The average high school program really only needs one pitcher to field a capable softball team, for one very specific reason.

The windmill delivery is thought not to put tremendous abuse on the arm. Because of that belief, most coaches have no problem in sticking with one ace – one girl who they feel can be the most effective.

And, for four years, Northern Nash's Greg Tharrington was in that group.

He ran out the same player, Brittny Bissette, every game. In four years, she missed only a handful of starts.

It's been two seasons since Bissette threw all 18 innings in a 1-0 loss in the first round of the state playoffs.

It's also been two seasons since Tharrington relied on just one girl.

This season, it has been five Knights splitting the pitching duties.

Melissa Avent, Brianne McKenney, Raven Lee, Betsy Braswell and Krissy Sullivan each have a winning record.

"It makes it very nice," Tharrington said. "If one of them has a bad game, there is probably one of them I can depend on to throw well."

McKenney took the ball in the NEW 6 Conference Tournament championship and won. Avent got the nod in round one of the state playoffs, and threw six shutout innings.

Tonight, in the second round of the 3-A state playoffs, Tharrington said he expects Lee to start.

Of course, that could change. Maybe Lee will be a little off during warmups, or maybe someone else be looking especially good that day.

Or it could be because of who he wants in the field behind the eventual pitcher – all five play another position.

Tharrington knows who his hitters will be facing. Rockingham's ace has 20 wins this season, which is also the number of games her team has won.

Sure, each player's individual numbers take a hit ("If you take your girl's stats and add them all together, then we probably lead the conference and the area," Tharrington said), but the end result has been worth it.

"One or two have absolutely good control," Tharrington said.

"One or two throw it with a little more heat. And one throws it so slow you can swing three times and not hit it.

"We're in a good position."

H. Williams Kellenberger can be reached at 407-9950 or hwkellenberger@coxnc.com