Junior closer clinches Cathedral's spot at semistate: 'We fully trust Shelby'

INDIANAPOLIS — Shelby Johnson's season turned with seven innings in late April. The Cathedral junior pitcher spun her first (and thus far only) complete game of the season that night, shutting out Class 4A powerhouse Noblesville on only five hits with a couple strikeouts and a walk.

"That game really helped me a lot, because I knew they were big hitters and I had to show (up)," she said. "That really helped my confidence. I've been better since then."

Johnson has been utilized primarily as Sidney Feczko's alternate these past two seasons, an arm to fill in for the Dartmouth-bound senior when she needed a few innings (or an entire game) off against lesser competition.

The two are more of a tandem, with Johnson earning the opportunity to be the team's primary reliever, filling in behind Feczko and closing out games as needed, regardless of the opponent.

Johnson gained valuable varsity experience and consistently delivered, compiling a 9-0 record with six saves and a 1.72 ERA in 53 innings pitched entering Tuesday's 3A regional championship game.

"She came in and completely dominated some good teams like Noblesville," the sophomore shortstop continued. "She produces a lot of weak hits and grounders, so we have her back and she just dominated, so it was easy for us to support her and (win) those games."

Coach Tony Matthew found an approach that works and he's stayed with it. So when a flurry of sixth-inning fielding errors, a hit by pitch and a few singles allowed Danville to cut into Cathedral's seven-run advantage, Matthews turned to Johnson.

After allowing an RBI single to the first batter she faced, Johnson retired the next five in order, closing out a 7-5 Irish win over the Warriors.