In the circle or at the plate, Brooklyn Ellis continues the tradition of success for Hilldale fastpitch softball. Having played softball since the first grade, the confident junior right-hander has become the ace of the Hornets pitching rotation with an overpowering command of pitches to conquer opposing hitters. Ellis tossed a perfect game win against Wagoner by striking out 11 batters in addition to throwing a pair of one-hit shutouts, a two-hit, 10-strikeout victory over Fort Gibson and posted a 2-hit, 14 strikeout effort over Locust Grove as the Hornets opened the season 11-3 on a mission to find their way back to the Class 4A state softball tournament in October. To date, Ellis has posted eight shutout decisions.
“She’s a gamer,” explained Hilldale coach Darren Riddle. “Brooklyn has the type of confidence and pitch control that you want in the circle. She’s pretty good. I’m glad she’s on our team.”
When she’s not in the circle, Ellis controls the hot corner defensive challenges at third base and has been one of the team’s leading hitters batting in the four-hole and consistently driving in runs with a .400-plus average at the plate.