Friends’ Central’s Maria Morsa is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (May 8-14)
The junior shortstop, a first team All-Main Line and All-Friends’ Schools League softball selection as a freshman, has been a powerful presence in the heart of the Phoenix lineup this spring, batting .609 (as of May 4) with an OPS of 1.586, a .957 slugging percentage and 17 runs scored. Last spring, she batted .426 with 29 scored for the Friends’ Schools League champions, along with 14 RBIs, 14 walks, 16 stolen bases (including six steals of home) and a .544 on-base percentage. Off the softball diamond at Friends’ Central, Morsa participates in World Affairs Council, Service Committee and Phoenix Ambassadors.
Q: What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learned recently regarding hitting?
A: This season I have really been focusing on my hips. Hips are key for hitting because they come before hands to the ball. I have also been focusing on pitch selection and making sure I’m getting the best out of my at bats.
Q: As a hitter, after facing a pitcher a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what she’s going to throw to you late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favor?
A: During the games I pay attention to every pitch the opposing pitcher throws to each player on the Phoenix team. As I go up to bat I take that into account. I understand that most of the time I will only see my perfect pitch once or maybe twice and at bat. So as soon as I see it, I try to attack it.
Q: You typically bat in the No. 3 spot for Friends’ Central. Does your approach at the plate greatly depend upon your position in the lineup, and if so, how does your approach change?
A: My approach at every at bat is that I just need to connect. I take a deep breath in between pitches and take a look at where the fielders are playing. I also keep in my mind the situation — if I’m leading off the inning I try to do everything I can to get the inning started for our team. If there’s runners on second and third, I try to hit the ball to the right side or hit a deep fly ball to score runners. It all depends on the situation.
Q: As shortstop, tell us a little about your infield leadership role while on the field.
A: My infield leadership role is something I have been working on all my life. I started off in different positions trying to get a feel of where I felt most comfortable. I always love middle infield because I was in a lot of plays. I have learned that being a shortstop is an important role because you have a lot of responsibilities.
Q: You pitched one game this season because of an injury. Describe the experience – what type of pitches did you throw mostly?
A: This experience for me was like no other. I grew up playing catcher, and tried to catch on with how the pitchers pitched. I also always asked questions on pitches. That particular game I threw a fastball and a change up while I was ahead in the count.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?
A: This off-season I worked on speed training with my personal trainer. We work once a week in the weight room or on the field. We focused on footwork and making sure I was getting to the base as fast as possible without wasting any time.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in softball – what sparked your original interest in competitive softball?
A: My interest in softball started with my mom. My mom played college softball at Villanova and I always worked with her at a young age. I started playing at four years old and it just grew to be my passion. I tried other sports but I didn’t make a connection with any other sport but softball.
Q: What is your favorite ballpark and why?
A: My favorite ballpark is Citizens Bank Park, because The Phillies are my home team. I grew up going to Phillies games all the time and even got a few game balls.
Q: You wear No. 16 for Friends’ Central softball. Was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?
A: I joined the varsity high school team in 8th grade and an upper classmen had the number I wanted, No. 8. So I multiplied it times two. It stuck with me through my high school years.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: My pre game starts with making sure I eat well and stay hydrated. I also have to have my hat. It’s a superstition.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Friends’ Central? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite course is biology. I really enjoy everything about the course. I would like to major in education to become an elementary teacher.
Fun facts – Maria Morsa
Favorite TV show: Modern Family.
Favorite movie: Home.
Favorite pre game meal: Bagel with cream cheese.
Person who inspires me most: “My mom because she works hard and is a great role model for me.”
Family members: parents Lou and Sharon.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach or school.)
