STILLWATER, Okla. — Five months ago, Stillwater High School softball player Brittney Lockett questioned whether or not pitching was for her. The extra hours of pitching classes and the pressure filling a huge hole for the Lady Pioneers tested the senior’s mental toughness.

Now, there’s no question who Stillwater coach Amber Davis would rather have in the circle with the game on the line.

“I’ve been extremely impressed with her,” Davis said. “She’s worked hard all spring and summer and just taken it head on. It just shows how much of a team player she is. She didn’t want to go to all those classes, but she did it because she knew it would make us better.”

Lockett finally saw her hard work pay off as Stillwater opened the season this last week. Making four appearances in five games, Lockett (3-1) allowed just one run in 17 innings. She also struck out 19 and pitched three perfect innings in Stillwater’s season-opening win over Putnam City West.

She also helped her own cause by going 3 for 9 with two RBIs at the plate.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Lockett said. “It definitely raises my confidence level pretty high after a start like that. I feel like I know what I’m capable of now, so it’s nice to know all my hard work over the summer paid off.”

Not bad considering Lockett didn’t think she’d be the starting pitcher when the season started.

Originally Lockett was supposed to start at shortstop after playing second base most of last year. But when Davis came looking for a pitcher, the senior volunteered her services knowing it would benefit the team.

“I was really nervous and scared when I first started pitching,” Lockett said. “Over the summer I started going to pitching lessons and I slowly got better. I still thought I was going to be the starting shortstop when the season began. I really didn’t expect to be the starting pitcher — that was kind of a big surprise.”

What started as a way to help the team has now become an addiction to Lockett. Even with the pressures of replacing two dominant pitchers like Chandler Nett and Jodi Vinyard, Lockett has embraced her new role on the team.

“I like pitching, now,” Lockett said. “There’s just something about being able to control the game. When I have the ball in my hands, I feel like I’m in control. I know that I can go out there and pitch the way I want, and my defense will make plays behind me.”

It’s all about control for Lockett — something she’s had plenty of. Even in her only loss of the season — a 1-0 defeat to Ponca City in the Stillwater High School Softball Festival — Lockett has been on point all season by only allowing two walks.

“We were just talking about that while we were going over her stats,” Davis said. “I’ve been a bit surprised at how well she’s done, considering the team’s she has faced. You know, pitching is such an important part of softball. For her to go out there and strikeout seven, eight or nine people just helps boost her confidence.”

Honorable Mention

Baby Phares, softball

Peyton Meacham, volleyball

Jenny Scarbrough, softball

Kiley Josey, volleyball