In her first season as the Pride’s ace, Galati compiled a 26-7 record with a 1.60 ERA. Her accuracy was astonishing as she struck out 294 batters while walking only 39.
“This season was almost indescribable. I had the most fun playing softball than I ever had in my entire life. It was just an amazing experience,” said Galati.
Galati, who was a dominating pitcher in high school, continued that domination throughout the 2010 campaign. “I really didn’t think that I was going to transition easily into college. I thought it would be a little bumpy, but I was surprised that I did so well,” said Galati. She added, “The level of play is so different in college, you have to understand that every batter in the line-up can hit. You have to be focused with every single pitch.”
Galati remembers reaching that initial comfort zone early on. “I would say it was during my first game on our Florida trip that I began to feel that I belong here, that I can do this,” said the freshman. Galati went on to win her first four games before suffering her first defeat to then 22nd ranked Florida State. Galati bounced back quickly, and after losing only her second game of the young season, won her next 14 consecutive starts.
Equally impressive with Galati, is how she was able to step into the shoes of former ace Kayleigh Lotti and not skip a beat. “I wouldn’t say I felt pressured [replacing Lotti]. I always looked up to her,” said Galati. “I admired her pitching and wanted to be like her, which motivated me to work hard and be the best that I can.”
In a season already filled with great accomplishments, Galati rose to the occasion once again throwing the first no-hitter in CAA Tournament history. “I didn’t even know I had a no-hitter until the seventh inning. My teammates didn’t want to jinx me so they didn’t make mention of it,” said Galati. She added, “I walked a couple of people and hit a batter, so I remember seeing runners on first base so I didn’t think about it. It wasn’t until I looked at the scoreboard that I realized it. But you try not to let it affect your pitching and try to remain focused.”
During Galati’s years at St. John the Baptist, she led her team to three New York State championships as well as being named the Gatorade New York State Player of the Year in her senior year. Those accolades have continued during her first season with the Pride
as Galati won both the Colonial Athletic Association Pitcher and Rookie of the Year honors.
Galati’s list of accomplishments would give anyone quite a formidable resume, especially as a freshman. In one season, such highlights have included a no-hitter, a conference championship, league honors, a trip to the NCAA Regionals, an impressive win over #14 Oklahoma State and a battle with national power Arizona.
But more importantly for Galati, she has enjoyed what the team has accomplished as a whole. “I think understanding that we can play at this level and having the ability to beat teams like Oklahoma State and be right there with Arizona says a lot about this program,” said Galati.
Her amazing season has come to a close, but Galati will be a pitcher to be reckoned with in the future. “My goal for next year is giving maximum effort with every single pitch and not taking one pitch off,” said Galati.
Sounds like a recipe for continued success.
Galati, a graduate of St. John the Baptist High School, was a highly recruited pitcher who signed with the Hofstra Pride and immediately made an impact within the program.