Senior pitchers Arianna Capek and Madeline Haun have formed a remarkable pitching partnership, leading their Smithson Valley Rangers team to a district championship and deep playoff runs. Their shared experience and support for each other are key to their success.
Arianna Capek and Madeline Haun had the dual-pitching deal figured out before they became Smithson Valley softball teammates. Pitching on the same select team during middle school allowed them to work out a remarkable pitching dynamic that’s enabled them to shine at the high school level.
As seniors, they hope they can take the Rangers on another lengthy playoff run. “We’ve always relied on each other, and we’ve always been there for each other,” said Haun, who is signed with St. Mary’s. “It’s helped us a lot because when we’re in games, and one of us is struggling, we’ll always help each other out.” Capek, who is signed with New Mexico, was selected district MVP last season after going 17-5 with a 1.68 ERA and 175 strikeouts. Haun was the district’s Pitcher of the Year with a 14-4 record, 2.38 ERA and 124 strikeouts. That lead the Rangers, who return seven starters from a squad that went 31-9 last season, their first district championship in 12 years. Capek and Haun each started as freshmen. The Rangers didn’t make the playoffs that season – their last one in Class 6A before they were aligned in 5A the following season – but it set up the foundation for what team has achieved since. “Their first year, we knew how much they would help us,” Smithson Valley coach Amanda Wolf-Schramm said. “Both are extremely competitive, goal-oriented kids.” As sophomores, the Rangers advanced to the Class 5A regional finals where they lost in two games to then district rival New Braunfels Canyon for a spot in the 5A state semifinals. Last year, Smithson Valley made it to the third round before losing to Liberty Hill in three games. Wolf-Schramm believes pitching experience gives the Rangers a good chance to get to state for the first time since 2012 when the Rangers won the Class 4A championship. “They recognize that now how softball is set up and to get to state, you have to have two ,” Wolf-Schramm said. “With their maturity, they understand that we have to have two. They are very competitive, and they push each other, but at the same time they support each other.” They each pitch different styles. Capek likes to pitch high in the zone which sets up her curve. Haun works down with off-speed pitches and has a drop ball that “just falls right off the table,” Wolf Schramm said. “It’s a lot harder as a hitter to adjust to that,” Capek said. “We’re fortunate to have that.” The Rangers will use the early tournament season to ramp them up to pitch seven-inning games for district play. Each will draw a start during a typical two-game district week. In playoffs, they’ll adjust according to series length and match ups. “We have grown together so much, we know how to compete with each other and not make the other feel upset,” Capek said. It’s comforting for them to know they can rely on each other when they are struggling. “When I see her walk out, I know I don’t have to worry about anything because I know she’s going to perform well like she always does and she’s going to come in strong,” Haun said. Capek agreed. “As a pitcher, you put a lot of pressure on yourself do be perfect and execute every pitch and not make any mistakes,” Capek said. “But knowing you have another pitcher behind you is amazing. Having someone behind you and always supporting you is just a confidence booster.”
SOFTBALL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMWORK PITCHING TEXAS
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