Ferri values the friendship that has sparked between the pair of pitchers, and she realizes that this friendship will translate into a dependence that will last until Brown graduates. The two will have to learn from each other in order to have a successful season on the mound this year.

“I’ve definitely gone to her for advice, and we have very different pitching styles,” Ferri acknowledges. “There’s a lot that I see in her that are things that I need to personally work on [in] my pitching, as well as presence on the mound. She’s so poised and confident. I feel like I learned a lot just from pitching alongside her.”

Allard sees Ferri’s motivation to excel and has no doubt that the rookie will have a positive impact on the season—and especially on Brown.

“In terms of how she’ll complement Rachel, I think she’ll make Rachel a better pitcher,” Allard says. “Not just because they’re going to be competitive, but simply because if Jess Ferri can have a great season and really establish herself as a strong starter, that’s going to make Rachel better because Rachel’s going to be fresh…and Rachel, given her year of experience, has the benefit of kind of mentoring Jess Ferri as a freshman pitcher. I think that they can feed off each other very well.”

Brown has full confidence that Ferri will excel in the Ivy League, especially with the assets that the young pitcher brings to the team.

“[Ferri] throws really hard,” Brown explains. “She’s very strong, so that definitely helps add to her speed. She’ll throw inside to batters, and batters just can’t keep up with her. She spins the ball so that batters miss. So she’s got a lot going for her: speed, location, and movement, which are awesome.”

With these weapons and Brown’s trademark rise ball, the Crimson has a legitimate shot at improving its record and ultimately beating out Dartmouth for the Ivy North Division title.

And at season’s end, Ferri could have a chance to pick up a Rookie of the Year prize to match her mentor’s.

“I have to remember that there are expectations, but I can’t worry about that,” Ferri says. “I have to worry about what is in my control. Rookie of the Year is voted by other people, so all I can do is worry about how I play. My focus is still [to] play my best and contribute to the team as much as possible.”