IWN: Michelle Katz, Athlete of the Week
4/24/2009 Softball
By BRENT SHAVER, Staff Writer
Junior Michelle Katz wasn't the Woodbridge softball team's No.1 or No. 2 starting pitcher to open the season.
Thrust into the role due to injuries, she is performing like a top pitcher now.
"Since she has been in there, she has really picked up the team," Woodbridge coach Alan Dugard said.
Katz started the year as a back-up third baseman, first baseman and catcher. But she had no problem stepping into the circle when needed.
"I told her, 'you are it,' " Dugard said. "And she said to me, 'let's do it.' She has really worked hard and has pushed the team to where it is now."
Woodbridge won three of the five games it played in its own fournament last week, including two in a row last Saturday at Bill Barber Park.
Katz pitched complete games in those two wins, beating Mission Viejo, 6-3, and Aliso Niguel, 5-3. She finished with eight strikeouts in the two games. Katz improved her record to 3-5.
"We are playing a lot better and it is because of Michelle," Dugard said. "She is a very determined young lady. She is just one of those kids that will contribute wherever she can. She'd like to pitch and catch at the same time if she could."
