Upton Softball Player Making Incredible Recovery After Breaking Neck During Game

UPTON (CBS) - Some of the best times happen with your best friend. Jill Lary also helped Bella Picard through the worst.

Bella plays Div. I softball for St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. She remembers few details about the game April 18th. Jill will never forget the phone call she received from Bella's mother that day.

"She says Bella been in an accident and immediately tears," said Jill.

Bella was sliding into a base and her head collided with the opponent running toward her. She broke her neck.

"It was getting really close to nicking my spine," said Bella.

What followed were questions, surgery and intense rehab at Spaulding Hospital. Every weekend, Jill drove down from the University of Maine. The two would get take-out, watch movies and act "normal."

"Which was awesome because I didn't want anyone else," said Bella.

Some doctors said it would be years before Bella could walk. She decided she would already start trying to not only walk, but playing softball.

Last weekend, Bella threw out the first pitch at a U.S. softball game. Her right side still shows the signs of injury and she uses a walker. In a spur of the moment decision, she used her right arm to throw.

"It felt good, like I'm up. Just a statement – It happened. I am up," said Bella.

Bella hails from Upton and Jill from Hopkinton. The two became inseparable years ago.

"She's a superstar, stronger than anyone I know," said Jill.

"I couldn't do it without the support," said Bella.