Softball: Every game’s a learning experience for Spigner

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Leaning against the left-field fence after the game, you could tell Valencia‘s Jessica Spigner was having difficulty digesting Hart‘s 1-0 victory on Tuesday. But who could blame her? It’s not often you see a pitcher suffer a loss when she gives up only two hits and strikes out 11.

It’s easy to forget Spigner is just getting used to this pitching gig. The converted third baseman is sort of a rookie when it comes to pitching at the high school level, and it’s not easy following in the footsteps of Jordan Taylor.

Looking past the home run she gave up to Heather Stiglich in the seventh, Spigner tossed one heck of a game. In fact, she looked just as good as Hart’s UCLA-bound pitcher, Destiny Rodino.

‘I’ve learned a lot this season and I learned a lot today,’ Spigner said. ‘I now know that I won’t go inside on [Stiglich] next time I face her. I saw the way she was standing in the box. I should have known not to throw that pitch.’

OK, so maybe she made a mistake, but who cares? This is the time of year where mistakes aren’t as costly as they would be later. Besides, Spigner has a little more than 20 games of high school pitching experience behind her -- and she’s still managing to toss a two-hitter against one of the area’s top teams.

At this pace, it’s scary to think how good she could be by the time the postseason rolls around.

By the way, here’s Valencia Coach Donna Lee’s comments on the game:

And here’s Hart Coach Steve Calendo’s take:

-- Austin Knoblauch