DRACUT, Mar 26, 2010 (The Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Catherine Roy wasn't born on a softball diamond, but she sure has grown up with a bat in her hand.

Dracut High's senior shortstop comes into this year the reigning queen of the Merrimack Valley Conference Division 2. A three-time All-MVC selection, Roy won the MVC Division 2 Player of the Year award as a sophomore and a junior.

"Well, I've been around it (softball) my whole life, but I started hitting when I was 4," the 17-year-old says.

She hit .435, drove in 21 runs, and scored 22 runs last spring. Roy belted nine doubles and two triples, while showing plate discipline with 15 walks.