June 17, 2007, 8:03AM SOFTBALL PITCHER OF THE YEAR Kliesing conquers quietly Pearland ace leads by example in dominant season By JENNY DIAL Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Rhiannon Kliesing is a quiet, serious girl. She rarely smiles and doesn't say much on the softball field. She doesn't have to, because her play speaks for itself. Kliesing, the All-Greater Houston pitcher of the year, had another phenomenal season for the Pearland Oilers.

Pearland's Rhiannon Kliesing has a constant supporter in her father, Larry. BILLY SMITH II: CHRONICLE

"You can't say enough about her and her contributions to this team," Pearland coach Laneigh Clark said. "I could go on for days. She leads by example."

Kliesing, who was scouted by several Division I programs, will play for Texas A&M next season.

This season at Pearland, she was 24-4 with an 0.54 ERA. She allowed 14 earned runs in 182 1/3 innings and averaged 12 strikeouts per game. In 26 decisions, she had 14 shutouts, two no-hitters and 12 one-hitters.

At the plate, she hit .494. She had 54 hits with 10 doubles, four triples and one home run from the cleanup spot in the lineup. She led the team with 36 RBIs and was 7-for-7 on stolen bases.

And she compiled those statistics despite often being intentionally walked.

"I don't think I'm a good hitter <just> because I'm a pitcher," Kliesing said. "I just focus and try to see the ball, which is what all good hitters have to do."

Clark said Kliesing's play not only helped the Oilers win, it taught the younger players around her how to be better.

"It's one thing to be a good player, but it's another level when you can make everyone around you better," Clark said. "That is what she does."

Kliesing said she is excited about the next step in her career with the Aggies, but is starting to miss Pearland.

"It's sad that it's over, but I have learned so much here and have great memories of this place and of this team," Kliesing said.

jenny.dial@chron.com