Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 22, 1995 TAG: 9504260031
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The junior softball pitcher had thrown only fastpitch until joining the Lord Botetourt team last year. Now Thompson (6-2) is a slowpitch dynamo. Her only losses have come to powerful William Byrd, in which she allowed four hits, and a 5-4 extra-inning setback to Salem on another four-hitter.
Her interest in softball was stimulated when she attended a clinic where Salem standout Wendy Yarborough was teaching youngsters how to play the game. ``I was in elementary school and I picked it up then. She was teaching fastpitch,'' said Thompson.
Softball has become Thompson's primary interest. She pitches from February through July in competitions that last year included the Dixie Youth league. During the other months, she tries to throw some each week. Thompson hopes her consistent practice will lead to a pitching spot on a college roster.
``We tried to use Mandy Sowers [younger sister of Janelle Sowers, who as a freshman pitched the Cavaliers to the Group AA state championship game] as a pitcher last year and Jessica stepped in. Her number one problem was control,'' said Botetourt coach Andy Ward.
Thompson struck out seven and walked seven each game. This year, she's still whiffing seven per game but is down to two walks per outing.
``I love strikeouts,'' Thompson admitted.
As for the walks, Thompson said she worked hard to gain better control. ``I throw hard. I concentrate on my target. I don't pay attention to the batter. At least, I try not to.''
At a picnic last summer, she threw a baseball overhand. Thompson was timed at better than 50 mph on a radar gun. ``I'm much faster underhanded,'' she said.
Softball comes naturally for Thompson. ``I got into the groove from what my dad [Jack Thompson] taught me. He's played softball for 25 years,'' said Thompson. ``He tells me to keep my head up when I'm pitching and what I need to work on.''
Thompson has also played third base, but she's given that up to concentrate on pitching.
Still, she hadn't pitched fastpitch in competition until receiving Ward's guidance.
``She looked like a natural on the mound,'' said Ward. ``Her mechanics were excellent. We felt we could develop her into one of the top pitchers by [her junior year]. Until I saw her in tryouts, we knew nothing about her. It was a good surprise.''
Added Thompson: ``I'm amazed at my success. But I'm also very pleased with the help I get and my success.''
by CNB