Pittman named softball player of the year

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 5, 2010 11:11 PM

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The numbers speak for themselves. Autumn Pittman racked up impressive stats as she led C.B. Aycock to an appearance in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A softball playoffs. The Barton College signee led the area in RBI and batting average.

For her efforts, Pittman has been named the 2010 News-Argus All-Area Softball Player-of-the-Year.

"Autumn obviously had a great season and that is a product of her hard work," said third-year Golden Falcons head coach Brad Matthews. "We only had two seniors on the team this year. Autumn was one of those and she did a good job of playing her role and helping the team win."

In 24 games, Pittman racked up 32 hits and drove in 27 runs. She finished the year with a .416 batting average and four home runs.

The Golden Falcons posted a 14-10 record, ended up second in Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference play and eliminated South Brunswick in the first round of the playoffs.

D.H. Conley ousted Aycock in round two.

Coming off a trip to the Final Four in 2009, the Golden Falcons turned over a young team which put extra emphasis on Pittman's game.

"We were very young and it took some time for the team to come together," said Pittman. "I have been fortunate to play on some very good teams during the last four years here."

In 11 of those games, Pittman earned the victory in the pitcher's circle. The talented hurler started 18 total games and compiled a 2.24 earned run average.

"I enjoy pitching because I feel like I can control the game from the circle," said Pittman. "But hitting is what I really enjoy and that's where I think m biggest strength is. I went to Roger May over the summers when I was playing travel ball and he really helped me become a better hitter."

Pittman's hard work will hopefully translate onto the diamond at Barton.

She join former C.B. Aycock teammate, and current Bulldog hurler, Cynthia Burroughs. The relatively small campus and the close proximity to Pikeville both weighed in Pittman's decision.

"I wanted my dad to be able to come to my games and I knew he could do that at Barton," said Pittman. "I am looking forward to getting started with the college team and hopefully getting to contribute."

Aside from being a leader on the softball field, Pittman is also a leader in the classroom where she has not missed a day of school in 13 years. Only two students at C.B. Aycock have had perfect attendance since kindergarten.

Pittman plans to pursue a degree in nursing while at Barton.