ADRIAN SMITH, a sophomore pitcher at St. Francis University, was named Northeast Conference Tournament MVP after her performance last weekend. Smith is a St. Clairsville graduate.

ADRIAN SMITH went to St. Francis University after a brilliant prep career, which included her final two seasons at St. Clairsville High School.

The right-handed power pitcher, however, realized quickly there was a big difference between high school and Division I college softball.

She didn’t become discouraged. She simply went to work.

After a freshman season in which she contributed in a myriad of ways, but not much from via the circle as a Red Flash pitcher, Smith came home last summer with her mind made up.

“During the summer, I worked hard on many things just to be ready to come back this season and show what I could do,” Smith said during a recent phone interview. “I got some opportunities to prove myself and I’ve tried to take each one and run with it.”

Smith didn’t receive any kind of exact agenda of things to work on, but she already knew areas that she had to improve upon if she wanted to pitch at the at the Division I level.

“I practiced every day,” Smith said. “I went out and worked on really honing in on and perfecting my mechanics. I spent a lot of time in the weight room, too.”

The work has paid dividends.

Smith has shined basically each of the 28 times she’s been given the ball. But, her grandest moment came last weekend in the Northeast Conference Tournament, which was played on the SFU campus in Loretto, Pa.

Smith was named the NEC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player after earning two pitching wins, including a complete-game masterpiece in the title game.

“The award means a lot to me, but honestly, it’s all about this team and our success,” Smith said. “I just had the same mindset as all of the other games I pitched in. I guess (last) weekend was really my time to show what I could do.”

For the Red Flash, the Northeast Conference championship is their second consecutive and sends them back to the NCAA Tournament. For the second straight season, St. Francis earned a fourth seed in the Tuscon Regional and will take on host Arizona, which is ranked as high as seventh in the national poll, tonight in an 11:30 eastern time start.

“Some people on the team were kind of upset because they wanted to go somewhere different, but it’s a great stadium and atmosphere out there,” Smith said. “We feel like having played there last year gives us something to build on because we know what the field’s like and that’s a plus.”

The other teams in the regional include second-seeded Mississippi State and third-seeded North Dakota State.

Don’t expect Smith — or any member of the Red Flash — to go into tonight’s game with any nerves or feeling intimidated by a Wildcats’ program, which is rich in tradition and history.

“We kind of expected to be the fourth seed, so we knew we’d be playing someone really good,” Smith said. “No matter what the score is, we feel like we’re going to get the job done. We have faith in each other that someone will come through with the big hit.”

Smith, who owns an 11-6 record and a 2.46 earned run average for the season, wasn’t sure earlier this week as if she’d get the ball against the Wildcats. However, she was certain that if and when she’s called upon, she’ll be ready.

“I am excited to see what goes on from here and I hope I get the ball,” Smith said. “Just because it’s an NCAA Tournament game, we all have to continue to keep the same mindset. When I have an opportunity, I have to be ready to do my job.”

The Red Flash have been impressive in the NEC, completing a perfect 16-0 season. All told, they’ve won 19 games in a row. Their last loss came on April 11 to Maryland. Smith has been the beneficiary of run support. St. Francis, which is 5-8 against schools from ‘Power 5 Conferences,’ has hit 83 home runs, which leads the country.

Though she’s proud of the conference title ring she received after last season, Smith is even more pumped about the one she’ll receive in a few months.

“I thought last year was exciting, but this year is even more exciting because I’ve been out there pitching and just feeling more a part of it,” Smith said. “It’s been an amazing experience.”

Smith, who is majoring in marketing, said her classes are going well and she’s on a break until she begins a few online summer courses.