On a sun-splashed Saturday, with nary a cloud in the sky, Providence’s Kailee O’Sullivan wasn’t going to let one rough inning waste what felt like the first gorgeous days in weeks.
The senior right-hander would end up buckling down, but first, a pit stop was in order.
Time to refuel mentally.
“I kind of went in the back room in the shade and just composed myself,” O’Sullivan said afterward. “I told myself that I can’t get frustrated — it’s part of the game.”
From there, O’Sullivan bounced back from a four-run fourth inning to give up only one hit the rest of the way in lifting the host Celtics to a 6-4 GCAC Red win over St. Laurence in New Lenox.
With the help of freshman catcher Mia Sanfratello, O’Sullivan was outstanding in the final three innings for Providence (4-2, 1-0), giving up just a hit to sophomore first baseman Vanessa Kates.
Kates’ solo home run led off the big fourth inning for St. Laurence (3-2, 1-1). It was one of three hits and two walks given up by O’Sullivan.
But after some soul-searching between innings, O’Sullivan went the distance and struck out eight.
“My team needs me, so I can’t get mad at anyone or anything,” O’Sullivan said of that crucial break. “So then it allowed me to come out there and do what I needed to do.”
Providence’s Kailee O’Sullivan (2) scores a run against St. Laurence during a GCAC Red game in New Lenox on Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
O’Sullivan credited playing nationally with the Virginia Unity 18U travel team — coached by Megan Betsa, a former All-American at Michigan — as a major reason for her ability to bounce back from adversity.
Providence coach Jim Holba said that has paid dividends this season for O’Sullivan (2-1).
“I think it helps in every aspect,” Holba said. “We can rely on her. It’s her fourth year with us, so there’s that comfort. There’s not much she hasn’t seen. She’s got a good poker face.”
O’Sullivan had an auspicious start to her varsity career. She was hit by an errant ball on a finger on her throwing hand, which affected a tendon in her arm and required three surgeries to fix.
It took her almost a year to come back from that injury and return to form, but to tell the truth, there are still reminders.
Providence’s Lauren Gade (8) stretches out to catch a deep fly ball against St. Laurence during a GCAC Red game in New Lenox on Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
“Sometimes, in super-cold weather, my finger doesn’t bend all the way,” O’Sullivan said. “It makes it really hard to pitch. That’s why I loved (Saturday) because it was nice and sunny.”
In a few months, O’Sullivan will be plying her trade in college out east, her preferred location. She’s deciding between Fairleigh Dickinson in New Jersey and Central Connecticut State.
As a freshman on varsity, Sanfratello appreciates what it takes to compete at that level and enjoys catching a pitcher with O’Sullivan’s experience.
Sanfratello said in travel she’s usually catching freshmen and sophomores, but there’s something special about catching a senior who can top out at 60 mph.
“Kailee hits her spot,” Sanfratello said. “It’s easier for me to do my job.”
Providence’s Abby Johnson (6) throws to first base against St. Laurence during a GCAC Red game in New Lenox on Saturday, April 6, 2024. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
With Virginia Unity, O’Sullivan has been accustomed to being held accountable, and that encourages a better attitude when something goes awry.
She applies a similar approach with Sanfratello and her teammates.
“I’m definitely one of those who if I see someone down, I’ll talk to them privately to make sure they don’t get down on themselves,” she said. “I hold people accountable.”
Likewise, as her catcher, Sanfratello does the same for O’Sullivan.
“If Kailee walks a batter or something like that,” Sanfratello said, “I’ll go up to her and be like, ‘Shake it off, relax.’”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
