Softball: Hickory's West wants three more games on her resume -- for the team

CHESAPEAKE

Rachel West has played the most games in Hickory High School softball history.

She wants to pad the record by three this week.

The Hawks’ second baseman and leadoff hitter actually isn’t concerned with personal marks. Instead, West’s attention is riveted on her final shot at winning a state championship.

Step One toward both comes tonight when the Hawks (24-1) host Northern Region runner-up Herndon (17-9) in a 6 p.m. quarterfinal.

West, a senior who has started since early in her freshman season, says she believes the current Hawks have a makeup more conducive to winning the title than the 2006 team that lost in the state semifinals.

“Most of us have played together for years, (pitcher) Jenn Gniadek is on a roll, and everybody gets along,” West said.

Indeed, the latest edition of the Hawks has the best record in school history and displays a harmony that was missing in 2006.

West’s biggest concern is – if the Hawks win tonight – how the team responds to playing the last two games at Westfield High School in Chantilly.

“It’s always tough playing away at this level, and we haven’t had much travel experience (as a high school team),” she said.

Hickory’s 2006 state tournament experience was limited to bus trips to and from the Stoney Run Complex in Newport News, with no motel time.

West counts on her experience as well as that of six other senior starters to help offset any travel woes. Hickory owns an 81-14-1 record in West’s career.

Ryan Wieck has said this team has been the best to be around in his 12 years as Hickory’s coach.

West, whose sister Sarah is also on the roster, is a key reason why.

“Rachel is an amazing kid,” Wieck said. “She’s a student leader and has a grade-point average over 4.0. She has always been open to what we suggest.”

West, a lefthanded hitter known for her consistency, has been a fixture at second base her entire career, but as a hitter has bounced in the batting order from fifth to second and this year to first .

“She does so many things well,” Wieck said. “Rachel has power but is very selective and has a good batting eye. That’s a big plus in the leadoff spot.”

An All-Southeastern District selection, West is an accomplished bunter. She hit .392 in the regular season, with a .449 on-base percentage. She has scored 18 runs, with 11 RBIs. She is one single away from sole possession of the school career record of 82 one-base hits.

Her softball conditioning got a lift from three years of playing volleyball for the Hawks.

West plans to attend Virginia Tech, is undecided on a major and will play club softball.

She began her career at age 8 as a rec league catcher. Three years later, West started playing year-round with the Lady Thunder in Chesapeake.

She traded catching gear for a fielder’s glove and found a home at second base.

Upon her arrival at Hickory, West wanted to make the junior varsity as a ninth-grader.

“A varsity spot opened up at second base, and I surprised myself and won it,” said.

Ninety-six games later, West is still there .