ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: BETH BECKER

Beth Becker

School: Jackson

Sport: Softball

Coach: Becky Riney

Week Report: Becker struck out 13 and threw a no-hitter against Sikeston in the Lady Indians' 4-0, Class 4A, District 1 semifinal win and picked up a save in Jackson's 6-3 win over Cape Central in the district championship. Becker will pitch today's sectional game against Hillsboro. Three runners reached base in Becker's no-hitter, two by error and one via a walk.

Season Report: Becker is 11-4 with a 1.27 earned run average. She has struck out 69 batters.

Coach's comments: "(What makes her special) is her work ethic and dedication," Riney said. "She pitches all year long. She works out right and she's a smart pitcher. She knows how to pitch and hit her spots. She has about five pitches: a Fast, drop, drop curve, change and rise. She tries to find the ones that work the best that day and between her and her catcher, they try to find a hitter's weakness. She's been one of the hardest working players I've had. It takes a lot of dedication to go day after day. I think she'd make a good college pitcher for somebody."