JUDA - Like most people, Amber Ramos was born with a fight-or-flight response. She simply chooses to shut it off when she's in the pitching circle.
Ask those who know the Juda-Albany ace best, and they all say the same thing: Ramos relishes the opportunity to test herself against adversity on the softball diamond.
Juda-Albany seniors Katlyn DeVoe and C.J. Dunwiddie have played with Ramos on the varsity for four years and all three will play in the Wisconsin Softball Coaches Association All-Star game in June.
But first they have some unfinished business: The desire to make an extended run in the WIAA Division 4 state tournament.
With Ramos in the circle, that is a definite possibility.
"The pitcher is like the quarterback on the field," said DeVoe, the Panthers' second baseman. "(Ramos) doesn't get frustrated. She is always really composed in her pitching. If the pitcher gets down, everyone gets down. It's nice to have someone positive and composed. She always tries to get everyone fired up.
"We have been close friends. It's good to be able to share the success we have had with each other."
Dunwiddie, who has played third base and catcher this season, agrees with DeVoe's assessment.
"She always keeps her composure no matter what," Dunwiddie said of Ramos. "It pays off in the long run. She has a lot of confidence in herself. If she makes a mistake, she brushes it off."
Ramos enjoyed a stretch this season that included a shutout and back-to-back no-hitters. Every time out, the Panthers (15-7) have high expectations that Ramos will keep the opposing team at bay.
The next challenge comes today, when the Panthers host Argyle in a regional semifinal game at 5 p.m.
"We know what performance we will get out of her," Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis said. "She's a pretty calm and cool cat. She understands that she will make a bad pitch once in a while or someone will make a good hit. She knows she just has to answer back."
Ramos has had the ability to answer back more often than not this season. Juda-Albany won the Six Rivers East Conference in the inaugural season of the co-op - the fourth straight league title for Juda.
Davis said the most runs Ramos has given up in a game this spring is two. The Panthers step on the field for each game confident that even with minimal run support, they can beat any team.
Even when the offense has struggled, the Panthers often have won behind Ramos.
"I don't really get flustered or upset about anything," Ramos said. "On the mound, I just try to keep my composure."
Hitting with runners in scoring position remains the key to a long postseason run. Davis is well aware that scoring early can take some of the pressure off Ramos.
"Clutch hits are what teams have to do to win games," Davis said. "With runners in scoring position and one out, we have to put the ball in play."
Juda-Albany beat Argyle twice this season, topping the Orioles 8-1 in nine innings and winning 11-0 in five innings. In the first game, Ramos struck out 17 and the Panthers broke had a seven-run ninth.
"We have to keep our confidence up and we will go far," Ramos said. "We have to go in pumped up and ready to go."
Staying composed in tight situations can go a long way, too.
Ask those who know the Juda-Albany ace best, and they all say the same thing: Ramos relishes the opportunity to test herself against adversity on the softball diamond.
Juda-Albany seniors Katlyn DeVoe and C.J. Dunwiddie have played with Ramos on the varsity for four years and all three will play in the Wisconsin Softball Coaches Association All-Star game in June.
But first they have some unfinished business: The desire to make an extended run in the WIAA Division 4 state tournament.
With Ramos in the circle, that is a definite possibility.
"The pitcher is like the quarterback on the field," said DeVoe, the Panthers' second baseman. "(Ramos) doesn't get frustrated. She is always really composed in her pitching. If the pitcher gets down, everyone gets down. It's nice to have someone positive and composed. She always tries to get everyone fired up.
"We have been close friends. It's good to be able to share the success we have had with each other."
Dunwiddie, who has played third base and catcher this season, agrees with DeVoe's assessment.
"She always keeps her composure no matter what," Dunwiddie said of Ramos. "It pays off in the long run. She has a lot of confidence in herself. If she makes a mistake, she brushes it off."
Ramos enjoyed a stretch this season that included a shutout and back-to-back no-hitters. Every time out, the Panthers (15-7) have high expectations that Ramos will keep the opposing team at bay.
The next challenge comes today, when the Panthers host Argyle in a regional semifinal game at 5 p.m.
"We know what performance we will get out of her," Juda-Albany coach Bill Davis said. "She's a pretty calm and cool cat. She understands that she will make a bad pitch once in a while or someone will make a good hit. She knows she just has to answer back."
Ramos has had the ability to answer back more often than not this season. Juda-Albany won the Six Rivers East Conference in the inaugural season of the co-op - the fourth straight league title for Juda.
Davis said the most runs Ramos has given up in a game this spring is two. The Panthers step on the field for each game confident that even with minimal run support, they can beat any team.
Even when the offense has struggled, the Panthers often have won behind Ramos.
"I don't really get flustered or upset about anything," Ramos said. "On the mound, I just try to keep my composure."
Hitting with runners in scoring position remains the key to a long postseason run. Davis is well aware that scoring early can take some of the pressure off Ramos.
"Clutch hits are what teams have to do to win games," Davis said. "With runners in scoring position and one out, we have to put the ball in play."
Juda-Albany beat Argyle twice this season, topping the Orioles 8-1 in nine innings and winning 11-0 in five innings. In the first game, Ramos struck out 17 and the Panthers broke had a seven-run ninth.
"We have to keep our confidence up and we will go far," Ramos said. "We have to go in pumped up and ready to go."
Staying composed in tight situations can go a long way, too.
