By Laura Amato
Lizul Portugal is well aware that people are almost constantly waiting for her to do something impressive.
And more often than not, she does.
The High School of Construction softball star is back on top of the city rankings this season, leading the PSAL in just about every offensive category. More importantly, she’s determined to make sure her impressive moments at the plate translate to wins for her team.
“I’m just always thinking ‘give it my all’ because there’s no coming back after this,” the senior shortstop said. “I have to move on, I’m older now and I want to leave my team in good hands and make a difference. I just really want to keep this team up.”
Portugal has been playing softball for as long as she can remember – trailing after her brother and always ready to get out onto the field – and it’s that kind of familiarity with the sport that she credits for her perennial success.
In just her first three games this season, Portgual connected on seven hits in eight at bats — including two home runs — scored nine runs and racked up a whopping 11 RBI. Opposing teams consistently try to pitch around her – she worked two walks as well – but Portugal hardly ever bats an eyelash.
She still finds a way to put bat on ball, and in those first three games, boasted an almost unheard of .875 batting average. Still, Portugal never feels an ounce of pressure to perform. She’s just having fun.
“I think every time I hit the field, I’m comfortable,” Portugal said. “This is my home. I love to be here. If you’re looking at me, I’m just like,
‘Hey!’ ”
Portgual is a softball veteran at this point, but she’s the first to admit she never quite planned on the athletic path she’s been walking. After all, turning Construction into a softball powerhouse wasn’t always the plan. It is, however, what she’s managed to do and Portugal is thankful for every single moment.
“I thank [Construction coach Marco Migliaccio] a lot because he brought me up. He picked me up when I was small and never let go of my hand,” Portugal said. “He led the way, and when I got here, he let me kind of take charge. I thank him a lot, he taught me a lot. Without him I don’t think I’d be where I’m going.”
Portgual has embraced an even bigger leadership role this season, in the middle of every pre-game speech and post-game celebration as she sets the tone for a young roster of Red Hawks. Of course, she’s also got her eyes on one final prize – a city championship.
Construction came up short last season – falling to Tottenville 13-5 in the final – but Portugal is confident the team can grab a title this time around. After all, she’s having fun and, in Portugal’s experience, that’s the best way to put up impressive numbers.
“I think that’s the major goal this season. I’m not trying to super stress over everything,” she said. “I’m not worried about hitting or not hitting, I’m just trying to have fun. It’s my last year. It’s just all or nothing this year.”
