Harrison's Marino Throws No-Hitter for Springfield

Ashley Marino remained focused and composed, refusing to think about the possibility of a no-hitter until the sixth inning.

The Springfield College sophomore and No. 1 pitcher had not allowed a hit through five innings of the team’s softball game with host Clark.

“My teammates knew and they were coming up to me and telling me I was pitching a great game and they had my back,” Marino said. “I don’t like to think of a no-hitter before the fifth inning because it is still early, but after the fifth inning I knew the opposing coach caught on because she was calling time out a lot and switching players to throw me off.”

It did not work as Marino cruised through the final two innings to complete her first college no-hitter in a 4-0 win, last Saturday. Marino struck out seven and walked one in the program‘s first no-hitter since 2008.

This was Marino’s second shutout of the season. She is currently 6-4 on the season and leads the team in strikeouts.

As a result of her accomplishment, Marino was selected as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference softball pitcher of the week. She was also chosen the Springfield College female athlete of the week.

“It felt amazing, especially when I found out that it was the first no-hitter since 2008,” said Marino, who tossed a no-no her senior year at Harrison High School. Following her accomplishment, the poised Marino said the team met in the outfield and celebrated, because, “it was a team effort.”

“They were an aggressive team, swinging at everything, but my defense made some awesome plays,” Marino said. “They had my back the entire game and they wanted to keep the no-hitter for me.”

Marino said she approached the game just like she has done every game since her freshman year in high school. She had a good pre-game warm up and went into the game with a good mindset.

“I want to put my team in the best position to win every game,” said Marino, a physical education major.

Marino followed the lead of her catcher, Allison Clott, who called a great game.

“She is aware of each batter’s tendencies and what pitch I should throw,” Marino said. “During the game, she would come to the circle and talk softball to me so I stayed focused and was not bothered by everything that was going on.”

 

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