Sun Female Athlete of the Week: Crystal Alspaugh

Thursday, March 16, 2000 | 10:06 a.m.

CRYSTAL ALSPAUGH

School: Eldorado

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Family: Father Torchy; mother Sharon; brothers Torchy Jr., Gabe; sister Melody.

Last week: Alspaugh, one of the Sundevils two starting pitchers, helped the team bolt to a 6-0 start, including the large-school championship at the 72-team St. George Invitational Tournament. All together, she surrendered just two runs and 15 hits in 26 innings, striking out 21 batters in the process. She also made a huge contribution at the plate, going 12-for-20 with two home runs, four doubles and seven RBIs. "When she comes up to bat, we all believe something os going to happen," Eldorado coach Ken Trujillo said.

This season: Despite pitching just three games last year, Alspaugh has emerged as a reliable ace thus far, teaming up with Brantley Bridgeforth to form a solid 1-2 punch for the Sundevils. "I feel comfortable (on the mound) because I pitched all summer and in the winter," Alspaugh said. Eldorado missed out on the postseason last year, but is among the early favorites in the Sunrise Region this season. "We have all the talent. We just haven't had the coaches," Alspaugh said. "Now, we have the coaches and I think we can go all the way to state."