Andy Hancock pitching Bonneville softball to success

Washington Terrace, Utah – Going the distance is something that Andy Hancock does better than the average pitcher.
 
In virtually all of her starts for Bonneville (Washington Terrace) this season, the 5-foot-7 senior has pitched a full seven innings. There's simply no reason to take Hancock out in later innings. Her arm is strong enough that the pitches she delivers are as lethal in the seventh as they are in the first.

The results speak to how effective Hancock is when pitching a full game. She has posted a 19-2 record from the circle for the Lakers softball team this season. No pitcher in the state has more wins.
 
"I've been having so much fun," Hancock said. "Seniors at this time of year are just kind of done with school and with everything. They're ready to graduate. I'm ready to graduate, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to Laker softball. I wish this could go on longer. We've been having fun. We've been successful."

Bonneville entered the Class 4A softball tournament with a 21-3 record and won its playoff opener 4-3 over Springville on Tuesday afternoon. Only Clearfield has a better winning percentage than the Lakers. Hancock's steady pitching is a big reason why Bonneville is one of the more dangerous state title contenders.

Hancock rattled off 12 straight wins at one point this season and did not lose a single game in April. Bonneville opponents averaged just 1.3 runs per game in that stretch while the Lakers scored 8.6 runs per contest.

"What stands out about Andy is she has a great work ethic," Bonneville coach Brenda Hart said. "She hits her spots well. She is quick off the mound and she is determined."

Hancock has taken a major leap forward this season after posting a 15-10 record as a junior and a 12-11 record as a sophomore. This season feels a little different than the others. Hancock feels mentally tougher. She senses having more stamina in tight ball games. She also feels like her knowledge of the game has blossomed to an even higher level.

It isn't solely about what she has done. Hancock also credits senior catcher Abby Toller with helping her develop greater consistency this season. They have an undeniable chemistry when she is in the pitcher's circle and it has helped Hancock settle into a comfortable spot.

"She calls my pitches and she does an awesome job with that," Hancock said. "That helps me a lot when I know she is going to call a good game every time because she does every time."

Hancock showed potential for this kind of dominant season well before she entered the high school ranks. Hart first saw her pitch while coaching her on a Little League team at 10 years old. Back then, she sensed Hancock would turn out to be something more than an ordinary pitcher.

Hart could already see a determination that made her a natural leader and a clutch pitcher.

"She just had that fire and that drive," Hart said.

Pitching is in Hancock's blood. She has also made a mark as a reliable hitter for Bonneville this season with eight home runs and six doubles. But there is nothing that truly defines her more than what she does when the ball is in her hand.

Hancock embraces the spotlight and pressure that comes with being the first line of defense against another team's best hitters.

"You have to be mentally tough," Hancock said. "Sometimes, it might seem crazy to be a pitcher. But I think I'd be crazy to be a catcher or a third baseman. I just like it. I can't really put it into words. It fits me and my personality. I love it."

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can e-mail him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports.