SOFTBALL 2005: Experience Counts for Twin Captains

If talent and experience are the keys to success for the Harvard softball team, one need look no further than co-captains Kerry Flaherty and Lauren Bettinelli. Flaherty, a junior, and Bettinelli—or “B,” as she is known by her teammates—will turn five seasons of collegiate softball into potent leadership for the 2005 season.

The co-captains, who have been playing together for just under three years, are familiar with each other’s strengths and have used this familiarity to complement one another both on and off the field.

“B and I balance each other really well,” Flaherty said. “She’s more laid back than I am, and she approaches [the game] with a more relaxed attitude.”

“Kerry’s the more organized of the two of us, so she’s usually good about administrative stuff,” Bettinelli said. “She observes things and picks up on the little details.”

Compatibility is something that the team has recognized as well.

“Kerry and B are both strong individuals [who] bring a lot to the team,” said sophomore pitcher Becky Voaklander. “Kerry is a more visually active leader while B is equally active but more of a behind the scenes leader.”

It is easy for Flaherty and Bettinelli to do their job on the field, as they cover opposite areas. Flaherty plays in the outfield while Bettinelli mans the infield from the mound and at second or third base.

“[Kerry] is our anchor out there in center. She gets to balls that you think no one will get to,” Head Coach Jenny Allard said. “She knows what she has to do, and she’s done well for us out there.”

Bettinelli’s versatility as a utility player makes her a valuable contributor for the Crimson. “Offensively, she can make a lot of things happen,” Allard said. “She’s a good threat at the plate. She has some of the best hands on the team. She has quick hands, quick read.”

ON THE JOB

Off the field, Flaherty and Bettinelli recognize that their workload as captainshas lightened thanks to the team’s work ethic.

“We’re lucky that the team’s so motivated and wants to win,” Flaherty said.

“We didn’t need to get anyone to get down to practice or tell them to work hard, because the team as individuals already had that self-motivation,” Bettinelli added.

Team cohesion is only one of the many responsibilities that go along with the role of captain.

Perhaps just as important for a successful season is the relationship between the team and its coaching staff.

“We act as liaisons,” Flaherty said, “and have a sense of where the team’s at and relay that to coach. We also figure out how to mediate what coach wants for the team.”

According to Allard, the captains are striking that balance.

“They have a good pulse on the team, and they’re able to work with the coaches well,” she said.

“We’re definitely trying...to generate that team voice where they can spark each other and they can create their own momentum and not rely on a coach getting upset with them or jumping on them. We’re definitely continuing to look for that, and they’re developing that,” she added.

Optimism, in addition to motivation, has been crucial for Flaherty and Bettinelli throughout their Harvard career­—including this season.

The team has faced a few bumps in the road during the non-league slate with the cancellation and rescheduling of games, as well as some tough losses—including a March 25 defeat at the hands of No. 3 California, 8-0.

“We had some tough competition, but our goal is not to win every game in the preseason,” Flaherty said. “We need to play our game, and be confident that we can win.”

Flaherty’s teammates value this mentality.

“B and Kerry don’t dwell on whatever has happened,” sophomore Sarah Shaughnessy said.

“Every single day they’re looking toward the next day and the next practice. They’ve done a great job not wallowing and looking forward,” she added.

STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

So what do the captains think will help the team add to the wins column?

According to Bettinelli, talent and experience may be Harvard’s most valuable assets.

“We have a lot of depth,” she said. “We have two freshmen pitchers [Shelly Madick and Amanda Watkins], and they have amazing composure on the mound.”

Raw talent aside, the rookies can hold their own alongside the veterans.

“We have five seniors, so there’s a lot of experience, combined with the fact that our underclassmen are mature as players too,” she continued.

After two long months, the team is anxious to take its first steps in pursuit of the Ivy title this weekend against Brown and Yale.

“We’re very prepared this year to face our opponents [in the Ivy League],” Bettinelli said.

In the team’s title run, Flaherty acknowledges that work remains to be done.

“We have to be consistent and play tough against every team, and can’t wait for something to click,” she said. “We want to peak at the right time.”

Based on their leadership thus far, there is no doubt that both Flaherty and Bettinelli will do all they can to ensure that “the right time” starts with this weekend.