BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
Great Bend's Alyssa Prendergast came to the rescue for her injured sibling Chayla Prendergast because that's what sisters do.
Great Bend softball coach Shawn Behr prepared Alyssa knowing Chayla (12-1, 1.37 ERA) would be unable to throw in the 5A softball regional because of a foot injury.
"Coach Behr made sure we were prepared and mentally ready to come in if we were needed," Alyssa said. "He encouraged me when I was in."
Alyssa Prendergast enjoyed an 8-1 record on the junior varsity team.
"I move the ball around a lot," Alyssa said. "I use a lot of different movement pitches to generate ground balls for the defense and mix speeds to keep hitters guessing."
Sure enough, when starter Braelyn Turner fought control issues against Topeka West, the Panthers turned to Alyssa.
"Topeka West was weak against the curve. We evaluated who had the best command of their curveball," Behr said. "We moved to Alyssa so Turner would have fuel in the tank for Valley Center."
Alyssa Prendergast pitched three shutout innings to close out an 11-1 victory over Topeka West.
Alyssa warmed up with junior varsity catcher Rydlie Swanson.
"I've spent most of this season with 'Ryd' behind the plate it was reassuring to get to work with her," she said.
Alyssa believed Chayla's advice helped.
"She helped me with mechanics," Alyssa said. "I will never forget getting my first strikeout on varsity and instantly being able to run over to her and celebrate. Chayla is an amazing sister and always has my back."
Alyssa believed her confidence was helped by her family's support.
"My family spends a lot of time working on our skills together," Alyssa said. "My sisters all pitch and push me. My dad has spent hours on a bucket catching me. My mom has been my pitching coach since I started pitching. Knowing that I have a support group is a huge confidence boost."
Alyssa appreciates the support she received from coaches and teammates.
"My family, coaches, and teammates encouraged me and helped me get through the game," she said. "Knowing that I have an amazing defense behind me along with unstoppable bats, helped me stay calm and pitch with confidence. All of that prepared me for whatever is thrown at me"
