graduate Brianna Byrne, of East Windsor, has taken on a new role in women's sports at Mercer County Community College. A two-year goalie for the women's soccer team, this spring she has moved to the pitcher's mound on the college's softball field.
With both of Mercer's starting pitchers on the injured list, Byrne pitched 7 games last week, going 6-1. She allowed just 6 earned runs and totaled 15 strikeouts. Byrne played some softball at Hightstown High School, but focused most of her talents on soccer. According to MCCC Softball Coach Ryan Zegarski, Byrne was a little raw in her first few games. "But it's like riding a bike. She is getting better every game." He praised her commitment to the team and for helping keep Mercer in every game. She was his selection for MCCC Athlete of the Week for the week of Mar. 27-Apr. 3.
The Lady Vikings will continue to rely on Byrne in games this week. With the expected return of pitcher Kelly Hancarik next week, Zegarski is hoping to give Byrne a break. "She will be even more effective with more rest," he said. Zegarski admits it has been an unusual season thus far. "Just when you think you have seen everything, something else pops up." With a record of 13-5, the unusual appears not to be proving an impediment for the Vikings' success on the field.
