Thursday, May. 15, 2008

Circle of success: Kamiakin's Teel pitches to regionals

By Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer

Don't let the bright smile and black and hot pink mitt fool you. Deni Teel is ruthless when she has a softball in her right hand.

The Kamiakin senior, who logged 112 2/3 innings during the regular season, has been mowing down opponents all season, helping the Braves to an 11-1 league record and the CBL 3A title.

"I'm not the greatest pitcher. Teams hit the ball, but my defense is so solid," Teel said. "It's fun for me to see it get hit and watch my infield make plays. I know they have my back."

Kamiakin opens regional play Saturday against Mount Spokane at Franklin Park in Spokane after finishing third at the district tournament last weekend.

Despite the district setback, Teel, 18, is the glue that has kept the Braves together through an injury-filled season. She recorded 15 wins during the regular season with 107 strikeouts, allowing just eight earned runs and posting a 0.50 ERA. The first-team All-CBL pitcher also has a rise ball that makes the best of hitters look like rookies.

"She is that good," said Kamiakin coach Tammy Hutchison of her ace. "A lot of teams cannot hit the rise ball and that gives her an advantage. Her rise ball is the key -- they think it's coming in as a strike, it hops up and they miss."

But it takes more than a rise ball and a wicked changeup to make a good pitcher.

"A big part of her success is her mental attitude," Hutchison said. "She always has a smile on her face, she's willing to work hard and is very coachable. She just goes with the flow and doesn't let things get to her. She can pick up quickly what the strike zone is and adjust."

And that's not just her coach talking.

"She throws with velocity and really hits locations well," said West Valley coach Brad Cramer, whose team dropped a pair of games to Teel and the Braves on May 2. "She doesn't leave too many pitches over the plate and she doesn't have to throw to a lot of batters because she has good glove work behind her."

Teel credits part of her success to her catchers -- Renae Kimbell and Stephanie Hunter.

Kimbell, who missed four games because of a strained left knee, has called pitches for Teel all season.

"She pitches what you call," Kimbell said. "She's confident in all of her pitches and she knows what she's supposed to do. She's not intimidated by anyone and she doesn't drop to anyone's level."

Teel hasn't been afforded the opportunity to take an inning off. After fellow pitcher Danyelle Hutchison was injured earlier this season, Teel has thrown every pitch.

"I'm used to it," Teel said of throwing a doubleheader. "In the summer, we (Washington Angels) had a lot of tournaments and I was pitching two or three games a day. It's not a big deal."

Hutchison, who split time with Teel in the circle last season, threw just 17 2/3 innings with a 0.79 ERA before injuries landed her permanently at first base. At present, a staph infection on the middle finger of her throwing hand is all that is slowing her return to the circle.

"When Danyelle went down, I knew Deni could do it," Tammy Hutchison said. "We have had other injuries this season and have had to adjust the lineup. It's awesome to see how everyone has adapted. We hope to have Danyelle back by regionals. If need be, she'll be able to go in there."

Teel hopes to take the Braves to their first trip to state since 1987, when Kamiakin played slowpitch.

"I see good things for us," Teel said. "We are all really good friends, we work well together and have a lot of confidence."

No matter the outcome, Teel's softball days will be moving in a different direction after graduation.

"I'm going to Washington State University and I'm looking to get a masters in elementary education," said Teel, who is following the crimson and silver path forged by her parents Darci and Craig and older sister Rachel. "I'm going to try out for their club team (WSU does not offer softball)."

• Comments
• Add Comment
• Disclaimer