In her first-ever regional tournament appearance, Strawberry Crest sophomore Kacey Fultz pitched the Chargers to a 9-5 win over Lake Minneola. She also demonstrated the ability to get out of a jam: after the Hawks scored four runs in two innings, attempting a comeback, Fultz was able to settle down and help ensure that she and her teammates would be the ones advancing to the next round.
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What was it like, starting a regional playoff game as a sophomore?
It’s certainly been a little challenging. We’ve all been playing as a team lately. We’ve gotten together, and we’re all a family. Even though I’m just a sophomore, I’m out here doing my best for my team.
You got in a little jam midway through the game, but then you got yourself out of it. What did you tell yourself to calm down?
I always just take a deep breath. I’ve been pitching for my entire softball career, basically, so I just had to get the confidence in myself.
At what point did you get your confidence back up?
Once I actually settled down and the pitches just kept going. My team had my back. That’s when I felt good.
This is a young team, and you’re one of the younger players. What was it like to play on a team with so many girls around your age, and get this far?
We are a young team, so everyone thinks that they can just run over us, or whatever. But we definitely have a lot of talent on our team. And, like I said, we all play as a team and get things done.
What sets this team apart from somebody else, say, one of those teams that thought they’d beat you but isn’t playing ball right now?
I think that we just know how to fight. We obviously can get down in some games, but we know how to bring it back up.
How long have you been playing softball?
Since I was 5, so 10 years. My parents wanted me to play a sport, and a lot of my friends around me started playing softball, so I just started playing.
Is there any sport you’ve never played, but would try?
I’ve never really played any other sport. But, everyone tells me I’d be good at volleyball.
Are you hoping to play in college?
Yes, I would like to go to Southeastern University, in Lakeland. I want to go into the sports medicine, physical therapy field. Something like that.
Who’s your biggest inspiration on the field?
Kevin Kiermaier. I know that a lot of girls give that answer, but you can just tell that when he’s out there, he gives it his all.