Reed, the T-Bolts' No. 3 hitter, is mired in an early season slump at just .194. She has a home run, a triple and a double in 31 at bats, but is struggling to get good pitches to hit. Plays at the plate are some of the most exciting moments in softball. When a runner rounds third base, the catcher is responsible for moving the bat out of the way, lining up the cutoff, and extending the left chin guard over the front of the plate. On close plays, catching and securing the ball in the mitt is the first objective, making the tag is the second.
Physical contact is a definite, even if the runner is safe.
Reed admits she gets nervous, which is only natural for a catcher who is placing their body in front of an onrushing opponent. But every catcher admits there is nothing better than making the tag and squandering an opponents' charge to the plate. Softball isn't softball until you get into a play at the plate. Enlarge Vineland catcher Jessy Lopez gets this view every day behing the Fighting Clan plate. With a rocket arm and a solid stick, the junior is one of the area's best catchers.