University of Massachusets Athletics
A Year Can Make a Difference
June 01, 2001 | Softball
By MICHAEL KOBYLANSKI
The Maroon & White
What a difference a year makes in the world of a college softball pitcher. Just ask University of Massachusetts senior hurler Carrie Jeffries.
After enjoying two successful campaigns on the mound to start her collegiate career, the right-hander encountered some difficulties in her junior season. The numbers were not consistent with the sparkling ones that Jeffries had posted earlier in her career, which left her looking for a way to rectify the situation as soon as possible. The end result last year: a 7-8 record and a bit of soul searching.
Determined not to let a repeat scenario take place, Jeffries made a concerted effort to regain her winning form for her senior season. Needless to say, that decision seems to have paid off for the Placentia, Calif., native in her final year in Amherst.
As the Minutewomen headed into NCAA Tournament action, Jeffries had posted a 12-4 record with a 1.24 earned run average. She has been a major reason why UMass has enjoyed another 40-win season and has carried a national ranking for most of the year.
"Last year she was throwing in the high 50's at best, but now she's throwing in the low 60's - three to four miles per hour faster and with spin - and that makes a big difference from 38 feet away," UMass softball coach Elaine Sortino said. "I believe that Carrie really committed herself to working hard last fall and winter.
"I really applaud her for her dedication. It would have been easy to fold up the tent, especially as a senior. But she was very determined. She's shown a lot of heart."
From the individual standpoint, Jeffries has set new highs in shutouts [eight], innings pitched [101.2] and strikeouts [78]. Her 12 wins also tie her single-season best, as the hurler won the same number of contests as a sophomore.
For her efforts, Jeffries was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference team at the conclusion of the regular season. She joined fellow UMass teammate Jen Hadley as the only two pitchers on the squad.
"I can't even describe it in words what I'm feeling this year," Jeffries said. "It's just awesome. Last year, I struggled a little bit, but I worked hard to fight back. At this point, I'm very happy."
As a freshman, Jeffries leaped right into the mix for UMass, joining former All-American and current assistant coach Danielle Henderson and southpaw Liz Wagner in the rotation. She went 10-5 in 1998 with a miniscule 1.05 ERA. Jeffries only allowed 13 earned runs in 86.1 innings pitched.
Her ascent continued in her second season with the Minutewomen. The Golden State native went 12-3 with a 2.09 ERA and six shutouts while improving on most of her numbers from her rookie campaign.
Last year turned out to be an aberration for Jeffries, who saw her numbers plummet downward. Despite seeing action in a career-high 19 games, there was a drop-off in every category during the campaign.
The rest of the story has played out to perfection, though. Thanks to a renewed focus on the game that has become such an integral part of her life, Jeffries has once again blossomed in her senior season.
"She's been very confident," Sortino said. "We were very fortunate to get a pitcher of her caliber as a freshman. She's really emerged into one of the leading pitchers in the conference this year."
This year's trip to the NCAA Tournament will be the fourth of Jeffries' collegiate career. As a part of such a tradition-laden program, she feels extremely fortunate to have been a part of the UMass softball dynasty.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my career," Jeffries said. "There's definitely a tradition here, but we're trying to take it to a higher level right now.
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do exactly the same thing. I've had a great four years here. I can't imagine playing with any other people beside these girls."
The Maroon & White
What a difference a year makes in the world of a college softball pitcher. Just ask University of Massachusetts senior hurler Carrie Jeffries.
After enjoying two successful campaigns on the mound to start her collegiate career, the right-hander encountered some difficulties in her junior season. The numbers were not consistent with the sparkling ones that Jeffries had posted earlier in her career, which left her looking for a way to rectify the situation as soon as possible. The end result last year: a 7-8 record and a bit of soul searching.
Determined not to let a repeat scenario take place, Jeffries made a concerted effort to regain her winning form for her senior season. Needless to say, that decision seems to have paid off for the Placentia, Calif., native in her final year in Amherst.
As the Minutewomen headed into NCAA Tournament action, Jeffries had posted a 12-4 record with a 1.24 earned run average. She has been a major reason why UMass has enjoyed another 40-win season and has carried a national ranking for most of the year.
"Last year she was throwing in the high 50's at best, but now she's throwing in the low 60's - three to four miles per hour faster and with spin - and that makes a big difference from 38 feet away," UMass softball coach Elaine Sortino said. "I believe that Carrie really committed herself to working hard last fall and winter.
"I really applaud her for her dedication. It would have been easy to fold up the tent, especially as a senior. But she was very determined. She's shown a lot of heart."
From the individual standpoint, Jeffries has set new highs in shutouts [eight], innings pitched [101.2] and strikeouts [78]. Her 12 wins also tie her single-season best, as the hurler won the same number of contests as a sophomore.
For her efforts, Jeffries was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference team at the conclusion of the regular season. She joined fellow UMass teammate Jen Hadley as the only two pitchers on the squad.
"I can't even describe it in words what I'm feeling this year," Jeffries said. "It's just awesome. Last year, I struggled a little bit, but I worked hard to fight back. At this point, I'm very happy."
As a freshman, Jeffries leaped right into the mix for UMass, joining former All-American and current assistant coach Danielle Henderson and southpaw Liz Wagner in the rotation. She went 10-5 in 1998 with a miniscule 1.05 ERA. Jeffries only allowed 13 earned runs in 86.1 innings pitched.
Her ascent continued in her second season with the Minutewomen. The Golden State native went 12-3 with a 2.09 ERA and six shutouts while improving on most of her numbers from her rookie campaign.
Last year turned out to be an aberration for Jeffries, who saw her numbers plummet downward. Despite seeing action in a career-high 19 games, there was a drop-off in every category during the campaign.
The rest of the story has played out to perfection, though. Thanks to a renewed focus on the game that has become such an integral part of her life, Jeffries has once again blossomed in her senior season.
"She's been very confident," Sortino said. "We were very fortunate to get a pitcher of her caliber as a freshman. She's really emerged into one of the leading pitchers in the conference this year."
This year's trip to the NCAA Tournament will be the fourth of Jeffries' collegiate career. As a part of such a tradition-laden program, she feels extremely fortunate to have been a part of the UMass softball dynasty.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ending to my career," Jeffries said. "There's definitely a tradition here, but we're trying to take it to a higher level right now.
"If I had to do it all over again, I'd do exactly the same thing. I've had a great four years here. I can't imagine playing with any other people beside these girls."
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