Briones barely played last year, but has helped lead Nevada’s offense this season
Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2008 @ 12:26 am
Before every season, Nevada softball coach Michelle Gardner talks about each player and the quote goes in the team’s media guide.Gardner spoke about seldom-used outfielder Vanessa Briones saying “very solid role player” and “We need to find a way to get her more opportunities this year.”
After 34 games played and 16 starts in three years, the senior has found a new role.
Briones had seven hits, two home runs and five RBIs during a three-game sweep against Louisiana Tech over the weekend at Hixson Park.
The Wolf Pack won on scores of 8-7, 12-2 and 8-0. Saturday was senior day as five seniors, including Briones, were honored.
Briones has patiently emerged as a power hitter and is a key reason the Wolf Pack (35-14, 13-2 Western Athletic Conference) is ranked No. 18, No. 20 and No. 25 in the three national polls.
“Some players mature at different times,” Gardner said. “Everything is working out for her right now. She’s really made a big difference.”
The 5-foot-6 outfielder from Ontario, Calif., was a dugout supporter for the majority of her career.
She rooted from the bench trying to motivate her team because she knew that her time would come. She just hoped it wouldn’t take too long.
Last year she had nine at bats in 13 games. She went 3 for 9 with three RBIs, which isn’t bad for few attempts.
Some players would have complained about inadequate playing time and rightfully so.
Briones never argued with her coaches or teammates, she just stayed positive.
“Vanessa waited and waited and waited to have the opportunity to dominate,” said pitcher Jordan McPherson, Briones’ roommate. “She never gave up. She just kept waiting, patiently waiting for her time to show it. She’s always supported us and wanted the best for this program.”
Briones said she benefited, like most of the team, from the hiring of hitting coach Andy Dominique.
Briones learned to be more patient and relaxed at the plate, which has helped her concentration.
Briones loads her back foot and the lefty drives toward the pitcher when she swings. Her left elbow points at the catcher and her swing plane has good balance.
In the second inning of the third game, Briones got a fastball on the outside corner of the plate. She didn’t try to pull it. Instead she stayed with the pitch and drove it to left field. It was hit so hard that it bounced past Louisiana Tech left fielder Lyndsey McIlwain, who was given an error.
Her play now is what she’s been waiting for.
“I’m just taking advantage of my opportunities,” Briones said. “I’m thankful Andy’s here to help me and I’m glad I’m playing.”
Briones’ parents, Frank and Phyllis, came down from Ontario for senior day to watch their daughter. Phyllis was holding a white flower given by the athletic department as she watched the final home game of the season.
“We knew she would be a star,” Phyllis said. “From day one, we’ve been proud of her.
Photo by Rebecca Chase
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