Canon-McMillan headlines Diamond Dozen list
Linda Rush helped anchor the Lady Macs’ defense at shortstop. The Canon-McMillan sophomore also drove in 38 runs and scored 40 times.
Abby McCartney smashed 12 homers and drove in 45 runs this spring for Canon-McMillan. She will be expected to continue that hot hitting next season.
Brittany Crawford exploded onto the scene this spring. The Canon-McMillan freshman is a welcome addition for three more seasons.
After winning a PIAA state championship and a second straight WPIAL title, all eyes focused on Canon-McMillan this softball season. For the most part, the Lady Macs handled the scrutiny. Weathering the pressure, they reached the Quad-A finals again. Plus, they captured a section banner and finished 18-5 overall after a 5-4 duel with Dubois in the state tournament.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that Canon-Mac dominates the 2014 Almanac Diamond Dozen list. In addition to securing Most Valuable Player honors with Olivia Lorusso (see related story), the Lady Macs placed four other team members on the all-star roster: Abby McCartney, Giorgiana Zeremenko, Linda Rush and Brittany Crawford. All but Crawford, a freshman, also earned first-team, all-section acclaim.
A junior, McCartney led the team with a .575 batting average. With five doubles, two triples and 12 round trippers, her slugging percentage swelled to 1.992. McCartney walked eight times and struck out only twice. She drove in 45 runs and crossed the plate a team-high 36 times.
“Since her freshman year, Abby has been a consistent and team leader offensively and defensively. Very versatile defensively,” added C-M manager Michele Moeller. “She is one of the most well rounded athletes I’ve coached displaying speed, power and finesse. Next year as a senior, we are looking for her to play a bigger role as a team leader on and off the field.”
As a senior catcher, Zeremenko directed a new pitcher on the mound this spring while battling an ankle injury and maintaining a big bat. She finished with a .438 average, complete with 10 doubles, one triple and five homers. She drove in 24 runs.
“Her knowledge of the game is top notch,” said Moeller. “She leaves behind quite a legacy. “Giorgiana has solid power and strength. She is a hard worker and good person and the kind of player you want others to want to emulate. We will miss her leadership and skill all around.”
As a sophomore, Rush will be around for two more campaigns. The shortstop batted .571 with 16 doubles and nine homers. She drove in 38 and scored 40 runs, a team-high.
“Linda is an extremely gifted athlete,” Moeller said. “She attacks the ball offensively more aggressively than most. She has a great arm at short, but has some room to grow there as well, which is scary for opposing teams in the sense that she hasn’t even hit her peak offensively or defensively.”
Crawford also had room to improve, as she is just a freshman. She owned a .459 on-base percentage and a .653 slugging percentage, thanks to three doubles, a triple and five dingers. She scored 34 runs to go along with 11 RBI.
A Division I prospect, Moeller predicts Crawford’s name will synonymous with the C-M program. In fact, the Lady Macs have been awaiting her arrival since she was 11.
The BP duo star
Hot on the heels of the Lady Macs was Bethel Park. The Lady Hawks handed Canon-Mac one of its five losses and finished tied with Baldwin for runner-up honors in Section 4 with a 10-4 record. BP finished 11-5 overall after falling to eventual district champion, Shaler, in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL tournament.
Kavonna Anderson and Haley Reid were two reasons why the Lady Hawks experienced success this season. Both earned all-section, first-team laurels.
A senior, Anderson excelled in the outfield. She also batted .478. “Kavonna not only led our team with her batting, but also with her positive attitude and enthusiasm,” said BP manager Heather Scott. “She always gave 110 percent.”
A sophomore, Reid anchored the infield at shortstop. In addition to leading the team in home runs, she batted .439 for the Lady Hawks. “Haley came up with many big hits this year,” Scott said. “She also helped take charge of the infield.”
PT’s top charge
Kelly Perich took charge at Peters Township. The junior pitcher averaged 8.125 strikeouts per game. A versatile player, she also batted .419 with a .468 slugging percentage. Perich, who drove in four, gained all-section, first-team honors.
“One word could describe Kelly,” said PT manager Rob Bowers. “Intense. She can play anywhere, literally. Not too many coaches can say that.”
