Cheyenne Eggens having electric start to 2017 season

After solid freshman start, the Bulls' pitcher has been even stronger in year two

Cheyenne Eggens outside the field before practice. Eggens leads the USF softball team in wins and ERA. RJ Stacey/Toronto Observer

TAMPA, Fla. – Following elbow surgery, South Florida softball’s Cheyenne Eggens has become an even stronger force on the mound.

After a solid freshman campaign, Eggens is now leading the Bulls in wins and earned run average as a sophmore, while being second on the team in innings pitched.

After her surgery, she was able to re-invent herself and has come back even more dominant.

“I kind of had a re-do,” said Eggens. “I got to restart basically. I got to re-do my mechanics and really fixed any problems I had from before.

“It would really help me a lot.”

Eggens’ early dominance at South Florida isn’t the only thing on her mind as there is an even bigger goal beyond just the collegiate level. But she knows as long as she is here the team is first.

“The number one goal I really have is to make the USA team,” she said. “That’s been my dream since I was a little girl. So as long as I can keep working towards that.

“Even if I don’t, I just want to be the best pitcher I can be for my team. I think the number one goal for us is working together as and being a family no matter what the outcome is.”

The right-hander’s improvements have not gone unnoticed.

Head coach Ken Eriksen explains why he believes the 19-year-old has come on so strong this year.

“Maturity. To start to throw against hitters in situations,” he said, relaxing in the dugout before practice last week. “She understands that she can let batters get themselves out.

“In the past she was trying to throw it right by somebody. You get up here and they can hit velocity so it’s not about how hard you can throw it in crucial situations it’s what you can make the ball do.”

About this article

By:
Posted: Mar 18 2017 12:31 pm
Edition:
Filed under: Softball Sports
Topics: