Before She Becomes a Duck, CPHS’ Miranda Elish Has Unfinished Business as a Bulldog

Elish-1Before Thursday’s game against the La Porte Slicers, Crown Point senior Miranda Elish said she was done pitching.

Her teammates attempted to steal second base, and Elish gunned them down from behind the plate. One by one, each runner was retired.

It is safe to say that Elish can do pretty much anything on a softball diamond. She committed to the University of Oregon on September 21, 2012. She says she is looking forward to the next chapter, but wants to take care of business before she becomes a Fighting Duck.

“I’m definitely sad that this is all coming to a close,” she said. “But it’s do-or-die right now.”

The Bulldogs, 19-1 (13-0 DAC) on the season, were recently ranked No. 1 in MaxPreps’ Xcellent 25 national rankings. They now stand at No. 6. Junior Lexi Madrigal has called Elish’s pitches for two years, and the two have developed a strong bond.

“Miranda has a lot of great pitches, and they all really work for her,” Madrigal said. “Anything I call gives me confidence that she will be able to work with it.”

The battery’s friendship extends far beyond the field.

“We’re together 24/7, and we never get tired of each other,” Madrigal said. “We still hang out together outside of school.”

The final days are looming, and Elish wants to make the most out of them. She’s not quite ready to pack her suitcase just yet.

“This has been a part of my life for every spring over the last four years,” she said. “Softball has consumed my life, but the thought of leaving here makes me sad. It’s nostalgic.”

Remember that whole pitching thing? Elish decided to ditch the mask, chest protector and shin guards. She toed the rubber and hurled yet another shutout, en route to a 3-0 CP victory.

She might be a five-tool player, but the circle is her home.