Little did Christensen, a senior catcher, know that what she was concerned about would apply to her later.
In the fourth inning, Christensen hit an 0-2 pitch to left field for a three-run home run to cap the Wildcats' scoring in a 9-0 victory over Sparta. The shot was a monstrous one, making it all the way to the growth and trees she inquired about.
"At the time, I wasn't thinking I'd be the one to hit it out there," Christensen said. "When he said 'Just play it,' I thought 'That sounds good.'"
Christensen's blast, her third this season, certainly looked good. It was a reminder that High Point (13-1) possesses a highly potent attack.
"I was out there having fun," Christensen said. "I didn't feel any pressure. When you're nervous, nothing good happens."
The win was the Wildcats' second this spring over defending Group III champion Sparta (9-8). In the first game, High Point blanked the Spartans, 8-0.
Sophomore Ally Frei went four innings, striking out 10 and giving up one hit to earn the decision and send her record to 13-0.
"It's exciting to beat Sparta," High Point coach Barbara Fasano said. "They're such a strong program and so respected. Sparta has a phenomenal feeder program. To take two from them is great for us."
After being retired 1-2-3 in their first at-bat, the Wildcats' offense caught fire. They loaded the bases on consecutive hits by Chelsea Eckert, Meghan O'Leary and Justine Hall before Michaela O'Hern knocked in the first run with a sacrifice fly.
With one out in the third inning, High Point's leadoff hitter, Carly Satter, reached on a walk, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Frei then hit a first-pitch offering to left field to drive in the second run. Run-producing base hits by Eckert and O'Leary ensued. Errors allowed the fifth and sixth runs to cross the plate.
"We definitely did a good job today," Frei said. "We all contributed. We all want to hit and bring in a run."
The setback was tough for coach Rick Poots and Sparta. The Spartans managed four hits. Only one runner, Gianna Gerardiello, got to second base.
"We started out pretty well," Poots said. "The wheels fell off and that was the end of it. We knew what to expect from the last time. Our kids were loose. We just go in spurts. One day we hit. The next day, we don't. We've struggled against tough pitching. I guess that'll come in time."
Poots' title-winning team was hit hard by graduation. Among his top 10 players are three sophomores and a freshman.
Versus High Point, right fielder Shannon Monahan had two hits while Gerardiello and Abbi Anker had one apiece.
O'Leary finished with four hits for the Wildcats. Eckert contributed two hits.
Christensen once again marveled at Frei's superb pitching.
"Ally is amazing," Christensen said. "I can't help but smile and laugh while catching for her. She's so good. The ball is to my glove every time. And, she's still got two more years left."
Frei, already committed to Penn State, was modest about her latest accomplishment. She got bit of a rest on Monday when Eckert came in to pitch the last three innings.
"I felt really good out there," Frei said. "I was comfortable. It was my second time here. My pitches were working well."
