Rose Malen did what? No hit!

Courtesy of Chapman Athletics

For most softball players, pitching a no-hitter is a dream that feels almost unachievable.

For senior pitcher and business marketing major Rose Malen, that dream became a reality. Malen threw a no-hitter — meaning no opponents got a base hit — on March 9 at the Ulili Softball Invitational in Honolulu, Hawaii, leading the team to a 8-0 victory against Dickinson College’s Red Devils.

The Panthers flourished on the momentum generated by Malen, finishing the invitational 6-0. Malen was named Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) athlete of the week after her leading performance.

“It was in the back of my mind, but I really tried not to think about it during the game,” Malen said. “I focus on each pitch and batter as a new chance to throw my best and do my best to get them out.”

As athletes get closer to an outstanding accomplishment like a no-hitter, the pressure they place on themselves builds. Malen’s focus on each pitch allowed her to relieve that pressure and return to her game plan.

“I don’t use a pitch script,” she said. “My catcher and I discuss the batters throughout the game, noticing what is working and what some of their weaknesses are … We coordinate changes as the innings go on, but in this game in particular we stuck with what was working.”

Malen’s confidence in not only herself, but also her catcher, played a key role in this accomplishment. Their ability to communicate and adapt to the flow of a game rather than sticking to something predetermined is what lets them be successful in high-pressure situations.

In games like this one against Dickinson, that plan remained simple: keep doing what works. Malen and her catchers have shown the ability to perform and adapt at the highest level in the middle of a 20-5 season.

While the catcher plays a critical role in successes like a no-hitter, Rose was also quick to mention how the whole team plays a role in something as big as this.

“The whole team is pretty superstitious and no one talked about it in between innings at all,” she said. “Honestly, I didn’t even realize it was already the fifth inning when the game ended.”

The team's quiet but unified approach to the situation is what makes occasions like this so special. Even with history at the table, the dugout remained calm and trusting in their teammates, focusing on the individual roles.

After an accomplishment like this, many ask what comes next. While Malen is unsure of where, or even if, her softball career will continue after this senior season, she is certain of one thing.

“I’m really soaking in and enjoying my last season,” Malen said.

A career-defining milestone is certainly a way to celebrate a special season.