HOUSTON - Randy Johnson she's not.

As a matter of fact, Houston left-hander Haley Gravat could be labeled "The Petite Unit" because of her size - 5-foot-3, barely 100 pounds.

"She was happy this year when she went for her physical and broke the 100-pound mark," Hilltoppers coach Keith Jernigan said, then laughed. "She's not big, but she's got a lot of heart for the game."

Gravat, a junior, also has an arm and a bat producing giant-sized numbers this season.

In the circle, she's compiled an 11-0 record with a 1.97 ERA. She's recorded 88 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched and walked nine.

"She's developed a lot more control since last season," Jernigan said. "She's moving the ball around and has gained more speed (mid 50s).

"She's been to camps, but she's learned a lot about pitching on her own, working on stuff in her backyard."

Not just a pitcher

At the plate, Gravat's battling .550 with 12 RBI, three doubles and two triples.

"She hits really well, especially in key situations," Jernigan said. "She knows we count on her pitching and hitting in every game."

Another highlight of Gravat's game is her defense.

"Defense comes natural for her," Jernigan said. "We let her cover the first base side on bunts. She does a really good job."

Gravat posted a 26-3 record with 67 strikeouts last season for a team that opened its season with 20 consecutive wins. This year's team, which has all but two starters returning, has started 12-0.

"I think we're a lot better than last year," Gravat said. "We hit the ball better and I think I'm a better pitcher."

Gravat, who uses her change-up effectively, had no answer for why her strikeout totals are up this season.

"Really, I don't know," she said. "I'm just hitting my spots."

Jernigan believes his ace matured as a pitcher last season, especially in the postseason playoffs.

"Mentally, she's a lot tougher," he said. "She judges each batter really well and works from there."