Perich’s asset is her arm strength. According to Bowers, she can throw from center field to home plate on a rope. As a catcher, she can throw from behind the plate on her knees to first, second or third base.
As a pitcher, Perich possesses the select pitches to get ahead in the count and close with a strikeout. “Kelly’s just an awesome player,” concluded Bowers.
Simply the best
At Chartiers Valley, Libby Chidlow had an awesome season. In fact, head coach Jeff Reicoff dubs it ‘historic’ as Chidlow kept the Lady Colts in playoff contention until the final regular season contest. In Section 4-AAAA, CV finished tied for fourth place with Peters Township, a game behind Bethel Park and Baldwin and off the championship pace set by Canon-McMillan. The Colts finished 9-5 overall.
The senior catcher batted .611. Of her 33 hits, 12 went for doubles and two for three-baggers.
“Libby was a great leader,” said CV manager Jeff Reicoff. “She had one of the best single seasons of all time for a Chartiers Valley softball player. Plus, she really controlled the game from behind the plate.
SF duo
From behind the plate and on the mound, the battery duo of Sara Jubas and Ashley Iagnemma controlled the action for South Fayette. The Lions captured the Section 2-AAA banner with an 11-1 record. They finished 14-2 overall after falling to Elizabeth-Forward in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL tournament.
A freshman, Jubas batted .648 and owned a .735 on-base percentage. She drove in 19 runs. In addition to 21 singles, she drilled nine doubles, four triples and one homer.
A junior, Iagnemma posted a 14-2 record on the mound. She struck out 151 batters and owned a 1.80 ERA. At the plate, she batted .400 and drove in 30 runs.
AA pair
In Class AA of the WPIAL, Seton-La Salle and Keystone Oaks dominated while battling each other in Section 1. The Rebels and Golden Eagles finished tied for the league title with 11-1 slates, splitting their section frays. Both advanced to the semifinals, but SLS edged KO, 3-2, to finish third in the district and qualify for the PIAA tournament.
Lauren Zola led the Rebel charge. The junior pitcher posted a 9-1 record in league play. She struck out 186 batters and owned a 0.74 ERA. At the plate, she batted .391 for the Rebels, who finished 13-4 overall after falling to Bald Eagle, 2-1, in the state playoffs.
“Lauren dominated in the circle,” said SLS manager Jay Krull. “She gave us a chance to win every game.”
Because of Eryn Caragein, the Golden Eagles had a chance to win. The senior outfielder batted .686 with an amazing .865 slugging percentage. She cranked out four homers, swiped 11 bases and drove in 19 runs.
“She can do it all,” said KO skipper Mark Kaminski.
Honorable mention
Among the players garnering honorable mention acclaim are:
• From Bethel Park: Jen Rimmel, Julia Sherwin, Haley Lazarri, Shelby Reid, Morgan Crawford, Jamie Smith, Taylor Andres, Jess Cook.
A senior, Rimmel gained all-section honors as the designated player. She batted .423. “If we needed a hit, Jen always found a way to get one,” said Scott.
A junior, Sherwin led the Lady Hawks with her strong defense. “She always made the big plays,” said Scott. The second baseman batted .353.
A team captain, Lazarri batted .391 and started at first base. “She was the glue that kept our team together,” said Scott.
A junior, Reid started at catcher before suffering an injury. According to Scott, she helped direct the team with her softball knowledge. She kept everybody ready for the next play.
A junior third baseman, Crawford batted .300
A senior outfielder, Smith batted .360.
Both juniors, Andres and Cook split the pitching duties. According to Scott, when either was called upon, both were always ready. Plus, they supported each other when one was on the mound.
• From Canon-McMillan: Ally Bellaire. This senior anchored the defense at second base. While she maintained a .960 fielding percentage, she batted over .400 for the past two years. “Ally was a quiet leader but one that led by example day in and day out,” said Moeller. “She worked extremely hard at practice and she was willing to put in the extra time for her team. She pushed herself every day to get better. Over the years, she made some game-saving plays that we’ll never forget.”
• From Chartiers-Houston: Haley Sutton, Kassie Kesneck, Megan Kraushaar, Jessica Blumen, Sabrina Stankus.
