PR’s Turner shows no fear in circle

Prairie Ridge pitcher Johanna Turner is the Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year. The junior went 32-5 and threw two perfect games this season. (Justin Edmonds – jedmonds@nwherald.com)

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The final numbers were not the only defining characteristics of Johanna Turner’s season when Prairie Ridge softball coach Mike Buck sat down and began examining Turner’s year.

Sure, the numbers were, in some cases, staggering: the junior hurler finished her season 32-5 overall with a 1.58 ERA, 272 strikeouts, 165 hits – five for extra bases – and 18 walks in 239 innings.

But it was Turner’s composure in the circle, coupled with her focus, that impressed Buck most.

She started each game never allowing herself to think she might lose it, Buck said. And that, maybe above the numbers, was the most impressive part of Turner’s 2009 season.

“She wasn’t afraid of adversity, or of facing anyone, ever,” Buck said. “The way she responded when she did see adversity, when she was tested out there, was amazing. Her control, her response, never wavered. She stayed calm every single time. It was very impressive.”

Turner surprised herself, she said, not only with her numbers, but with her own calm in the circle. She was arguably the most improved player of the season, going from the backup pitcher to starting nearly every game this season.

“I’m surprised I ended up being the one that pitched all the time,” she said. “I didn’t expect that.”

For her efforts on the field this year, her impressive numbers, and for leading the Wolves to a Fox Valley Conference Fox Division title, a regional and a sectional crown, and a berth in the Class 4A Supersectional where the Wolves lost to Fremd, Turner is the Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year, as selected by the sports staff with input from local coaches.

Marengo senior shortstop Hallisey Kunde received as much consideration for the award, and Crystal Lake South senior shortstop Kaitlin Hardie also was strongly considered.

Turner set herself apart early this season, becoming one of the area’s most dominant pitchers after throwing three no-hitters, including two perfect games.

But she really started to define her style, the gritty and hard-nosed play that Buck came to appreciate, during the postseason. Turner went into extra innings against McHenry to win the regional semifinal. She had to shut down a hard-hitting South lineup to win the regional.

Turner allowed a three-run homer to South Elgin in the sectional semifinal that tied the game, only to stay composed, rely on the Wolves’ offense, and get out of the jam by finishing with two scoreless innings. She took a line drive off her leg in the sectional final game, but played through the pain.

Turner deferred to her teammates for much of the credit.

“Everyone just came together,” she said. “We wanted to make it as far as we could, so we just kind of worked together to get it done. I was so happy with what we were able to do.”