Ayanna Andrews Uses Speed to Kill Opponents

Ayanna Andrews is getting close to a certainty - when on base it's inevitable she will try to steal.

The softball centerfielder is this area's softball answer to baseball's Ricky Henderson. A gifted hitter and a very intelligent young woman, Andrews knows she has something that few others can match - speed. As a result, she tries to use it to her advantage.

"I like to steal," Andrews said matter-of-factly at a recent practice, "Especially if I have the opportunity."

Given her prowess at hitting, Andrews gets plenty of opportunities.

In 44 at-bats, Andrews has racked up 24 hits for a .545 batting average. She has two home runs, four triples and a pair of doubles. Despite leading off, Andrews also has 10 RBIs.

Oh, yeah and 26 stolen bases.

"Once I get on base, that's what I'm thinking of, stealing," Andrews said. "I do whatever I can to get another base but I don't think of stealing until I get on base. I'm thinking of hitting and getting on base first."

To say Andrews is aggressive is an understatement.

"A lot of times I do steal on the first pitch," Andrews said. "I think it is good when I get on base because I am aggressive and get in scoring position early and that benefits the next batter."

"I think the way you start off the game sets the tone so the leadoff batter is important. I think the team just feeds off of that like a big rally."

Andrews has always used her intelligence to get an edge. Naturally a right-handed batter, she began tinkering with batting left-handed in grade school softball. When she came to Countryside and told her coaches she was a switch-hitter, she began hitting left-handed full-time.

Batting left-handed is a great advantage as it gives the batter a two-step head start in getting down the line to first base. Andrews recognized this years ago.

"I was a really good right-handed hitter," Andrews said. "It's been so long, I can't remember hitting right-handed. It would be too weird if I tried."

With her high school days numbered, it doesn't mean her softball days are done. Andrews will play for LSU next year.

"I'm super stoked," she said.

On deck:

at 4 p.m. today.