Saints found their pair of aces in the east

Ann-Marie Guischer and Kristen Crawford may have just finished their first MHCC softball season, but don’t let the word “freshman” mislead you — these two are veterans in the sport.

Both started playing softball at age 5 and competitively at the ages of 7 and 8.

Guischer, 18, is from The Dalles, which has nearly 14,000 residents, and attended The Dalles-Wahtonka High school. Crawford, 19, is from Pendleton, a town of nearly 17,000 people and attended Pendleton High School. Both played softball all four years at their schools.

The Dalles-Wahtonka and Pendleton are rivals in the 5A Columbia River Conference. In their senior years of high school, Guischer was awarded pitcher of the year in the conference and Crawford was named player of the year. Each was named to the all-conference first team.

“Born and raised” in Pendleton, Crawford led her Pendleton Buckaroos to a state championship in 2012 as they defeated Silverton, 6-1. Guischer, who also has lived in her hometown her whole life, led her Eagle-Indians into the state semifinals last season but her team lost to Silverton 1-0 in extra innings.

“We knew of each other while we were both in high school but we became friends this year,” said Guischer.

Crawford said she felt Mt. Hood was the best program for her and found her friends had only positive things to say about the school. Guischer attended Oregon State University for fall term, then transferred to MHCC in the winter.

“I felt like overall, it was the best fit for me,” said Guischer.

Mt. Hood head coach Meadow McWhorter said she had the two high school aces on her radar before they came to the program.

“I have known Kristen since she was 10 years old, when she used to come to Gresham for pitching lessons. I recruited Kristen when she was in high school and watched her lead her team to the 5A state championship last year,” said McWhorter. “I saw Ann-Marie pitch last summer at the Valley Invite but at that time she was already heading to Oregon State.

Crawford and Guischer each contributed to Mt. Hood’s tremendous season this year, in which the team finished 39-7 and won the Southern Region in NWAACC competition.

Crawford finished the season going 15-2 with 88 strikeouts and a 2.17 ERA and was named to the Southern Region’s first team. She led the team in innings pitched, with 112.

“This year was successful, overall. There’s nothing to complain about,” said Crawford.

Crawford credits her father for her drive. “My dad has been my inspiration since Day One, growing up after watching him coach,” she said.

Guischer finished 12-5 in 24 games this season, with a 1.45 ERA. She was fifth in the NWACC in strikeouts with 151. In a 10-0 victory on March 8 against Blue Mountain Community College, she threw a no-hitter and added 11 strikeouts.

Guischer was named Southern Region pitcher of the year and also was named to Southern Region first team, along with All-American honors by the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association.

“It was exciting to win the awards. I felt like I accomplished something,” said Guischer.

McWhorter sees similarities between the two young pitchers and herself when she pitched.

“They both thrive under pressure. I always pitched my best when the pressure was on,” said McWhorter. “Both Ann-Marie and Kristen turn their game up when the game is on the line. They are the type of pitchers who want the ball when we are in tough situations.

“Both Kristen and Ann-Marie are so different in the type of pitchers they are, yet they are so consistent. They complement each other so well,” she said.

McWhorter said one moment stands out most for the duo this year.

“I will never forget our Sophomore Day double-header against Chemeketa,” she recalled. “Ann-Marie had just thrown six innings in the rare 85-plus degree May heat and we had to pull her due to her showing signs of fatigue.”

Crawford pitched in the second game and showed similar signs of fatigue.  “Ann-Marie put down her cold towel and said, ‘I need to go warm up up for Kristen.  She is pitching her heart out for me, I need be there for her.’

“It’s that type of camaraderie between those two that has lead to their success,” said McWhorter.

Outside of softball and classes, both women enjoy spending time with friends and hanging out.

“There’s a lot more to do here than in Pendleton, especially shopping. It’s fun and cheap,” said Crawford.

Guischer likes the scenery around town and enjoys hiking, especially in the Columbia River Gorge.

A nursing major, Crawford is taking her prerequisites and hopes to graduate next year. “I’m taking my classes very seriously,” she said.

Guischer is a general studies major but wants to get her associate degree in science and to pursue radiology.

“I like the campus. It’s not too big and it’s pretty. It’s easy to get around,” said Guischer.

Besides working out and keeping up with softball, the players expect a busy summer.

Guischer said she hopes to take an online math class while she heads back to The Dalles, “working at a cherry orchard and a local coffee shop.”

Crawford also will return to her hometown to take classes – 13 credits – and to work, she said.

The Saints fell short of a NWAACC Tournament title, falling to eventual champion Wenatchee Valley and to Douglas College squads, but captured third place.

“It was fun to play. It was an overall good experience. I just have to slow down, relax, and not rush myself when I’m on the mound,” said Guischer, recounting her season.

With exceptional stats from the two ace pitchers this year, they will be expected to be team leaders from the very start of next season.

“I expect them to lead by example in games and in practice,” McWhorter said.  “They are both very reliable and to have that in the (pitching) circle is so important.  You can count of both of them.”

Just as in high school, both Guischer and Crawford are high-profile players.

“With both pitchers not being a secret next year, teams will know what to expect. I will look to them to set the standard with their work ethic and their drive to improve daily,” McWhorter said.