Indy Star

By Steve Brooks / Star correspondent

 

Following in the footsteps of the state record-holder for runs batted in during a season is tough for anyone. It might be a little tougher when the record-setter is your older sister.

But being in that situation has made New Palestine softball player Michelle Marcum feel she has something to prove. And that's meant production both at the plate and on the mound for the Dragons' softball program.

Alyssa Marcum, Michelle's older sister, was a four-year standout at New Palestine. She earned all-state honors while setting the state mark with 57 RBIs in helping the Dragons to the Class 3A state title, a year ago.

Alyssa has since moved on to Indiana State University. Meanwhile, Michelle has improved her numbers from a year ago while emerging as one of the top hitters in the area.

"I've always felt I've something to prove just because I'm the coach's daughter," said Michelle, referring to New Palestine head coach Ed Marcum. "But there's also been pressure because Alyssa has always been so good. I wanted to step up and show people that I can be that good."

Michelle batted .355 with 22 runs batted in as a freshman, then followed that up hitting .411 with 36 RBIs a year ago. This season, the junior's batting average has jumped to .475, and she's driven in a team-high 25 runs while hitting three home runs during the Class 3A No. 1 Dragons' 19-1 start.

"Alyssa was always more a power hitter, while Michelle is a left-hander with a smoother swing," Ed Marcum said. "Michelle has always been in her sister's shadow, but this year she's had an opportunity to step up and be a team leader. I think she's done a great job with that. She had a great year last year, but she knew she was going to have to step up a bit more this season. She's always enjoyed being in pressure situations."

Marcum also has done a strong job filling in for starting pitcher Sara Evans -- who is 67-10 over her high-school career -- in three seasons. She was 12-0 as a freshman when Evans battled injuries, 9-0 a year ago and now 2-0 this season.

"Sara is just amazing, and there's no reason she shouldn't be the one out there pitching most of the time," Michelle said. "And I love playing third base. I know I'm going to have to pitch a lot more next year."