HUNTINGTOWN, MD - There’s been a method to Huntingtown’s gaudy box scores this season, a proliferation of runs that borders on obscene, especially against opponents from the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC).

The motivation for the Hurricanes softball team traces back to 2008—last playoffs, more specifically, when Huntingtown was shutout in a loss to eventual state champion Northern. Losing to their rival with seasons on the line was one thing. Losing without scoring a single run, well, that was a completely more bitter experience.

“Last year we didn’t come through a lot [offensively],� said junior backstop Alyssa Cook. “This year, we’re getting hits when we need them.�

Hits, runs and wins—they’re all coming in bunches for Huntingtown (10-0, 8-0 SMAC), who is averaging 13 runs per contest. They’ve scored double-digit runs in all but three contests, including 18 against La Plata, 17 versus North Point and of course, 13 in a March win over Northern.

Their 12-0, run-rule victory versus Leonardtown, April 25, was more of the same from the Hurricane offense: Every starter reached base at least twice, racking up 11 team hits and multi-RBI games for three batters (all in just four innings of work).

“I don’t want to say so much of the way we started off this season hinged on how we ended last season, but we’ve made a concerted effort. We know we have to put more runs on the board,� said Huntingtown head coach Mike Johnson. “Our whole philosophy is to be aggressive, and try and put as much pressure on the opposition as we can.

“I’m so proud of our kids; they’ve worked so hard on their offensive game. And they’re not satisfied yet. They want to get better than they are right now.�

The proof of that could be found in the swing of Kassidy Taylor. The freshman had yet to join in the offensive parade so far this season, but her talents finally materialized against Leonardtown (3-10, 2-6 SMAC), going 2-for-3 with a trio of RBIs. Her first hit, a double crushed to the left-center gap, even garnered rousing approval from Johnson—a tangible reward for the faith he’s put in Taylor and two other freshman starters.

“When she first came to the team, we knew she’d be a big part of our offense,� noted Cook. “This game she kind of broke through…we’ll be able to have her bat now, as well as everybody else’s.�

Adding yet another potent weapon seems unfair at this point, but Huntingtown is fully cognizant that they’ll need every possible edge over the next few weeks. Down the line waits McDonough, led by senior ace Melanie Mitchell, as well as a looming rematch with Northern (rescheduled due to weather) that may see a third meeting in the 3A south playoffs.

“Right now, our focus is to win the next game,� said Cook. “When we do face Melanie and Northern, it’s just another game. Hopefully our bats will be just as good against them.�

“We just need to concentrate, focus on our pitches and play our best,� added Taylor.

“And keep hitting the ball.�

E-mail William Logan at sports@calvertindependent.com.

1 2 3 4 5

LTOWN 0 0 0 0 0

HUNT 2 0 6 4 x

Huntingtown (10-0, 8-0 SMAC)

Alyssa Cook: 3-for-3, 2 RBI

Kassidy Taylor: 2-for-3, 3 RBI

Jessica Warner: 1-for-3, 3 runs

Winning pitcher

Kelsi Robinson: 5 innings, 2 hits, shutout, 5 strikeouts