May 2, 2007

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Jackie Quint, a senior pitcher on the Western Washington University softball team, has set numerous school records during her four-year career, but one goal has eluded her - a post-season playoff appearance.

The Vikings, 29-19 overall and 11-5 in league play, have been a .500 team over the previous three seasons. Their first and only appearance at the NCAA Division II West Regional was in 2003.

This spring, Western is currently seventh in the West Region ratings with the top eight qualifying at the end of the regular season, unless league champions not in that group get automatic berths.

"I think we have a great shot at the post-season," Quint said. "Everyone has taken it upon themselves to do a job. It was awesome to break the records, but it would be an incomplete career if I didn't reach the post-season, especially with this team because I love all of my teammates so much. More than anything I want to make it to the playoffs."

For that to happen, Western head coach Lonnie Hicks knows that the ball needs to be in hands of his No.1 pitcher, who has a 2.13 earned run average and a 15-9 record. And Quint definitely wants it that way.

"She wants to be in the circle every game," Hicks said. "It has made it real comfortable to know that every time she's out there you're going to get a great game."

During her final season, Quint already has set or tied school career records in strikeouts (441), innings pitched (570-1/3) and complete games (64). Her 15 wins ties a season standard, she set a game record with 15 strikeouts in a 5-3 nine-inning win over Saint Martin's and is within reach of her season standard of 155 strikeouts set in 2006.

Quint said that as a freshman she never could have imagined the success she has enjoyed at the college level.

At Central Kitsap High School, she had a good fastball and that was about it. Quint said her maturation as a pitcher can be credited to one pitch - a changeup.

"When I came to Western I only threw one speed," she explained. "Batters picked up on that."

During her first two years, Quint worked with coaches and practiced meticulously until she perfected her second pitch.

"I just started to trust it," she said. "I practiced it so many times, eventually I knew it was going to work."

And work it has. With 138 strikeouts in 157-2/3 innings pitched this season, Hicks said Quint has the rare ability to make hitters appear lost at the plate.

"People get keyed up for her speed and her movement and then she'll throw the changeup and rip them out of their shoes," he said.

Another reason for her mound success has been her composure. She does not get rattled despite being called a hard-luck pitcher by Hicks, who points to the lack of run support she gets from her team.

"Win or lose, whatever happens, Jackie stays outwardly under control and focused on the task at hand," Hicks said. "She never lets things get to her."

Quint admits it's frustrating when the Vikings' offense sputters, but says she knows it's something she can't control.

"I know they're out there trying," she said. "The only thing I can worry about is my job."

Hicks said that Quint has made his job much easier.

"Statistically, if you can get her three runs, she's going to win most of the games she pitches," he said. "No matter what's happening, she does not let down. She stays out there and works hard to keep us in every game."