Three Marlins earn nod on D-1 All-State softball team By Mike Moore FARMINGTON HILLS — When the 2010 softball season began, Farmington Hills Mercy coach Fred Marinucci was, admittedly, nervous about his top pitcher, sophomore Kayce Nieto. After a dominant freshman year, the right-hander had surgery on her non-throwing shoulder, casting a certain doubt over how effective she’d be as a sophomore. “That doubt went away very quickly,” Marinucci said with a laugh last week. “We weren’t sure what to expect when the season began or how hard she could really push herself, but when she threw that perfect game against Bishop Foley (April 15), we didn’t worry anymore.” The early season dominance continued from Nieto, who by the time the year was out was 20-5 in the circle and was recently named to the Division 1 All-State team by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. “It’s amazing, it really is,” she said when asked about award. “It’s a great feeling to know your recognized for something like this. There’s so much work that goes into it. It’s just amazing.” There’s little questioning Nieto’s résumé this season. To go with her 20-5 record, she had a 0.41 ERA, 338 strikeouts, five no-hitters, six one-hitters and held opponents to an average of .093. In the perfect game against Foley, she struck out 20 of 21 batters. In a 2-1 loss to Allen Park Cabrini in a 21-inning Catholic League final, she recorded 41 strikeouts. “To be as dominant as she was, it was incredible,” Marinucci said. “She took so much pressure off our defense, and that makes the game much easier for the entire team. The scary part is, she can still get better. There’s still plenty for her to work on before next year.” “There’s always room for improvement,” said Nieto, who also hit .513 with two home runs. “I’m one of those people that’s never satisfied.” Two-time recognition “To be perfectly honest, I was pretty shocked,” Lawrence said of making it for the second straight year. “My numbers weren’t as strong this year as they were last, but the honor doesn’t change. It’s so awesome to be recognized again.” Lawrence, the team’s first baseman, hit .371 in 2010 with two home runs and a .436 on-base percentage. She also had a fielding average of .981. “There was a ton of pressure on her because teams knew all about her,” Marinucci said. “For her to have the year she did was pretty awesome, but not surprising. She’s one of those fiery kids that loves to compete. She was a competitor and leader through and through. She may not have those drop-dead, knock-out statistics, but she was the heart of our team.” “It’s tough to put this into words,” Lawrence said. “It means a lot to me. It’s a great way to end my career.” Also recognized “This was a girl you can’t help but love,” Marinucci said of his senior second baseman. “She was one of those leaders who had that desire to compete on a daily basis. The intangibles she brought will be so tough to replace. The little things that people don’t see on the field are what she did so well.” Garry finished the year with a .353 batting average, 16 stolen bases, 25 runs scored and a .421 on-base percentage. She also had a .978 fielding percentage at second. You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038. |
