Amy Begg is a little far from home.
She was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand.
But the only distance from home she's worried about is 43 feet.
From the pitcher's mound to the plate.
“I throw hard and my strikeout pitch is a rise ball,” said the Morgan State senior pitcher.
Begg is rounding out her four years as a Bear in record fashion. The woman affectionately known as “Kiwi” currently holds several school records including her 51 career wins, 15 career shutouts - eight of which have come this season - and 501 career strikeouts. She also holds the record for single-season shutouts (8), innings pitched (631), appearances (116).
“It’s my last year and I’m leaving my mark, which is kind of special,” said Begg. “It’s nice to know that I’m kind of going to have a little bit of a legacy.”
She recorded her 500th strikeout in a one-hit victory over rival Coppin State in the season finale. Her parents were in attendance for the big win. Begg is currently on the New Zealand national softball team that is trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Thanks in large part to her efforts the Bears are having a record season. Their 27 wins this year are the most in the history of the program. They’ve won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference North for the first time since the conference switched to division play in 2009.
“Before the games we say we’re a championship team. We’ve been doing that all season,” said Bears Head Coach Larry Hineline. “I don’t know if that got us to be a championship team up to this point but it certainly didn’t hurt.”
Next up is the MEAC Tournament in Ormond Beach, Florida starting May 9. With a little Kiwi power the Bears could be NCAA Tournament bound
“I definitely think we have the ability to win it,” said Begg. “We just have to stay relaxed and trust the process and trust our abilities because we can definitely win it. I’m excited.”
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
