Larsen steps in at key position

TUSCALOOSA | Whitney Larsen didn't arrive at the University of Alabama expecting to be an everyday starter in the infield, but lately that's exactly what she's become.

The freshman from Vestavia Hills was an off-and-on regular in the Crimson Tide's starting lineup in the outfield for much of the season, but her role shifted when junior All-American Lauren Parker sustained a shoulder injury that took her out of the lineup. Larsen moved to second base nine games ago and has filled in for Parker ever since.

'It is truly an honor to play for Lauren Parker,' Larsen said. 'It's big shoes to fill.'

Considering Parker is batting .384 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs this season, Larsen is carrying a heavy load. Making it even more difficult, she is learning a new position at the same time.

'In high school, I played a lot of different positions and there was a time one year I played a little bit of second base,' she said. 'I'm working hard every day, taking extra ground balls here and there. It's starting to come through for me.'

And Parker is there to help make the transition easier. Parker hopes to return to the lineup for the postseason, but in the meantime she has adopted the role of being Larsen's personal second base coach.

'She's a great mentor at that position, just a great mentor period at the game of softball,' Larsen said. 'After every inning when I come off the field, she's right there letting me know, ‘Good job, Larsen, good job.'

'It's starting to come more natural a little bit.'

Larsen's offense has improved since she made the switch. Over the last nine games she is batting .304 with five RBIs, four runs scored and four walks. For the season she is batting .273 with 25 RBIs, 24 runs scored and 14 walks.

Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy doesn't expect Larsen to hit like an All-American.

'I think everybody else is going to pick her up,' Murphy said.

'Whitney doesn't need to hit .460. Everybody else needs to do a better job.'

Murphy didn't give Larsen a lecture about the importance of filling Parker's role. Her teammates did that.

'I think a couple of them have said, ‘Look, get your head on and start playing, you've got some pretty big shoes to fill,'' Murphy said. 'I didn't have to.'

Taking Parker's place in the lineup has meant Larsen has had to grow up fast. She takes her new responsibilities very seriously.

'We all know we have a certain role on this team and my role is to come in and fill Lauren Parker's shoes,' Larsen said. 'I'm not just a freshman. I'm part of a bigger picture. I'm part of an Alabama softball team that's ranked No. 1.'

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224.