By Dave Krider
MaxPreps.com
Cabrini Catholic (Allen Park, Mich.) set two national softball records this year while raising its state-record winning streak to 74 games. The Monarchs yielded only one run in 33 games to eclipse the national record of two runs in 25 games by Southington, Conn., in 2004.
The other national mark was set by junior Katie Osburn, who pitched 30 consecutive shutouts - three at the end of last year and 27 in a row this year - before surrendering a run in a 10-1 district victory over Allen Park Inter-City Baptist. The record of 24 straight shutouts by Molly Hill of Wayne, Neb., had stood since 2004.
Osburn pitched her 32nd shutout (and 12th no-hitter) of the year Saturday as the Monarchs routed Frankfort, 10-0, in five innings to repeat as Division 4 state champ. They finished with a 35-0 record, which included two forfeits.
"It validated everything we did this year," coach Debbie Norman said of the records. "It was just a byproduct of the girls' goals. They were all sophomores last year. It was more of a magical moment. This year there were more expectations. They wanted to repeat."
The 5-foot-5 Osburn, who already has committed to Miami of Ohio, posted a 33-0 record this year with a microscopic 0.04 ERA. In 163 innings, she struck out 320, walked 11 and gave up 38 hits. As a leadoff hitter, she batted .485 with 56 runs, 36 RBIs, 16 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 16 walks and only seven strikeouts.
Osburn also doubled in the only run during a 1-0 semifinal victory over Bay City All Saints while firing a one-hitter with 14 strikeouts. Then she later launched a first-inning home run to start the title-game rout of Frankfort, which had entered the contest with a state-record 326 RBIs and 40 home runs, which tied the state record.
"She had a phenomenal weekend, hitting and pitching," coach Norman said of Osburn. "When she hit the home run, our team was able to take a deep breath and play a little looser. It was contagious. She is very focused and is a complete player. I could put her any place on the field. She has six pitches and can really pin-point them."
Catcher Amanda Chidester is the other half of what may be the finest junior battery in the nation. She was named Gatorade State Player of the Year and earned it with a tremendous .730 batting average - second in Michigan history. The 5-10 star slammed 16 home runs and drove in 90. She also scored 64 runs, hit 19 doubles, six triples, drew 21 walks, stole 11 bases in as many tries and struck out just three times.
Chidester, who has committed to the University of Michigan, has "unbelievable power," coach Norman says. "She is a very heady softball player. She hits solid shots. I wouldn't want to get in front of them. When she's up to bat, I make sure I pay close attention (while coaching third base)."
Don't be surprised if the Monarchs stage a three-peat in 2008, because they will return seven starters and the hunger isn't going to go away.