When you think about softball, controversy is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. But this season, a new trend in officiating is drawing attention from players, coaches, and writers all over the country.

“Crow hopping” is a term often used to describe an illegal motion by the pitcher while she is throwing the ball. Some pitchers separate their foot from the rubber and move forwards as they’re throwing—against the official rule, which states that she must have her foot on the mound in order for the pitch to count. If the pitcher fails to adhere to the rule, the batter is awarded a ball, and any baserunners are advanced one base.

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Chemistry is an essential component to a team’s success.

Without it, teams crumble in the most dire of times, succumbing to the pressures of a big game that requires much more than just plain talent.

In order to do well this season, Harvard coach Jenny Allard has ensured that the softball squad continues to foster a tight-knit community of support and encouragement.

She paired sophomore standout Rachel Brown, last year’s Ivy League Rookie of the Year, with rookie Jessica Ferri to provide guidance and advice.

Here are some things Brown shared with The Back Page a few weeks ago about Ferri and the friendship between the two talented pitchers.

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