As the Chapel Hill Lady Panthers finished their region schedule 8-2 the team had many players that contributed to them finishing at the top of their subregion.

One player that played a key role in the team’s success this season was Darby Demarest.

“Darby has been our No. 1 pitcher this season and has been an integral part of the success of our teams,” said head softball coach Mickey Harper.

The sophomore pitcher joined the varsity team full-time this season and made a huge contribution as they were looking to replace their previous pitcher in May.

“After graduation, a four-year starter on the mound and a D-I signee in Morgan Sikes, we had a huge hole to fill and Darby has done that,” Harper said.

Over the course of the season, Demarest did not pitch every game as Chapel Hill used another pitcher, Caitlin LeGrand, but Demarest did pitch three no-hitters and averaged more than one strikeout per inning.

Demarest also had 11 wins and, according to Harper, was a “steadying force on the mound.”

Harper said Demarest has been one of the biggest surprises of the year with her improvement from a year ago as she had little varsity experience at the start of the season.

Along with being solid as a young pitcher, Demarest has been a leader for her team, even as an underclassman.

“With a quality work ethic and as a quiet leader, Darby has helped turn this season into a success,” Harper said.