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Softball: ‘Rejuvenated’ Morrison helps New Trier claim regional crown
Glenview Thursday, 4/12/12 New Trier catcher, Molly Morrison (21) throws to first after picking up a bunt during the second inning of Thursday's game at Glenbrook South. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 3, 2012 11:56AM
Near the midway point of the 2012 season, New Trier softball catcher Molly Morrison was having a hard time walking without pain.
The doctor’s initial inkling was that Morrison had a problem with the labrum in her hip. But the issue went away after she sat out and rested for a week, signifying the pain Morrison had experienced was from nothing more than overuse.
That week long break during the middle of New Trier’s season left Morrison feeling like new. Now she’ll try to pen a satisfying ending to her high school career before heading to Georgetown University.
“I’m definitely refreshed and rejuvenated, and (the break) was just perfect,” Morrison said. “I definitely felt like I was hurting beforehand, and I’m so happy that I took that break in the middle of the season versus now, when the postseason comes around. I’m at my best, which is great.”
Morrison’s performance in the postseason has mirrored how she feels physically. In addition to playing exemplary defense, Morrison went 1-for-2 with an RBI against Lake Forest, and then hit a two-run double in the sixth inning of a 6-0 win over Glenbrook South in the New Trier regional final.
The Trevians were to meet Loyola in the Niles West sectional semifinals on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the sectional final at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Morrison’s big hit broke a scoreless tie, and served as the eventual game-winning stroke. It also displayed the danger of the Trevians’ lineup.
During the last couple of weeks in the regular season, New Trier coach John Caldwell moved Morrison to the No. 8 slot in the lineup. She has stayed there since, displaying little ego on a team which is truly without any easy outs in its lineup.
“I try not to get too caught up in where I’m batting,” Morrison said. “I know a lot of girls — not on our team — can tend to do that and get stressed out about it. But I look at it like I see more batters up, so that means there are more girls that come back and say, ‘Hey, the pitcher’s throwing down and away.’ So seeing more people is more beneficial.”
While Morrison has seen noticeable improvements in her swing this season, defense has always been her strong suit.
“As far as catching, defense has always kind of been my thing,” Morrison said. “I think that’s kind of my main goal is staying sharp with that, and I’ve done that.”
Once the Trevians wrap up their season and Morrison’s prep career ends, she’ll move onto Washington, D.C. Morrison and Georgetown connected in the summer between her junior and senior seasons after she played in a high-profile tournament in Colorado with the Illinois Chill, her club softball team.
For Morrison, Georgetown represents an ideal next step.
“The school, academically, is amazing,” Morrison said. “I love (Washington) D.C. It’s a cool location, lots of opportunities to do stuff like internships, and stuff is just always going on, which is exciting. The coaches are great. The girls are really fun. I think it’s just the perfect match of academics and athletics for me.”
