Can't Touch This -- Connecticut's Rachele Fico Tosses Her 24th Perfect Game

The Tri-state area might not be considered the epicenter for the sport of softball, but one high school pitcher from Connecticut is definitely giving the northeast something to cheer about.

This past week, Rachele Fico pitched 3 perfect games -- upping her career total to 24 perfect games.

Yeah that's right 24 perfect games. Read more about her record breaking career after the jump.

The previous national record was 20, set by Marissa Marzan of Frenso California back in 2001. Fico broke the record on April 23, 2009 against Bethel, striking out all 21 batters.

"I tried not to think about it," Fico said. "I just went out there focusing on one pitch at a time. There was a lot of talk before the game, but I just ignored it. I treated the last batter like I treat any other batter," she said. "My mentality didn't change from the first pitch to the last pitch."

The 18 year old phenom has 1,617 career strikeouts, 78 shutouts, and 43 no hitters. Crediting her rise ball as her best pitch, Fico told the Hartford Courant, "I get the most strikeouts on it," she said. "A lot of people have a lot of trouble laying off it."

With a career record of 91-2, Fico has led Masuk High School to a pair of Class LL titles. The Panthers hold 12-0 this season and again are bound for the state playoffs.

The power pitching senior has been named to the CHSCA and has been selected to the Courant All-State teams for the past three years. She also took home the Gatorade State Player of the Year.

Fico is graduating this year and has already made a commitment to LSU.

"She's throwing in Connecticut, which isn't exactly known as the national hotbed of softball," said LSU coach Yvette Girouard. "But I don't care what level you're participating in, the mark she's setting - you just kind of shake your head and scratch it."

She's been featured on ESPN'S RISE, check out the video here.