Coventry softball pitcher Mitchell isn't holding anything back

Mar. 30—COVENTRY — It was during a drill in practice on Monday when Coventry sophomore Charlotte Wesoloskie — in a full sprint — made a shoestring catch just off the right-field line.

It was a moment that had her teammate — junior pitcher Elizabeth Mitchell — jumping up and down in excitement.

"That's Elizabeth for you," Coventry softball coach Jeff LaHouse said. "She's our energy. When she strikes out a batter, she's jumping three feet up in the air. She's always pumping her fist and is just a gamer."

It's that part of her personality. The positive attitude she brings to the field each and every day is one of the things that is just downright contagious throughout the entire team.

"I just care about the girls behind me," Mitchell said. "I want what's best for them. Since I started playing softball — back when I was nine years old — I just grew to love the sport. I want so much to do what's best for the team."

Mitchell put together quite a successful sophomore season in the circle last spring for Coventry in her first varsity season. She recorded 214 strikeouts, with No. 200 coming during a 6-1 victory in the Class S state tournament quarterfinals over Somers. She struck out 17 — including 10 in a row in one stretch.

At the start of last season, LaHouse was a little bit nervous about Mitchell, who missed the majority of her freshman year due to a back injury.

"I didn't know if she'd be able to pitch or how strong she would be," LaHouse said. "From how she ended — she played in two or three games as a freshman — to how she started out sophomore year it was like, 'Wow!'.

"It was just pleasantly surprised. She's the real deal."

Mitchell said there were moments early last season that were eye-opening.

"The first two games were pretty rough," Mitchell said. "I didn't know how to locate the ball that well. It was a learning experience to say the least. There were a couple that I put over the middle and they were just crushed."

Mitchell credits her catcher, senior Remy Casida (who is headed to Endicott College in the fall), in playing a big part in the adjustment.

"We just communicate so well," Mitchell said. "I trust her with what to call. She's just one of the best catchers I've ever had."

That goes beyond the high school season as Mitchell and Casida play together during the summer months with the Connecticut Bombers travel program.

Mitchell, who also plays volleyball for Coventry, gained more off-season experience while playing in Florida and Pennsylvania during January and February as a guest pitcher for the Lady Nightmares travel squad, which she learned about after father saw it on Facebook.

"It was real good competition," Mitchell said. "Just another level. They play year-round."

Pitching was something Mitchell wanted to try when she started playing the game after watching some of the older players.

"It was just so fascinating," Mitchell said. "I wanted to try that. And I kept on working at it, kept on improving and fell in love with it. Everyone that surrounded me ... the coaches. They drove me to be better.

"The more I kept on practicing you could see the improvement. I just wanted to get better and better."

Mitchell said one of her pitches that has improved is her screwball that has better movement. And she said her velocity has picked up a little bit along with some movement.

One area that LaHouse said that Mitchell has made big strides is in being smarter about the game.

For example, there were moments last year where she just wanted to strike out every batter.

"We would have some good conversations out there," LaHouse said. "She would keep on saying, 'I can get the strikeout,' " And after a few moments, I'd say, 'I know you can, but we're not going to do that here.'

"It's just that competitive drive. She thrives being out there."

Coventry finished 20-5 last season — one that ended in the Class S semifinals against North Branford. Mitchell allowed one hit and struck out six, but five errors cost the Patriots, including three in the fifth leading to a four-run uprising for the Thunderbirds in their 4-2 victory at West Haven High.

"We were just so close," Mitchell said. "Our practices are very competitive and tough and we have a very good schedule which is going to help us.

"The big key is having good communication and keeping a strong focus. We're all pretty close and all care for one another. We all want to do what's best for the team."

That non-conference schedule includes games against Norwich Free Academy, Middletown, E.O. Smith, East Lyme, East Hampton and Cromwell, last year's Class S state champion.

"Every game we play is going to be a test," LaHouse said. "We want to play the best competition we can. We're stronger this year number-wise and have some very good freshmen mixed in with our veterans. We're looking forward to the season."

Coventry opens the season and its NCCC schedule Tuesday at home against East Windsor/SMSA.