Overbrook's Jen Metzger pitching strong

Jen Metzger has been in a hurry all season.

Overbrook's star pitcher missed her sophomore year with an injury. She's been moving as quickly as one of her blazing fastballs to make up for lost time as a junior.

Metzger leads the top-seeded Rams (20-3) into tomorrow's Group 2 sectional semifinal game with one of the most impressive set of statistics in South Jersey. She also has one of the most determined approaches.

"It's like this whole season has been for redemption," Metzger said. "After last year, I was so determined to come back strong this year."

Metzger has an 11-0 record with 157 strikeouts and nine shutouts. According to Overbrook coach Jim Chiumento, Metzger has not allowed an earned run.

She also is one of the Rams' top hitters with a .350 average while leading the team in extra-base hits.

"She's been phenomenal," Chiumento said. "She really established herself as a freshman, and then she had to sit out all of last season. That was so tough for her.

"But she's come back strong."

Metzger burst on the South Jersey softball scene as a freshman in 2007. She won 14 games that season and struck out 242.

But Metzger said she tore the labrum on her right (throwing) shoulder playing for the Jersey Sharks in ASA competition in the summer of 2007. She underwent surgery in December 2007 and sat out the 2008 season.

"It was really hard because I would go to games and sometimes I would have to leave our games to go to physical therapy," Metzger said. "I love all the girls on our team, and I was so excited to be able to come back."

Because she has been working her way back from injury, Metzger has seen less action than most top pitchers this season. She has split time with Overbrook's Samantha Borelli, who also has pitched well for the Rams with a 10-3 record.

Metzger said she has gained strength during the season. She's confident she can throw every game for the Rams in the state tournament.

"I definitely can do it unless we go back-to-back-to-back for some reason," Metzger said. "My shoulder has been feeling better and better as the season has gone along."

Metzger, who ranks No. 1 in the Overbrook junior class with a weighted grade-point average of 4.52, has been at her best this season against the toughest competition.

In a 12-inning duel with West Deptford's Michelle Black, Metzger struck out 24. She also twice beat defending Group 2 state champion Sterling, striking out 18 in one game and 16 in the other.

"I think I'm back to where I was before I got hurt," Metzger said. "I actually might be better because I feel like I have more speed than I had before."

Metzger has speed on the mound and speed in another way, too: She's racing to make up for last season.

If she leads the Rams to the Group 2 state title, she will have made it all the way.

"I can't wait for the tournament," Metzger said. "We've got such a good team. We feel like we can go all the way."