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Farmington's Jensen has hot start

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 5:26 PM

Through Farmington's softball team's first 10 games this spring, sophomore Sam Jensen had a .735 average with four stolen bases. But this isn't your typical slap-style, race-to-first leadoff hitter we're talking about. Of her 25 hits, eight went for extra bases.

"Last year she put the ball in play a lot and just beat it out," Farmington coach Heather Ballstadt said. "Her power has really come around. She's still putting the ball in play, but she's finding the gaps in the field -- even putting some over the fence."

Heading into this week, Jensen had a pair of doubles, three triples and three home runs.

Ballstadt said that because Jensen is still young, she is still learning she is a leader for the Tigers.

"She's willing to do anything for the team," Ballstadt said. "The one year more of experience has helped her confidence. She's coming out of her shell a little."

Jensen, who plays first base, is not one to draw attention to herself.

After each game, a player on the Tigers' roster is awarded a small trophy called "The Goldy." With her numbers, Jensen has been given the trophy a handful of times already this season. Each time, Ballstadt said, Jensen wondered aloud why it had to be her. She had to be told she deserves the award.

Jensen is a player of few words when in the spotlight, instead letting her bat do the talking.

"If I see an outside pitch, I just take it," she said.

Farmington's lone Missota Conference loss heading into this week was a 3-0 shutout at the hands of Shakopee in the season opener April 9. The Tigers avenged that loss with a 4-2 victory on April 30.

Now, with only five conference games left, the surge to the finish has definitely kicked in. Farmington is in prime position to capture the top spot.

"The clutch hitting on this team has been so on," Ballstadt said. "Whether we need a little insurance or get us ahead, we've done that. It's superb. We have to make sure we keep hitting the ball hard and far."

BRIAN STENSAAS