Erin Gallagher

We are continuing our preview with another player to watch for Pitcher of the Year.

Erin Gallagher

Arguably the most decorated pitcher in St. Joseph's history, Erin Gallagher heads into her final season with two things missing: an Atlantic 10 Championship and Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year honors. Odds are that if she is able to get one of those two things, she will also get the other.

Gallagher comes into 2012, after a 2011 season that saw her lead the Hawks to the Atlantic 10 Championship game behind a 22-10 record with a 1.60 ERA and 215 SO in 214.2 IP. Gallagher has led the Hawks to unprecedented success, but she still has one item left on her agenda: an Atlantic 10 title.

Gallagher is known for her drop ball and change up and she will rely on those pitches once again in 2012. However the difference between another All-Conference recognition and Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year will come down to how successful her other pitches are, most notably her rise and curve.

The other key to Gallagher's success lies with the Hawks other pitcher: Taryn Ashway. Ashway was outstanding in relief at the A10 Tournament and if she can pitch that way the entire season, Gallagher will not have to throw as many innings in the circle.

Gallagher may not put up the flashy strikeout totals that Jen Mineau and Sara Plourde do, but she grits through and relies on her defense. Gallagher has the stuff to go head to head with both Plourde and Mineau on the field for the A10 title and for the Pitcher of the Year award.