HOPKINTON - Even for star Norton pitcher Kelly Nelson, this week exceeded expectations.
The junior hurler and Holy Cross commit tossed a one-hitter Monday and a no-hitter Tuesday, while racking up 20 strikeouts in each contest.
Against Tri-Valley League rival Hopkinton yesterday, Nelson continued her dominance by throwing another one-hitter and fanning 16 in an 11-0 road win for the Lancers.
"It's amazing," Nelson said. "Four games in a week, I pitched three of them, it's always a grind, but you just have to make the best of it."
Nelson was locked in from the start against the only team that has handed her a loss this season. She began her outing in spectacular fashion, striking out the first six batters she faced on just 22 pitches.
With pinpoint accuracy and a blazing fastball, Nelson struck out the side on four different occasions and retired the first 18 Hopkinton (11-2) batters.
"I came out of an AP test today - three hour test - I was so ready to not think anymore and just play," said Nelson on her fast start.
Nelson's perfect game slipped away to begin the bottom of the seventh with Kaitlyn Holly breaking up the bid with a bunt single before Nelson issued a walk.
Nelson remained composed, though, and struck out the final three batters she faced.
"What you see her doing is absolutely amazing," said Norton coach Wade Lizotte. "But how she does it is more amazing to me. She comes to work everyday. She's the ultimate teammate. She works so hard. It's just so well deserved."
Norton (14-1) gave Nelson plenty of support as it belted out 12 hits. The Lancers scored twice in the top of the first and added at least one run in each inning besides the fifth.
Nicole Grainger (two RBI), Olivia Pietersen and Olivia Menyo all went 2 for 4.
