A perfect pitcher

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) --An athlete who continued to push to pitch for Stonington High School found out that good things happen to those who wait.

Andrea Chiaradio wanted to pitch for Stonington High School, but her softball coach told her to be patient.

Chiaradio is a 16-year-old junior that had to wait her turn, but now she is having the time of her life.

"My catcher, Julie Royer, she makes me laugh a lot, she keeps my mood up," said Chiaradio.

Recently, Chiaradio accomplished a feat that got her national attention. She struck out every batter. Twenty-one players stepped to the plate, and 21 players struck out.

"She's a great kid and that day of the game she was on fire, her ball was moving and the reality hit that she was better than perfect. A perfect game and then 21 strikeouts which was unbelievable," said Coach Annmarie Houle.

Neither Chiaradio or her catcher had any idea that it was happening.

"I didn't' realize until like the fifth inning where one of the girls said I was throwing a perfect game, I was like don't jinx it. I don't know, I was just focused on the game," said Chiaradio.

"I had no idea, I didn't even know til the end of the game til somebody told me I think she had a no hitter," said Royer

The perfect game was followed by an encore.

Chiaradio who was playing center field last year at Stonington High School is suddenly a perfect pitcher.

"It was a little tough, but I knew my role was to play center field, so I played the best I could in center," said Chiaradio.

Her pitching accomplishments prove that she trained hard during the off season.