“Can the freshmen deliver?” “Will they buckle under the intense pressure?” These are concerns that renowned commentators such as Dick Vitale and Clark Kellogg highlight during every March Madness. There seems to be a commonly accepted notion in sports that young players lack the experience and composure necessary to thrive in high-pressure situations. Yet there have been exceptions throughout athletic history—just look at Michael Jordan. If you ask Hoya softball coach, Pat Conlan, though, you would probably add another name to that list: Cara Savarese.
Only a freshman, Savarese has delivered big-time for the young Hoya softball squad. Last Saturday, with the score tied 1-1 in the top of the 12th inning, which is the fifth extra inning in softball, Cara Savarese hit the game-winning single, allowing the Hoyas to eke out a 2-1 victory over Syracuse. Because of clutch performances like that, coach Conlan couldn’t be happier with what her rookie has done this year.
“I’m not sure my expectations of her were very high,” says coach Conlan. “She’s come in and started at first base for us, a really stabilizing presence in the infield. She has tremendous work ethic … She’s hit in the clean-up spot for us, which is tough for any freshman to do. I anticipate her staying there for the next four years.”
Despite high praises from coach Conlan, Savarese is hungry to accomplish more.
“I want to keep getting better and better. I want to win and get that big hit.”
She’s young, she’s driven, and she can play. Jordan-esque? Time can only tell.
