SLIPPERY ROCK - Teammates call her Mo-Ro.

But Slippery Rock High pitcher Morgan Robinson has been operating with a lot of mojo this season.

The junior has been virtually unhittable for the Rockets.

Through six games, Robinson has hurled two no-hitters, including a 15-strikeout, zero-walk masterpiece against Clarion Saturday.

Only a hit batter prevented Robinson from notching a perfect game in that outing.

In her first start of the season, she recorded a no-hitter against Franklin.

"It's definitely refreshing," Robinson said. "I spent a lot of time working this summer to get better. It's kind of proof that all the work I've put in is paying off."

Robinson is by no means a surprise. She has been the Rockets' top pitcher since her freshman season and has shown marked improvement each year.

But this season has by far been her best.

In 35 innings, her ERA is 0.20 and she has struck out 61 batters and walked 16. In her last three starts, she has been even better with 42 strikeouts and three walks.

Her early season control problems she walked eight in her opening-day no-no are easily explained, she said.

"First-game jitters," Robinson said, laughing. "Even the most seasoned players have them."

Those jitters have been replaced by confidence, not only in herself, but her teammates as well.

"She's very self-confident this season, but not in an overzealous way," said Slippery Rock coach Zoe McDowell.

"She's matured," McDowell added. "She seems to understand that for as good as she is and for as hard as she works, there are hitters out there who are just as good and work just as hard. She's very relaxed."

It certainly helps that Robinson possesses one of the filthiest changeups around. The pitch is a perfect compliment to her fastball, which sizzles into the catcher's mitt.

"There's such a huge difference (between the velocity of her fastball and changeup)," McDowell said. "And when she throws the changeup, the majority of the time it's a strike."

As good as her changeup is, Robinson said she still hasn't harnessed it. But she isn't afraid to throw it in any count.

"It was the first pitch I learned," Robinson said. "To master it is very difficult. I still haven't."

Robinson also throws a rise and a curveball. All of her pitches have been working so far this spring.

Good weather has helped. Stepping out for warmups Saturday on a sunny 70-degree day, Robinson said she felt something special was about to happen.

"Warming up, I felt good," Robinson said. "Then, after that first hitter it felt weird. Something felt right. Everyone was hyped up and excited to play. We were all well-rested and the weather was great. It was just a special day."

Robinson hopes it's a special season, not just for herself, but for her team.

The Rockets have struggled in her career, but are off to a 5-1 start, largely because of timely hitting, solid defense and Robinson's potent right arm.

"It's so exciting," Robinson said. "All of us have played since we were freshmen and all worked hard to get to this point. It's great to see us all jell together, hit the ball and make plays. We're all very good friends and we really want to go to the playoffs."

Slippery Rock High junior pitcher Morgan Robinson has been a force for the Rockets this season. Following are her game-by-game statistics:<B>Opp - IP - K - BB</B>Franklin - 7 - 11 - 8Jamestown - 7 - 8 - 5Oil City - 7 - 14 - 2Grove City - 7 - 13 - 1Clarion - 7 - 15 - 0