Pam Stewart doesn't lead the Georgia softball team in any offensive categories.
But the 5-foot-4 sophomore utility player's worth to the Bulldogs can't be measured by the fact that she is 0-for-1 in 23 games this season.
Stewart showed her value to No. 23 Georgia on Sunday in the second inning of the Bulldogs' 3-1 win over Arkansas at the Women's Athletic Complex.
The transfer from Tougaloo College in Mississippi pinch ran for Michelle Green and easily stole second for her eighth stolen base in nine attempts. Stewart's speed rivals teammate Nicole Barber's, but Stewart's instincts were even more impressive as took off when the ball bounded into center field and slid in safely at third under the throw.
Stewart then scored on Kristen Bell's double to give Georgia (42-8, 10-8 Southeastern Conference) a 2-0 lead.
"What a fantastic young lady," Georgia coach Lu Harris-Champer said. "She came in and wanted to steal, got the green light, took it on her own and then saw third open and took it, too. She played with a lot of heart and emotion. You can't ask for much more than that."
Harris-Champer couldn't ask for much more Sunday in a solid team effort that capped a three-game sweep of the Lady Razorbacks (25-20, 6-12).
Bell had two hits, Barber stole two more bases to push her consecutive streak to 51 this season and 62 dating back to last season and Nichole Urban (7-1) pitched a complete-game two-hitter.
But Stewart sparked the Bulldogs and epitomized how far they have come in a season and a half under Harris-Champer.
"I just came out with a focused mind and wanted to do good for my team," Stewart said. "I saw them make the mistake and I capitalized on their mistakes."
A broken finger on her right hand has limited Stewart's time this season.
Stewart had a large wrap on her finger removed about a week ago, and she is throwing now even though she still wears a splint on her finger.
She also is making the adjustment to fastpitch softball after playing slowpitch and fastpitch softball at Moss Point High School in Mississippi.
Harris-Champer was non-committal when asked if Stewart was faster than Barber ("They're neck and neck speed wise"), but she said Stewart has "outstanding instincts" for the game.
"Today she showed she has been paying attention and let her instincts take over," Harris-Champer said.
Stewart said she hopes to see more playing time later in the season. If she does, she will be an even bigger contributor in the Bulldogs' record-breaking season.
"One through nine we can all count on each other to do what is needed to be done," Stewart said. "It is great to be on a team like that that has leaders who can step up and get the job done. I trust everybody on the team."
