Yes, you can medal at nationals without exceptional pitching. Pitching and catching is a must, yes, but the pitcher doesn't have to be pitching at phoenominal speeds to have her team medal. All she needs is good pitches and movement, a great screw (its hilarious to watch girls strike out over a high screw), low curve, great rise, and a great drop. My team took 4th at nationals, (my arm was hurt so our second string had to pitch), and she only pitches about 52 (we play 14U B ball. So a bit lower level. But its a bit speed for nationally ranked teams.). What you need is great fielding, having a great outfield is very important! Our center fielder can go from home to first in 1.63 seconds! And even more so, have a great offense. If you can't hit the ball, no matter what happens defensively, you won't win. You can have the slowest pitcher, but with great movement and still do great, and moreso, the pitcher will feel great about herself and leading her team to another victory.