April 27, 2014, 5:05 p.m.
@avdbkr20samuel
For some, being a senior in college is a fun time where one takes in all of the sights and sounds of being in college before moving on into the real world.
For others, like Jordan Carter, a star senior pitcher from Collegeville, Pennsylvania, it is a bittersweet time.
"It's awesome being a senior," Carter said. "It's kind of a two way thing, because it's such an awesome experience. At the same time, every day is one last time I have in college. I try not to think about it, but being on this team with the guys is unbelievable. The senior class is so tight. We developed a lot together. It's great to see how everyone is coming together as a team, and meshing well. Winning the Liberty Bell Classic again was just an awesome experience for everyone. Being able to play at Citizens Bank is really a cool experience. It's just how far the team has come, our coaches, it's awesome to see, and an incredible experience.
"It's definitely a family thing. We've gone through tons of stuff together, and it's just great because we can relate to each others' experiences on and off the field."
Carter was not always the leader and ace that he has been this season. Originally a stud pitcher at Methacton High School in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, Carter was heavily scouted by Saint Joseph's after he was selected to the First Team All-League from his sophomore season onward. He was also chosen to represent his region as a senior there, and he played in the Carpenter Cup in his sophomore and junior years.
The right-hander was always an impact player, though. From the moment that Carter stepped on the field as a freshman in high school and earned a starting spot on the varsity team to the time that he earned that same spot four years later with the Hawks, he has helped his team win.
In his sophomore year of high school, Carter contributed to his team capturing the Suburban One Conference title. It is that same poise, control, and dominance this year that is situating him and St. Joseph's closer to an A-10 Championship.
On the mound, the senior hurler has been stellar, posting his best season as a Hawk. Carter has an impressive 2.57 ERA to go along with an overpowering 7-3 record, while striking out 54 batters in 66 2/3 innings. He added another solid win to his previous total of six on Saturday against La Salle, tossing eight innings, while surrendering two earned runs on eight hits, and punching out five Explorers in a 12-2 victory over them.
Carter attributes his great season to learning from mistakes and capitalizing on them in future games.
"I think the biggest thing is just continuing to build off of each start I have, and knowing that I have a counterpart ace in Danny Thorpe, who has been just unreal this season, which allows me to be more dominant, because of the two completely different styles of pitching that we have," Carter said. "Just to keep learning and taking everything in has been working out.
"As far as on the mound is concerned, my mental toughness has increased. You know being a senior, being that guy that I was put in a position where they needed me to step up because Kyle Mullen, who was our ace last year, graduated. Danny and I have both done that job, which has been incredible to see kind of both of us wanting that job. I think also maturing as a player and as person has realy helped me slow the game down, and pitch my best."
Carter didn't pitch today, but Tyler Pallante got the job done as the Hawk's starter on Sunday, tossing 4 2/3 innings, while allowing five runs, two earned, on six hits, while striking out four, and walking five in a 13-7 offensive victory over the Explorers.
The Hawks and their ace Carter will try to make it eight wins in a row on Tuesday when they face the Rider Broncs at Smithson Field in Merion Station, Pennsylvania at 3 p.m.
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