Three years ago, Angeline Quiocho struggled in her first collegiate tournament.
Though she had homered in her first at-bat, the former high school standout had the impatience of a freshman.
She was frustrated, and her coach could tell.
Gordon Eakin spoke to her.
"All he says is, 'Go up there like you're the best hitter in the world,'" she said.
Three years later, he's not far off.
The BYU third baseman leads the nation with 49 home runs and 1.58 RBIs per game.
She's the engine of a Cougars (46-11) offense that ranks sixth in the nation with 7.07 runs per game. The Wildcats, today's super regional opponent, are third with 7.56.
"She plays loose, she plays free, and she has an incredible talent level," Eakin said. "I've always said she has more talent in her little finger than most players I've ever coached.
People are also reading…
"I think she's finally realized that, and she's been able to put it all together this year."
Quiocho, who is hitting .420, said she's proud to lead her team to its first super regional appearance as a senior.
"To be able to do it now, before I take off, is a great feeling," she said.
Quiocho does more than launch homers. More than once, while playing third base this year, she would field a squeeze bunt, tag the runner heading home and then race the batter to first base.
She never reached the runner - needing to throw the ball instead - but came close.
"She's got tremendous athleticism," Eakin said. "She's got strength. She's the fastest player on our team. She's got speed."
Call her Steve Nash.
Eakin compared his team to the Phoenix Suns, who need three-pointers to survive.
"They're not gonna stop taking them," he said. "We're not going to stop being aggressive."
