When MaTaia Lawson transferred from Marist to Andrew in the fall, it created quite a buzz.
A buzz, according to teammate Morgan Magnabosco, that could be heard throughout the softball program.
“She was like a myth,” Magnabosco said. “Everyone was like, ‘THE MaTaia Lawson is coming to Andrew softball. THE Marist transfer is coming to Andrew softball.’
“I talked to (teammate) Emma Scislowicz. She is in her grade and knew MaTaia. And she was like, ‘No, bro. She is so good. She is the real deal.'”
Lawson was one of many Thunderbolts who were dealing Tuesday in a 19-0 SouthWest Suburban Red victory over host Stagg at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.
Maddie Hanik had four hits to lead the way for Andrew (21-5, 6-4). Lawson and Kaidence Bruno each contributed three hits. Kathleen Hester struck out six in two innings for the win.
Ava Zukowski had a base hit for Stagg (3-18, 1-10).
Lawson has established herself as the team’s top power hitter. But the sophomore shortstop also has fleet feet.
In the first inning, she hit a line drive to the fence in left field and didn’t stop running until she had a standup triple.
In the second, she hit a sharp grounder that deflected off Stagg pitcher Erin Cowe. Although Cowe recovered the ball, Lawson beat the throw to first base. When the ball got away, Lawson motored all the way around to third.
This girl loves the speed game.
“Sometimes,” Lawson said. “I get to be out of breath a little bit, but it works. I work my legs to get faster and that’s really it. I’ve been fast since I was younger, so it kind of helped me, building it up from there.”
Lawson’s stats this season are eye-popping. She is batting .583 with 46 runs, 11 doubles, six triples, 13 home runs and 42 RBIs. She has nine stolen bases.
It’s no myth, either, that coach Alyssa Gunther is happy to have her aboard the T-Bolts’ train.
“Yes, 100%, it’s been great having her,” Gunther said. “She has been a huge asset on our team offensively and defensively. Obviously, she has put in a lot of power numbers for us, but she also brings a lot of energy and personality.
“We love it. I think our girls feed off it. We’re excited to see what she’s going to do the rest of the season and in her future.”
As a freshman at Marist, Lawson played on the varsity volleyball team and started the softball season on the JV.
“I did everything I could, but it just wasn’t working for me,” Lawson said. “I played half the season with JV and then I played the rest for travel, with the bigger tournaments coming up. It made more sense for me.”
After transferring to Andrew, Lawson was a major contributor in volleyball. During travel volleyball season, she suffered a left shoulder injury that will eventually require surgery.
It doesn’t bother her while playing softball.
“Since it’s my left arm, I really don’t have to move it much,” Lawson said, smiling. “You should see my brace. It’s chillin.'”
Her right arm at short? Hester has that subject covered.
“Even those hard hit ones where I’m like, ‘Oh, shoot, this might be going through the gap,’ Taia is there and Taia’s got it,” Hester said. “And she has a cannon for an arm, so I know she’s going to fire it to first and get her out.
“Having her confident makes me more confident and gets me hyped, too. It’s really exciting to add her talent to our already-talented roster of players. The fact that she’s only a sophomore is crazy, too.
“There is a lot of room for improvements. It’s going to be great.”
