Stowers a young superstar among Wolves

The UWG softball team has enjoyed great success this season, much of which can be attributed to their sensational freshman infielder Marley Stowers. Stowers has shown the versatility to be able to play almost any position around the infield, including pitcher, and also demonstrates tremendous skill and mental toughness in the batter’s box.

“I work hard on everything in practice, but when it comes to game day, I just like to have to clear my head, have fun and let my mechanics take over,” said Stowers. “I’ve played since I was five, and I’ve grown to love it since I started. I don’t care what position I play. As long as I’m on the field helping my team, that’s all that matters”

She is strong fielder and can contribute defensively anywhere around the infield. She has committed only three errors during the season as well as a fielding percentage of .954, which is third among players who have started all 18 games this season.

Stowers is also an outstanding pitcher, boasting an earned run average (ERA) of 4.14, which ranks her third on the pitching staff. She is a natural shortstop by admission, but has spent most of her time this season at third base where she and fellow shortstop, junior Randi Phillips, guard the left side of the diamond.

“Randi has impacted me most on the field,” she said. “We’re similar in the way we play the game and compete.I think competing with her has pushed us both to become better ball players.”

Although Stowers is an exceptional fielder, she is most impressive when she is in the batter’s box. She ranks near the top in almost all of the hitting categories on the team, leading the squad in doubles (4) and total bases (33). Stowers also ranks second on the team in runs batted in (RBIs) and home runs, driving in 11 runs and slugging three home runs.

The same way she is valuable as a utility infielder for her versatility, she also has exceptional skill at the plate. Stowers has the capability to hit the long ball as well as lay a bunt down the line when the team needs a baserunner. Even more so, she is a switch hitter and can do damage from both sides of the plate.

“I hit with more power from the right side, but I seem to get on base more when I bat from the left side,” she said.

She also demonstrates a huge heart for the game. She thinks about it constantly and always sets lofty goals for herself.

“I want to have a batting average on .400 and have less than five errors this season. Right now I’m below .400 and I have three errors this season, so I know I still have a lot of work to do, “said Stowers. “I am always thinking about how I can make myself better, even when I’m not playing, but I guess that all goes back to love of the game. If I could sum up my play in one word, it would be passionate.”

Erin

See author's posts

Comments

comments