A dominating pitcher can change the dynamic of a softball team.
Over the past four years senior Alex Holmes developed into a game-changing presence for UC Davis.
The San Juan Capistrano, Calif. native threw over 220 innings this year, twice as many as all other Aggie pitchers combined. She finished the year atop the Big West Conference with 209 strikeouts and her 2.60 ERA was good for third in the league.
“She placed us in the position to win games all year long,” said coach Karen Yoder. “She pitched really well.”
Her efforts this season earned Holmes All-Big West First Team honors for the third season in a row.
In 2010 Holmes was named Big West Pitcher of the Year.
Holmes was not just solid in the circle, however, she was also a force at the plate.
Holmes started all 105 games as a hitter for the Aggies over the past two seasons. Batting leadoff, Holmes finished the season second on the team in batting average with .321 and first in slugging percentage at .503.
Holmes also ended the year tied for the national lead with eight triples. She was the only pitcher to be ranked in the top-50 for that category.
While Holmes will certainly be missed in the circle, her impact on the team extended beyond the diamond.
“Alex [Holmes] has been a leader for us all year,” said sophomore pitcher Jessica Thweatt. “As a senior pitcher she is the center of the team, and she was big for us both on and off the field.”
