Junior pitcher returns to form
An injury for an athlete often hinders their ability on the playing field, but for junior pitcher Allison Bakke, injuries have made her stronger.
Bakke, an Anoka, Minn. native, is a three-year starter for the Bison softball team and has compiled a career 27-26 record.
Bakke has been one of the Bison’s most consistent pitchers in their Division I transition.
In her freshman season, Bakke posted an 11-16 record in 25 starts with an impressive 2.67 earned run average.
After a good first season, the Bison and Bakke had high hopes for the 2006 season with a strong one-two punch with then-senior standout pitcher Amber Garrett, but the injury bug sidelined Bakke for part of the season.
With only 11 starts, Bakke posted a 4-4 record with a 3.20 ERA. The offseason was difficult for more difficult for Bakke, though.
She had to work extra hard to overcome her injury and return to her freshman form.
“I definitely prepared off more this past summer,” Bakke said. “I did a lot more running and lifting and worked on more consistent pitching in the season.”
Bakke’s strong work ethic is no surprise to softball coach Darren Mueller.
“She (Bakke) has a great focus and loves to compete in anything she does,” Mueller said.
“I don’t get a lot of time to hang out with friends during the school year with softball, so it will be nice to hang out with friends and go to movies,” Bakke said.