Mccauliffe getting stronger
To say Lily Mccauliffe entered her senior softball at Greenwich with modest goals would be a vast understatement.
“I didn’t know if I would be able to pitch this season. The fact that I can is awesome,” Mccauliffe said.
The senior fell playing basketball and injured her throwing elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery on June 8, 2021. Mccauliffe did not begin throwing until February and is still gaining strength as her final scholastic season has now reached the final week of the regular season.
Mccauliffe showed just how much she has worked her way back into form last week when in a Wasaren League contest against Hoosic Valley, the senior tossed a perfect game and struck out 19 as the Witches prevailed 7-0 over the Indians.
For her efforts, Mccauliffe has been selected as the Times Union’s Girls’ Athlete of the Week for the period of May 2-7.
“I am just so excited to be playing. We’ve got a great team of girls,” Mccauliffe said. “They are all awesome. I trust them with anything.”
“She is a terrific girl. I have coached her since she was in the seventh grade in basketball,” said Greenwich first-year coach Bill Curley, who took over the team during the season after Greg Mcguirk had to step aside.
Mccauliffe, who fired a one-hitter with nine strikeouts Tuesday in an 8-0 triumph over Tamarac, did not allow a ball in the air against Hoosic Valley as the only two balls put in play were grounders to first and second.
The senior needed nine months of rehabilitation before beginning a throwing program.
“It was pretty difficult,” Mccauliffe said. “My physical therapist really made things a lot better for me. He really helped through anything if I had issues.”
Curley eased the senior into games in April, pitching the standout three and four innings to allow her to gain strength. Mccauliffe, who is headed to pitch next year at Springfield College, is rounding into form as the Witches get ready for sectional play next week.
“She is going to be missed,” Curley said. “This is one of the best groups I’ve ever had. They are a group of friends that pick each other up when they are down. They are a lot of fun to be with, and they can play.”