Lowell junior Olivia Fuentes doesn’t mind moving all over the field.
She has spent most of her time this season at shortstop or second base when she’s not in the circle, but she wouldn’t limit herself to those.
“I enjoy playing anywhere,” Fuentes said. “I could play third base, I could play outfield or I could be playing first base.”
But ask Fuentes for her preference, and her one-word answer comes back with no hesitation.
“Pitching,” she said.
Fuentes could become Lowell’s ace next year. Splitting time with senior Kaylee Meeks this season, Fuentes was 3-3 with a 2.32 ERA in 48 1/3 innings across nine appearances through April 25. She was also hitting .275 and was leading the Red Devils (6-9, 3-7) with two home runs.
Lowell coach Mike McLindon said throwing strikes early in counts has been essential for Fuentes, who took a no-hitter into the fifth inning during a 10-2 Northwest Crossroads Conference win against Highland on Thursday.
“She’s been lights out,” McLindon said. “She’s mostly been working ahead and hitting her spots, locating the ball exactly where she wants it to be, and that also helps us do the things that we want to do defensively.”
Fuentes’ improved offense is no accident either. She said she focused on the fundamentals of her swing during the offseason, pointing out that she’ll always bat, regardless of what position she plays. She hit .250 with a .416 slugging percentage last year. She’s slugging .600 this season.
“I worked on using my legs more when I hit,” Fuentes said. “Now I feel like I’m hitting the ball better and helping my team in a lot of ways that I didn’t in my sophomore year. I’m hitting the ball hard, hitting gaps and helping my team score.”
Fuentes said she also devoted time to her defensive footwork to ensure she would be a reliable infielder. As for pitching, whenever she needs to work on that during the season, Fuentes said Meeks, a King commit, is a valuable resource.
“We’re always talking about our pitching, always helping each other, always communicating about that,” Fuentes said.
There has been plenty of communication between them regarding Fuentes’ drop ball, which she said is moving even more following some tips from Meeks.
“I had to move my thumb over more,” Fuentes said.
Meeks said the biggest difference in Fuentes this season is her demeanor in the circle.
“She has more confidence in herself this year and is attacking batters,” Meeks said. “She’s come ready to play and hasn’t had any doubts.”
Fuentes’ reliability was crucial while Meeks dealt with a few nagging injuries, and McLindon said having both pitchers available during the regular season could pay dividends in the playoffs.
“We haven’t worn anybody down,” McLindon said. “And you hope that, as you approach the tournament, things keep rolling so that they’re both fresh and ready to go.”
That won’t be the case next year after Meeks graduates. But Fuentes could be moving again. Lowell is playing its home games in Crown Point this season while construction continues on its new field.
Fuentes is getting used to the temporary arrangement.
“It is starting to feel a bit like home,” she said.
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter.
