Senioritis wasn't an issue with Buena Regional High School softball ace Brittany Scott.
"She had goals in the beginning of the year that she set for herself and the team and she stayed focused on those goals right up to that last game that she threw," Buena coach Pam Pickett said.
Scott met or exceeded even her own lofty expectations and is The Press Softball Player of the Year for the second season in a row.
Scott pitched the Chiefs into the South Jersey Group II final after winning the Cape-Atlantic League National Conference title. She was 21-4 this season with 19 shutouts, six no-hitters and three perfect games. Scott struck out 239 while walking only 12.
And Scott was no slouch at the plate, either.
She batted .378 with five doubles, two triples, a home run and 27 RBIs.
"I think my senior year was so enjoyable because we were so successful this year," Scott said. "Our playoff run was exciting. I think we all got closer together as a team.
"I will always remember this season, especially because it was my last high school season."
One of Scott's most memorable performances came on May 3, when she pitched a perfect game against Sacred Heart 21 years to the day after her mother, Dawn, did the same thing to the same school.
"The perfect game was definitely a highlight," Scott said.
Scott and first-team Press All-Star catcher Ashley Surran formed one of South Jersey's top batteries.
"I think my mental game was a lot better," Scott said. "Me and Ashley worked together really well this year. We had really good camaraderie. We would just look at each other and know what pitch I wanted to throw."
Scott will leave Buena as the school's single-season and career leader in wins, strikeouts, shutouts, no-hitters, perfect games and just about every other stat.
"Those types of players don't come by too often," Pickett said. "And the type of pitcher that Brittany was - you don't get to work with those kinds of kids very often. We were very lucky to be able to work with her."
Scott will play NCAA Division II softball at the University of New Haven in Connecticut next season.
"I'm so excited," Scott said. "I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life. I'm ready to make new memories and start something new."
Scott said she will major in elementary education in hopes of one day teaching and said she wouldn't rule out coaching one day.
Team of the Year
Scott was one of the state's best but certainly didn't do it alone this season.
Buena Regional went 23-4, won the Cape-Atlantic League National Conference title and reached the final of the South Jersey Group II tournament for the second straight season after ending the regular season on a 16-game winning streak.
The Chiefs are The Press Team of the Year.
"In the past, we've had good athletes and good players, and this year we were able to use our bats," Pickett said. "A lot of kids came up with a lot of nice big hits. It was fun. We played some good softball."
Surran and infielder Kaitlyn Cooper joined Scott as first-team Press All-Stars. Janessa Rios, Natalie Giannascoli and outfielder Carly Linus each made the second team.
Coach of the Year
Sacred Heart reached the state final for the third time in school history this season.
But for the first time, the Lions left with the trophy.
Les Olson is The Press Coach of the Year.
"Any time that you do something for the first time it's very special," Olson said. "The bond between the girls on this team was extra special. They really pulled for each other tremendously."
Winning 27 games and a State Non-Public B title is impressive, especially when considering that Sacred Heart was on the brink of closing at one point.
"I think with everything that the school has been through this year it was a fitting way to end the year and continue to look forward," Olson said.
Contact John O'Kane:
609-272-7210
