By Don Ketchum

There is little doubt as to which player is the primary leader for Peoria Liberty’s softball team.

It is Jaclyn Jayo, a senior who is in her fourth year as the starting catcher.

That’s four years of putting the gear on, taking it off, putting it on, etc. She must get tired after awhile, right?

“Not really,’’ she said. “It’s the position I’ve always played, where I feel the most comfortable. It’s the perfect spot. It helps me maintain my focus. At other positions, you might get one or two balls a game.’’

She admitted that as a freshman catcher, she was timid, “because I didn’t want the other players thinking I was trying to take over.’’

And now?

“I think people look to me as a leader. I like to be very involved in the game,’’ she said.

Said Liberty coach Kortny Hall: “She leads more by example, but she can go out there (to the pitching circle), call a meeting and let people know when things aren’t getting done, and to be encouraging. She really makes a difference for our team.’’

For most of Jayo’s career, she has been a leadoff hitter, but this season, she has been alternating between that spot and the No.3 position.

“I know you don’t see catchers at leadoff much, but it seems I’ve been able to get on base a lot,’’ Jayo said. “This year, I’ve been hitting with a little more power, so we’re trying to take more advantage of that.’’

Hall said Jayo calls most of the pitches “and can read the spins and how the pitchers are doing real well.’’

This has been a year of transition for the pitching staff. Two key pitchers are new. Brooke Williamson transferred from Glendale Mountain Ridge and Rylee Holyoak is a freshman.

“They’ve done a good job. So far, so good,’’ Jayo said.

Jayo comes from a strong softball background. Her sister, Jessica, played at nearby Peoria Centennial and now plays for Western New Mexico. Jaclyn also wants to play collegiately, and is exploring options on the East Coast. She is good academically, and is taking honors classes.