EVERETT – Once her playing days are over, Cory Mattson should consider a career in medicine.
Mattson, a sophomore on the Everett High School softball team, already acts like a surgeon on the mound. During situations that leave most people in panic mode, she stays calm. When the margin between success and failure is mere inches, Mattson coolly exhibits laser-like precision.
“Most of the year, and in the district tournament, she had just pinpoint accuracy,” Everett’s head softball coach, Kyle Peacocke, said. “That’s one of the most amazing things about her.”
As Peacocke said, a knack for precision is one of Mattson’s many remarkable skills. Mattson set seven school records this spring and helped the Seagulls win their first district championship. For her dominant performance on the mound and at the plate, Mattson is The Herald’s 2006 All-Area Softball Player of the Year.
As a pitcher, Mattson was 21-4 with a 0.69 earned-run average and 233 strikeouts in 1602/3 innings (the victory and strikeout totals are Seagulls records; she also set a record with two perfect games). Her array of pitches included a potent riseball that puzzled batters all spring.
Mattson endured a rough stretch, for her anyway, near the end of the regular season. But after a much-needed week off, she generated a sparkling performance at the Class 4A District 1 tourney – one run allowed in three games – and propelled Everett to state.
“The week (off before districts) allowed her, more than anything, to take a mental break and get refocused,” Peacocke said.
Mattson agreed.
When asked what made her a better pitcher this season, she cited lots of offseason practice that helped her gain better command of all her pitches. She also praised her teammates’ efforts.
“They really backed me up this year, and there were a lot of hits (opponents) would have gotten if they didn’t (play good) defense,” she said.
A softball team that boasts a lights-out pitcher and a clutch power hitter inspires jealousy. With Mattson, Everett has a formidable two-in-one package. In addition to her pitching dominance, Mattson was very good with a bat. She compiled a .419 average and a .473 on-base percentage, and set school records with 25 runs batted in, nine doubles and five home runs.
“It’s pretty rare,” Peacocke said of Mattson’s all-around excellence. “It’s a unique combination for someone to have that much success as a pitcher and a hitter.”
Everett went 1-2 at state and finished the season with a 22-4 record. The Seagulls graduate one senior, and with their star pitcher’s continued development, they have plenty to look forward to.
Talented challengers certainly attack, but in a tense situation it’s always a good idea to page Dr. Mattson.
“She’s letting her teammates know that they can count on her in big situations and pressure situations,” Peacocke said of Mattson. “She’s not gonna crack. She’s gonna rise to the occasion.”
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