Abby Flanagan focuses on pitching in softball summer league

WALKER — Left foot pointed down, Abby Flanagan shifts her balance to her right foot milliseconds later, preparing to pitch.

The swing of her right arm pulls her body forward along with it, the noise of the softball hitting the catcher’s glove almost to the beat of the country song coming from the speakers.

It’s a Sunday during summer and for Flanagan, a rising sophomore at Des Moines Area Community College, and a number of collegiate softball players and recent alumni, it’s game day with the Iowa Women’s Softball League.

Flanagan, of Coggon, is a 2020 graduate from North Linn High School.

Playing 12 minutes away from her high school, Flanagan recognizes players from her days as a Lynx.

“I get to play with some of my teammates from high school so that’s really great because they’re playing on and we’re just in different spots, so it’s a lot easier to know a couple people,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan’s main focus this summer while playing in the IWSL is her pitching.

“I’m definitely working on my consistency for pitching,” Flanagan said. “Putting my pitches in spots that I want them and making sure that it’s where the catcher knows where it’s at too.”

Flanagan pitched during Sunday’s game, where her team, Freddy’s, defeated Bosch Financial, 3-1.

The DMACC softball team made its seventh consecutive appearance at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Championships in late May, a tournament Flanagan hopes to make an appearance at again in 2022.

“I’m looking forward to playing more with my teammates and going back to nationals, hopefully,” Flanagan said.

But for the time being, she is taking advantage of gaining more experience with live pitching and hitting in a casual setting.

“Since these games don’t count, basically it’s just a way to have fun and get to know other girls that are working hard too,” said Flanagan.

IWSL games occur on June 20 and 27, July 11, 18 and 25 at softball fields located on Mill Street.

Games, typically doubleheaders, start at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

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