Athlete Of The Week: Katie Connolly

NORTH EASTHAM – Eighth grade and freshman players composed nearly three quarters of Nauset’s softball roster this year.

One of those underclassmen is freshman Katie Connolly, who contributed significantly to the Warriors’ outburst of run scoring Friday against St. John Paul II.

From the eighth spot in the lineup, Connolly drove in three runs on a triple and two doubles in the 15-3 six-inning win, Nauset’s final game of the season.

“Felt really good,” Connolly said. “I feel like I was timing it really well, a lot better than I usually do.”

Connolly’s RBI triple in the bottom of the second brought Nauset within one, and her RBI double in the bottom of the fourth tied the game. She then scored a run for a lead the Warriors did not relinquish. Connolly came up to bat again in the fourth inning and again hit an RBI double.

Head coach Harold Pini said Connolly improved her hitting after also batting well at the end of last year.

“This year, when she hits the ball, she croaks it, too,” he said. “I mean, she’s getting them, and she’s a hockey player, too. She’s a good athlete. She’s tough, makes good plays in the outfield, so we’re expecting big things out of her next year, because there’s three seniors leaving, and Katie is going to be one of the kids taking over.”

Nauset softball, which went 8-12 this year, will look to improve and get more wins in the future, according to Connolly, a Wellfleet resident.

She said as a freshman, having the kind of success on the field seen Friday “just feels really good.”

“It makes me feel more excited for upcoming years and knowing that I can improve a lot, because I know I’ve improved this season,” Connolly said.