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06/11/2014 12:00 AMFor shortstop Astin Donovan, the SCC Tournament was her final chance to show the conference how clutch she can be and she knocked that opportunity out of the park.
The Guilford resident and Mercy softball senior was a part of a Tigers' squad that took the SCC title last spring, yet this year Astin played an even bigger role in helping Mercy hold on to that crown. Following victories over East Haven and Hand to reach the championship game versus Amity, Astin showed no fear in the final clash-going 3-for-3, scoring twice, and collecting three RBIs to earn the tournament's Most Outstanding Player Award.
"It was an honor to win this, because this is my last year, and it's one thing to be the defending SCC champs, but to have the honor of being the Most Outstanding Player of the whole SCC is eye-opening," says Astin, who finished with a .545 batting average with two triples and a double for the three-game tournament. "It's also amazing to win it because I've been working hard and couldn't be happier."
In the first inning of the 4-0 title-sealing win, Astin also showed aggressiveness along the base paths by singling then stealing both second and third, yet that's nothing new to her or the rest of her team, as she's seen as the squad's spark plug.
"It's my job to set the tone and attitude for each game, so I feel I need to do whatever possible to help get that first run," says the captain, who has hit .513 with a slugging percentage of .923 for the season. "Getting that first run is how our team operates. If I'm given an opportunity to steal third, I see it as myself being part of how we go about with our attitude and energy."
That emotion also carried Astin and Mercy through victories over Hand and Amity, two teams with which the Tigers split during the regular campaign. She says that, along with a fierce lineup and even stronger dugout, wins championships for Mercy.
"We kind of had a little score to settle with Amity and Hand, so we knew we had to come back and have high energy," Astin says. "We struggled in the first round with East Haven, who we hadn't played before, so we just had to score first and stay strong because we didn't know what to expect. We have amazing hitters on our team, so we can keep stringing hits together and pushing runners across."
Head Coach Marji Sklar-Levine feels that Astin is the complete five-tool player with her capabilities both on and off the diamond.
"Astin is a true gamer. She has a deep passion for the game of softball with tremendous work ethic, and is a gifted athlete," says Sklar-Levine. "She makes those around her better players. She is a natural leader on and off the field. Her knowledge of the game, instinct, speed, and leadership ability make her an all-around coach's dream."
When she is up at-bat or in the field during those white-knuckle moments, Astin likes to let things air out while playing for a ball club that has been more than just her home away from home.
"Physically, you just have to take deep breaths up there, because I think you do your best when you are relaxed, and I always take a deep breath before I step into the batter's box," says Astin. "I love playing for Mercy. It's amazing because you have another family here; we are best friends, but we know how to get business done. There's no drama and we really click. To have that comfort and trust, it makes things easier."
Astin-who thanks parents, Lauri and Kevin, along with all of her high school and travel coaches, plus USA Elite softball coaches, Jen Hapanowicz and Kim Gwyer—now looks ahead to the University of South Florida this fall where she will be studying criminology and continue softball. Although she's currently slated to be a utility player, Astin wants to carve out a spot for herself in the Bulls' lineup.
"I will be training year-round with BreakOut Athlete in working on my speed to make the [USF] lineup," says Astin.
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