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Shepard’s Abby Horton is going on the softball road trip of her life this summer.
On June 23, the Illinois State commit will be heading to Kunovice, Czech Republic to represent the Irish national team at the European Women’s Championship.
“I’m booked and ready to go,” Horton said. “I actually just got approved for my citizenship, so it’s all set in stone and very real.”
Horton’s focus for now, though, is set on her senior season.
“Oh, yeah, I’m really excited,” Horton said. “This is the most raw talent we’ve had in the four years I’ve been here. I think we have the drive to be competitive.”
Speaking of drives, the new bat Horton received for Christmas came through again Thursday for the Astros in a 12-0 South Suburban Red win over Reavis.
The senior shortstop smacked a two-run double for Shepard (6-1, 4-0). Sofia Cerullo added three hits and three RBIs, while Riley Evoy contributed a two-run double.
Senior pitcher Kelly Greene, a Green Bay commit, struck out 10 in five innings. She also had two hits for the Astros. Juliana Chalupa had a hit for Reavis (5-8, 2-4).
As a junior, Horton earned first team all-area honors, batting .533 with 45 runs, 22 steals, six triples and 29 RBIs.
She’s off to a good start in 2022 despite dealing with a crisis literally hours before the Astros were to play March 16 in the season opener against Marist.
“I got in a car accident the night before,” Horton said. “I totaled my car and I might have had a concussion.”
As a precaution, she didn’t play against Marist and sat out a week.
Needless to say …
“I didn’t feel 100% to start the season,” Horton said. “But I’m feeling great now. No more whiplash. No more dizziness. It’s all good.
“I think I’m really back into my groove now. I’m seeing the ball really well and I’m hitting for power where I usually do again.”
Shepard coach Kelsey Clifford appreciates Horton for more than her bat.
“She’s gritty, she’s hungry and she’ll fight anybody for the ball on defense,” Clifford said. “Sometimes, we actually have to kind of tame her back.
“She’s a gift to us. We love having her. She has a competitive mentality that doesn’t go away no matter who we’re playing.”
Greene (3-1), meanwhile, had another stellar outing for Shepard.
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The right-hander allowed just one hit, a windblown single to short right field. She had at least one strikeout in every inning and struck out the side in the fifth.
“I’ve really been focusing on spins this year,” Greene said. “I’m realizing more and more, even in college, that I’ll need it in order to be effective. I’m constantly working on being deceptive in my pitching.”
Throw in a howling wind Thursday, and Greene’s spin had the majority of the Rams swinging and missing.
Double digits in strikeouts felt good.
“Especially in conference play, it’s nice to shoot for double digits,” Greene said. “But honestly, a ground ball is two less pitches than a strikeout.
“I don’t need a high strikeout game to be happy with my performance. I love having my defense involved too. I love sharing with them.”
She’s especially confident with an international star-to-be behind her at short.
“It’s so awesome,” Greene said. “I’m also Irish, so I always wear my stuff around Abby and we get super excited.
“I’m praying there is a livestream that’s on TV or something and I’m going to be watching it. She worked so hard, and I’m so happy and excited for her.”
Not jealous?
“Oh, I’m 100% jealous,” Greene said, laughing. “But go Irish.”