Cynthia Burroughs named softball Pitcher of the Year

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 20, 2009 11:16 PM

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Cynthia Burroughs rarely says anything on the softball diamond. Her game does all the talking.

The soft-spoken senior compiled a 14-3 record in 2009 and helped lead Charles B. Aycock to the eastern regional championship in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A playoffs. The right-hander earned all-conference honors and is now the 2009 News-Argus All-Area Softball Pitcher of the Year.

"This year was a lot of fun," said Burroughs. "I had the opportunity to play in some big games and making it to the final four was a great experience."

And Burroughs is no stranger to big moments.

She started her career at Aycock, but transferred to Wayne Christian. During her two seasons, Burroughs helped the Eagles claim back-to-back N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A state championships.

Over the past three seasons, Burroughs has played on teams that have combined to win 61 games in 70 tries.

"It was really two completely different situations," said Burroughs. "At Wayne Christian there were only four or five games each season that were 'big' games. Here at Aycock it's a 'big' game almost every night."

The season statistics tell the story of Burroughs dominance in the pitcher's circle. The hard-throwing hurler notched 138 strikeouts in 113 innings and posted a slim 1.48 earned run average. Opposing hitters managed a minuscule .181 batting average.

Burroughs tallied one save in a rare relief appearance.

"Cynthia did a great job for us all season," said C.B. Aycock head coach Brad Matthews. "Every time she took the ball she gave us a chance to win the ballgame."

Next year Burroughs will assume a spot in the pitcher's circle at Barton College. It's a role Matthews thinks Burroughs is ready to fill.

"I think Cynthia will be able to step right in and contribute at that level," he said. "She is a great pitcher, and offensively she can handle any pitcher that the opposition runs out there."

With an already impressive high school resume under her belt, Burroughs has shifted her focus to improving her game before her first collegiate outing.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing on the college level," said Burroughs. "One of my biggest fears this season was that this year could be my last chance to play."