Athlete Spotlight: Maureen Pelot, one-hit wonder

Pitching in the backend of a double header, Maureen Pelot had rival King’s batters swinging at air all game. Pelot’s terrific pitching effort had the senior softball player walking off the mound with a shutout under her belt and for her effort is this week’s Athlete Spotlight.

“Shutting out King’s was a fantastic feeling,” Pelot commented. “It’s been a long time since we’ve swept King’s so it felt great to finally do so.”

Pelot effectively shut down the Monarchs high powered offense with six strikeouts and two walks, only allowing one hit against sixteen batters.

“I think what was really working for me through those 5 innings was honestly the defense I had behind me,” Pelot said. “Good defense really gave me the confidence and motivation to throw harder. I get nervous after every walk though, because it always seems that each walk I give up always comes back to bit me and usually scores. But my defense made sure that did not happen.”

Head coach Frank Matthews could not be happier with the pleasant surprise Pelot has been this season.

“Early this year, Mo had a tendency to get very wild and throw some “unique” pitches,” Matthews said. “However, of late she has greatly improved her control, is throwing a lot more strikes, and is working ahead in the count much more often.”

What makes Pelot such a special player is her veteran ability to put the team before individual accomplishment and not stay down when things aren’t going her way on the stat sheet.

“I try not to think about my own personal win-loss record,” Pelot said. “Yes it’s nice to have more wins, but a loss does not necessarily reflect on the way I pitched. We win and lose as a team, and one team member can’t win or lose a game by themselves. As far as the rest of the season is concerned, I would love to get a few more wins under my belt but more for the benefit of the team rather than my personal win-loss record.”
The stats favored Pelot against the Monarchs, and coach Matthews had something short and simple to say to the senior after the game.

“Just a simple well-done,” Matthews said. “I think our players will be the first to tell you that I am not one to gush over their accomplishments.  It’s on to the next challenge.  I was very proud of her, and very pleased that she put such a good game together against a rival.  I’m sure it is a game she will always remember.”

This is Pelot’s final year as a Wilkes student and athlete, and with the end of her career upon her, it is impossible for her too look ahead to the future.

“Well, I’m getting married this June and moving to Kansas where my fiancée is stationed in the Army,” said Pelot. “Of course that adds a lot of stress with marriage, moving, jobs, school, and softball and so on, but I’m very excited.”

Her plans include working in the nursing field and attending graduate school. Pelot doesn’t want to see a future where she can’t turn to throwing the softball as a form of relaxation and entertainment.