When it comes to pressure, Cailyn Durand adapts pretty well in high-leverage situations.
Whether it's during cheerleading competition or on the field, Durand lives for the heat of the moment.
The Joseph Case junior right-hander was tested right away in Wednesday's softball season-opener against league opponent Greater New Bedford.
On a cold afternoon, Durand came in during the sixth inning when Cardinals ace Lila Alvarez ran into trouble. Faced with a bases-loaded jam and no outs, Durand induced a grounder that produced a double play. She then retired the next batter and the score remained 3-1.
"It felt great out there," Durand smiled. "I love the pressure. I work well under pressure."
Durand then retired the side in order in the seventh inning to collect the save. As she walked toward the dugout, she received a big hug from head coach Shannon Silva.
"She pitched two scrimmages for us this season and she did great," Silva said. "It was on the table for her to come in today unless Lila was lights out. She did a great job, she stayed warm every inning and did exactly what we wanted.
"She works really hard all offseason and it shows. She picked up a couple of mph in the offseason and she got some movement pitches, which she did not have before. It helps her tremendously. Cailyn is a nice kid."
Durand, who played for Case's back-to-back state championship team, received little time in the circle in a backup role to first Hailey Berube and now Alvarez. But it doesn't bother her.
"I don't really care," Durand said. "I just love the game. It doesn't matter if Lila is starting or I'm starting. As long as I'm having fun. It really all that matters."
Durand has been in the spotlight for cheerleading too. This past winter, her Cardinals cheer squad won states and advanced to New England where they placed second. Prior to that, Durand and her teammates won states and New Englands in her freshman season.
"I did Pop Warner cheerleading for about two years when I was 7 or 8," she said. "I quit for awhile to do basketball and then I came back my freshman year for Case High School."
Durand began softball at the age of 4 at a T-ball session. Every since that she has always taken the field every spring. You never know the next time Durand will have her number called.
One thing is for certain, she will have nerves of steel.
"I just love the game," Durand said.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X ...
