Softball Captain & Ace Pitcher

Whether she’s pitching, hitting or just helping practice go smoothly for King Philip’s softball team, Jenn Hutnyan will be in the spotlight. Every pitch, every at-bat, and every move will be watched as if she’s under a microscope.
The 5-foot-6½ senior led KP last year in home runs (8), tied for the lead in runs-batted-in (25), hit for a .368 average and was selected as an honorable-mention Hockomock League all-star. Pitching mostly in relief, she posted a 4-0 record and compiled an earned-run average of 1.90. All those statistics helped her to earn a scholarship as a junior to play at Merrimack College.
Now, the 18-year-old native of Norfolk will be the Warriors No. 1 pitcher and the team’s only captain. She’s acutely aware of the attention she’ll attract and the pressure that goes with being the leader of a state championship squad. The 2016 edition of the Warriors finished at 24-4 and sailed through the playoffs, winning six tournament games and blanking Doherty High of Worcester in the state final, 7-0. And, it was Hutnyan’s three-run home run that gave the Warriors all the insurance they needed against Doherty to win their third state crown in school history.
“Many people have asked me if we can repeat as state champs,’’ Hutnyan said. “So, I do feel there’s some pressure to win back-to-back titles but our players will all give 100 percent. And, as captain, I’ll do the best I can every minute of every game. I know being the captain means I’ve got responsibilities but I like that. I’m honored to be in that role and I know our players are close-knit on and off the field. I don’t see any problems.’’
KP coach Norm Beauchemin, who took the reins of the program when Hutnyan was a freshman, admires her grit and determination and knows she’ll shoulder any burdens the team encounters. “Jenn has gladly accepted her leadership role,’’ Beauchemin said. “It isn’t easy being the captain of a KP softball team because the expectations are always high. I was very happy when she hit that home run in the state title final because she’s so intense and very serious.’’
A right-handed pitcher, Hutnyan’s assortment includes a fastball, drop, curve and a change-up. She’ll get strikeouts with her change-up but her focus is solely on retiring hitters. “I’ll just strive to get hitters out by relying on our defense, which I trust 100 percent,’’ she emphasized.
Hutnyan’s No. 1 goal for KP is to get to the states and win there again. Individually, she’d like to hit nine HRs, one more than last year; maintain her .368 batting average; get her share of strikeouts; and be as effective as last year’s ace pitcher — Kali Magane. Now at Boston University on scholarship, Magane went 19-3 last year, compiled an E.R.A. of 0.52, struck out 244 in 145 innings and walked only 20 batters. Tied with Hutnyan in RBIs (25), she went 6-0 and hit .500 in the playoffs.
“Kali is one of my role models,’’ Hutnyan said. “She was dominant and just simply awesome on the mound.’’
An honor-roll student who plans on majoring in marketing at Merrimack, Hutnyan firmly believes KP can repeat at state champs. She knows that six starters return from last year and the buzz around the team is to win consecutive crowns.
Brianna Lacy will be catching again, Hailey McCasland is back in right field and Megan Gorman will be at second base. Hutnyan likes what the trio brings to the table. “Brianna did a great job catching as a sophomore last year,’’ Hutnyan said. “She’s strong defensively. Hailey got some big hits and she’s got a strong arm. Meghan handled pressure nicely as a freshman last year. She’s got speed and hits with power.’’
Also coming in for praise is Beauchemin, a coach Hutnyan strongly believes in. “Coach Beauchemin is a hard-worker who’s respectful of all the girls,’’ she said. “He knows the game and he’s an excellent motivator.’’
Hutnyan’s top thrill in softball, which she’s been playing since the age of eight, obviously was winning a state title. “Winning six tourney games was amazing,’’ she noted. “As I reflect on last year, it was awesome to know that we were the best team in Massachusetts. Our hard work and team chemistry paid off. As for my best game, it was against Doherty. I had grounded out and popped up in my first two at-bats. A bit down and upset with myself, I came up with two runners on and hit a home run over the left field fence in the fifth inning. It was a memorable moment.’’
Knowing that her days as a KP student-athlete are heading for the finish line, Hutnyan would like nothing more than for her fourth year on the varsity to end with another state title. She’s competed with a philosophy of having fun first, and to also reach her potential. “If those things happen, then winning will follow,’’ she emphasized. “Softball has taught me some good life lessons. It’s helped me to develop confidence, set goals and overcome any adversity.’’
Wrapping up a superb career at KP this spring will be bittersweet. “I’ve made so many friends, had a great coach and became part of a state title team,’’ Hutnyan said. “I’ve enjoyed my days at KP so much but a new chapter in my life will soon begin at Merrimack.’’
Another state championship just seems like it should be part of Jenn Hutnyan’s biography. The journey towards that achievement begins on April 5 against Foxboro.