Sorry to tell you this, but...
... the catcher does not have to drop the ball; she just has to not catch it. This leads us to the definition of a catch...
ASA Rule 1-CATCH-B
If the ball is merely held in the fielder's arm(s) or prevented from dropping to the ground by some part of the fielder's body, equipment or clothing, the catch is not completed until the ball is in the grasp of the fielder's hand(s) or glove.
If the catcher pulled the ball out from behind her protector, grasping it with her hand, then STRIKE 3 - OUT.
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