part of that progression to having a familiar catcher in Heather Clover who plays with Krysta in the summer traveling league.

"Heather Clover does a great job behind the plate," said Smith. "She is able to frame pitches better than any catcher we've had at C-L. Her knowledge of how Krysta throws and her selection of pitches play’s a major role on how successful Krysta is with her pitching. As the saying goes behind every good pitcher is a great catcher."

Through the game on May 1 against Venango Catholic, Fuller has struck out 125 batters and walked just 20. In comparison Holly Fuller holds the single season record for strikeouts at 146 which was set in 2006.

Holly Fuller was added to the C-L coaching staff for the 2008 season.

"It's been great having Holly there for support," said Krysta. "She gives me guidance and encouragement. As sisters we get along well and softball gives us a chance to have fun while sharing a common interest. It's also reassuring having Holly in the dugout because of her experience. It gives me more confidence since she's been there and I can ask her questions."

Coach Smith has also seen the benefits of having Holly on the staff.

"Coach (Jewel) Felgar, Holly, Krysta, and I discuss how we want to pitch certain hitters before games," said Smith. "Any questions or adjustments once the game has started are directed to Holly."

Fuller hopes to continue her softball playing career once she graduates from C-L and said, "After graduating my dream would be to play for the Georgia Bulldogs."

In the meantime Krysta will finish out this season at C-L where the Lady Lions have one remaining game and then the District 9 playoffs. Then she will move on to play in the Tri-City Thunder traveling softball team based out of Franklin .

 

News Published with Active News Manager, Hosting by USAChoice.

 

Other Articles in Academics


05/28/2008 - Redbank Valley advances to District 9 title game

05/28/2008 - Sophomore pitcher stymies Keystone bats

05/27/2008 - Moniteau takes advantage of Redbank Valley errors in playoff win

05/27/2008 - Two dingers spell the end for Lions’ season

05/27/2008 - Johnsonburg goes deep to knock-off Bobcats



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