CRESTVIEW – There’s an unwritten rule in softball concerning no-hitters and perfect games.
Don’t discuss them. Don’t draw attention to them. Give the pitcher space.
Cue Crestview ace Taylor Rolison nodding her head.
That was her focus during Tuesday’s no-hitter against Meade (Kentucky) in a 10-0 Senior Night win. And it was also the mindset she adopted during a perfect game against Jefferson Davis (Ala.) last month.
“They knew not to say anything,” Rolison said of her teammates.
Of course, that’s not always been the case, Rolison taking many no-hitters into the late innings.
“Like three or four times, someone’s said something and the no-hitter’s been ruined right after,” said the future University of West Florida player. “If anyone brings it up, I’m just immediately like, ‘Be quiet and don’t talk about it.’”
Of course, everyone is talking about Rolison’s right arm these days.
After striking out 266 batters in 155 innings last year, en route to a 1.85 ERA, Rolison has racked up 215 strikeouts through 130 innings and is sporting another sub-2 ERA.
She struck out 17 in a 1-0 eight-inning win over Walton.
She struck out 16 in a 2-1 victory over Navarre.
Against Niceville in a 1-0 loss, she tossed a three-hitter to accent seven strikeouts.
And, providing an encore for her perfect game in Alabama, on Senior Night she leaned on her drop curve and fastball to strike out 11 Meade batters over five innings to accent a 2-for-3 effort at the dish.
“Taylor is the kind of athlete that only comes around once in awhile,” said Crestview coach Holly Gibson, who noted the emergence of Caitlyn Black as a pitcher this year has helped Rolison. “She’s so humble and doesn’t want any of the attention on herself. She just wants to play ball, just wants to win, just wants to do her best. She works hard, and through it all she never complains.
“She’s something special.”
Special, yes, and this week’s Athlete of the Week. We sat down with the senior to discuss her versatility, love for chicken and dumplings and hobbies (or lack thereof).
You swing a hot stick at the plate. Who wins in this scenario: Taylor Rolison the pitcher vs. Taylor Rolison the hitter? And how do you approach it?
I think me pitching would win. I know my weaknesses. So I’d probably pitch inside, probably a drop curve or a changeup.
If you had walk-out music, what would it be?
‘Get like me (David Banner).’
What’s your favorite hobby off the diamond?
(Long pause) Umm, nothing, really. I’m always on the softball field.
Who’s your favorite player?
Jessica Mendoza (former Stanford and Team USA outfielder, current ESPN broadcaster).
Are you a fan of Major League Baseball?
Somewhat, but not really.
What about college softball. Do you follow any teams?
Yeah, I follow Florida.
What are your individual goals for your college career at UWF?
I hope I can start my freshman year. Hopefully I can play other positions, not just have pitcher be my primary position. I love to play the middle infield and have a good bat.
In 10 years, where do you hope to be?
I hope I’m still connected to the game in some kind of way as a coach. For my major (in college) I’m leaning toward physical therapy.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you bring and why?
Any one thing? What about a person? I don’t know … Probably an iPhone (with a solar charger).
What’s your favorite meal in the world?
Chicken and dumplings. My mom makes it like once a year. Mainly I just eat the dumplings. And cornbread. And sweet tea.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview ace Taylor Rolison tosses no-hitter on Senior Night