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Athlete of the week: North Hall's Megan Rogers
16-strikeout performance lifts Trojans
0822softball2 RW
North Hall's Megan Rogers - photo by Times file photo

 

Being cut as an eighth-grade third baseman and outfielder pushed North Hall’s Megan Rogers into pitching.

"My dad and I knew North Hall would need that position filled the next year," Rogers said.

As a pitcher, Rogers made the varsity team the next year and has thrived since.

"Pitching is so much fun," Rogers said. "You’re always involved in everything on the field.

"It’s hard too, and I love a challenge."

A statement backed-up by Rogers’ performance in a 2-1 win over Lumpkin County (12-7, 5-2 Region 7-AAA) on Tuesday.

The junior set a new school record by striking out 16 batters and pitching a one-hitter against a Lady Indians’ squad that was averaging 4.4 runs per game.

All while battling a cold.

"She was behind in the count a lot," North Hall coach Roger Fannon said, "but she just kept fighting because she knew it was a big game.

"It’s the best she’s pitched."

Since 2004, Lumpkin County and North Hall (9-6, 5-3) have met eight times with the games being decided by an average of two runs.

"I wanted to play hard because of the rivalry," Rogers said. "I love pitching and it’s fun."

According to Fannon, during his tenure at North Hall he hasn’t had a pitcher like Rogers.

Using a fastball, screwball and changeup, "she throws hard," Fannon said. "She’s the first I’ve ever had to throw 60 miles per hour."

That alone, however, isn’t what makes Rogers a top-notch performer.

"Her demeanor is what makes her so good," Fannon said. "She’s very even-keeled but has an intense fire to compete.

"She can’t stand to lose or get beaten."

"I think you have to be competitive to be a pitcher," Rogers said. "You are competing with yourself, the batter and the umpire."

Rogers’ competitive drive manifests itself in other ways too.

On her team’s off days, she can be found at North Hall’s softball field with Lady Trojans’ catcher Danniele Newbern going through her pre-game warm-ups.

"Megan’s a very hard worker," Fannon said.

"I work just because I love the game," Rogers said. "I’m always wanting to be better and work everyday to be the best I can be."

Currently, North Hall is in fourth place in the Region 7A-AAA standings, a half game behind Lumpkin County and White County, and three games back of subregion leader Creekview.

The Lady Trojans play host to Gilmer at 5:55 today.

Honorable mentions

Softball

Whitney Holman, Buford

Stephanie Satterfield, White County

: Struck out 20 on her way to her eighth and ninth wins of the season.

Morgan Strickland, West Hall

: She had 10 strikouts in a one-hit, shutout win over Chestatee.

Emily Hammond, West Hall

: Struck out nine and had two hits in the Lady Spartans win over West Forsyth.

Volleyball

Kiki Thompson, Gainesville

Loren Thomas, Gainesville

: 10 assists, four digs, two blocks and one ace in win over St. Francis.

Jacklyn Campbell, Habersham Central

: 15 kills and one ace Wednesday to help the Lady Raiders split their tri-match with Mill Creek and Cedar Shoals.

Alura Roe, Chestatee

: Had 23 kills, one dig and 10 blocks in matches with West Hall, Flowery Branch and North Hall.

Katie Clark, Johnson

: 14 aces in tri-match with Gainesville and West Forsyth.

Abigail Grindle, West Hall

: 16 kills, four assists and 27 digs in four matches at Darlington Invitational on Saturday.

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