espnW.com
OKLAHOMA CITY -- At Washington's open practice on Wednesday, junior pitcher Taran Alvelo stood off to the side as freshman Gabbie Plain pitched during a drill. To the passerby, it was an innocuous moment, just two pitchers sharing time. But it ended up foreshadowing what would happen the next day against Oklahoma, when Plain would get the start and Alvelo would relieve.
This is a different role for Alvelo. Coming into this season, she was widely regarded as Washington's ace. As a sophomore, she went 35-9, making 47 appearances and starting 38 games.