Lorelai Kellner could not have asked for a better way to open up the new Wright City softball stadium.
Fueled by a calming playlist and a keen focus, the sophomore delivered a no-hitter in …
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Lorelai Kellner could not have asked for a better way to open up the new Wright City softball stadium.
Fueled by a calming playlist and a keen focus, the sophomore delivered a no-hitter in a 15-0 run-rule victory over district opponent St. Clair on Sept. 2.
“Personally, it means a lot to me. It’s early in the season and I still have a lot more to go,” Kellner said.
With a reliable defense behind her and a vocal catcher in front of her, Kellner threw a mix of fastballs and curveballs to overwhelm the Bulldogs’ lineup.
Kellner was so laser-focused, she had no idea she allowed zero hits until her mom told her after the game.
“I really just blocked it out,” Kellner said. “I was surprised (when I found out) because I wasn’t expecting to throw one.”
This marks the second no-hitter of Kellner’s softball career, and her performance has impressed longtime coach Fred Ross.
“She’s just a softball player all around. She does a great job pitching, a great job at shortstop,” Ross said. “She’s not always the most vocal leader but she has a determination to get the out and just do what needs to be done.”
Kellner was quick to credit her teammates for helping her.
“Harper (Martin) talks a lot behind the plate and even if I miss a ball or a spot, she’ll tell me ‘you got this, get the next one,’” Kellner said. “The defense was clean that day too and I was very grateful for that.”
Ross agreed with the sentiment and highlighted the team’s integral part in her achievement.
“We played very solid defense. We had air in that game and fielded everything we needed to field,” Ross said. “(Martin) has been outstanding and (Kellner) trusts her to throw the pitches she needs to throw.”
While Kellner may not have realized what was unfolding, Ross certainly did.
“I believe she missed three spots the whole game, so she was on it. The team was pumped up with their first home game on the new field and she just came out and was very, very successful,” Ross said.
Two days after throwing the no-hitter, Keller hit for the cycle – a single, double, triple and home run – in Wright City’s 11-2 win over Valley Park on Sept. 4.
“That’s only happened one other time since I’ve been coaching, so that’s another rare feat that she’s going to put herself in the record book for and it’s because of her determination,” Ross said.
