Twin Rivers pitcher Carlee Vancil, in her junior and senior seasons, has a combined record of 45-9 with a 0.54 earned run average and 418 strikeouts.

By ALEX ABATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

Twin Rivers' Carlee Vancil is on a mission to reclaim royalty.

After winning the district tournament as a sophomore, Vancil and the Lady Royals were eliminated last season by East Carter. This year, the Lady Royals will face either Alton or Greenville after getting a bye in the first round of the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 tournament at Three Rivers' Rains Field.

"I really want it bad this year," Vancil said of the district tournament. "Being that it is my senior year and everything."

Vancil has been playing softball since about the age of 10 but didn't start pitching until 13 or 14, she said.

"I just started throwing and then people were like, 'You are pretty quick'," Vancil said. "(The speed) just came to me I guess."

Vancil has been the model of consistency over the last two seasons for the Lady Royals. Over her junior and senior seasons, she has a combined record of 45-9 with an earned-run average of 0.54 and has compiled 418 strikeouts. Known for her devastating fastball, Vancil has tried to work on other pitches this season.

"I think she has thrown her changeup this year better than any time in the past," Twin Rivers coach Rob Brown said. "It is frustrating if you are trying to hit against her, she keeps people off-balance."

Vancil has constantly worked over her career to improve, totaling 15 no-hitters. Even when softball was not in season for the Lady Royals, Vancil played in a Cape Girardeau summer league working on her control. She set the tone early in her career.

"She's established herself since Day 1 as a freshman," Brown said. "She has had the desire to pitch and proved herself by working with a lot of different instructors. She has never rested on past accomplishments."

The pitching of Vancil has been paramount to the Lady Royals' success this season.

"In softball, great pitching is 60 percent of battle, maybe more," Brown said. "We have hit the ball a lot better lately. If you give her 2-3 runs you are going to have a chance to win that game."

Over the course her career, Vancil has become much better at staying focused while in the circle.

"It doesn't affect me that much," Vancil said. "When they get hits on me, it makes me think a lot more instead of going up there with straight fastballs."

Vancil couldn't be the solid player she is on the mound without a confident defense behind her, she said.

"It has been great these past years," Vancil said. "We have some weak areas, I have weak games where I don't do my part, but I feel confident with them behind me." Vancil and teammate Bethany Keirsey are the only seniors on this year's team. With a rather young squad, Vancil has emerged as a leader. "There is no doubt, the other nine girls look up to her," Brown said. "When she has something to say, all nine listen."

Vancil has played basketball for the Lady Royals in the past but will not do so this season to concentrate more on softball after graduation.

"I would say control and everything (is what I need to work on)," Vancil said. "Getting my curve to work when I want and my change to work because it doesn't work every time."

Vancil knows she wants to play at the next level but doesn't quite know where that will yet.

"I've had quite a few offers," Vancil said. "I'm not sure where I want to go."