A four-year starter, Sutton played third base for two seasons, second as a junior and catcher as a senior. “Haley did a phenomenal job,” said C-H manager Tricia Alderson. “She never complained. She was willing to do whatever asked of her for the betterment of the team.”
Offensively, Sutton led the team in batting (.46), hits (23), homers (3), RBI (24) slugging percentage (.820) and she tied for first in runs (19) and doubles (5).
Sutton will attend Otterbein University. She plans to join the cheerleading squad and pursue a career in veterinarian sciences.
“We appreciate her hard work and dedication over the years,” said Alderson. “She will be tough to replace. Will miss her but we know she will accomplish great things in her future endeavors.
A two-year starter, Kesneck played in the outfield before moving to the mound this spring. The junior posted a 10-6 record. She struck out 67. At the plate, the clean-up hitter smashed five doubles, a triple and a homer. She scored 13 and tied for second on the squad with 15 RBI.
“She worked extremely hard all winter and spring to prepare herself for her new role on the mound,” Alderson said. “Kassie did a fantastic job. We are looking for big things from Kassie both on the mound and at the plate next year as a senior, and we know she will respond.”
A three-year starter, Kraushaar triggered C-H’s offense. She batted .358 and tied for first on the team with 11 walks. She ranked second in hits with 19. She drove in 12 and scored 16 runs. Defensively, the shortstop committed only one error this season.
“Megan was the perfect leadoff hitter because of her speed and bat control. She knows her job is to get on base and make things happen,” Alderson said. “Megan also was our most consistent infielder. We are excited to have her back. She is going to be a real force next year as a senior,” Alderson predicted.
A junior, Blumen batted .318 with 13 runs scored and eight RBI. She started in left field. “She did a fantastic job there,” Alderson said. “She has tremendous speed out there and at the plate which makes her a big weapon to have. No. 2 in the batting order, Jessica was able to use her legs to get on base by both swinging away and bunting. We look for her to continue to improve next season and be a real leader on the team in 2015.”
Another junior, Stankus batted .327 with two doubles, two triples and two homers. She tied for second on the team with 14 RBI. The two-year starter at third base scored 15 runs and walked eight times.
“Sabrina improved tremendously with her hitting,” Alderson said. “That is why we moved her to an RBI slot as the No. 5 batter. She also had some solid defensive games. She is a hard worker and does whatever is asked of her. We’re glad to have her for another season. We look for her to continue to improve.
• From Chartiers Valley: Brittany Kane, Karley O’Keefe, Madison Zimmer.
A senior shortstop, Kane batted .391 with three doubles and eight RBI.
According to manager Jeff Reicoff, O’Keefe was a ‘reliable leadoff batter who got the Colts’ offense started’. She also possesses ‘great speed on the bases.’ The junior second baseman batted .460 with three triples and doubles. She scored 16 runs, swiped 10 bases and maintained a .509 on-base percentage.
Just a junior, Zimmer proved the Colts’ ace, posting a 9-5 record on the mound. In 91 innings, she fanned 87, walked 17 and owned a 3.21 ERA. “Madison had a great season. She pitched in a lot of big games since we were in the playoff hunt the whole year,” said Reicoff. “She really improved. We are looking forward to having her back for her senior season.”
• From Keystone Oaks: Megan Staab and Briana Fischer.
A senior, Staab scored 31 runs and batted .413 with two homers. The shortstop also drove in 10 runs and stole 11 bases.
A junior, Fischer batted .365. The second baseman swiped 10 bases and scored 30 runs.
• From Mt. Lebanon: Sarah Rogan and Maggie Gannon. Rogan was a second team all-section selection while Gannon gained honorable mention.
A junior first baseman, Rogan batted .452 and maintained a .962 fielding percentage. According to head coach Nikki Jouver, Rogan has a great eye for the ball. “She is extremely consistent and the player you want at the plate with runners on base. In the field, she is solid and makes many great plays.
A senior catcher, Gannon batted .452. With four home runs, her slugging percentage swelled to .750. She drove in 15 runs. Her fielding percentage was .923. “Maggie is the player you want at the plate when you need the ‘big’ hit,” said Jouver. “She is a power and keeps runners honest.”
From Peters Township: Marissa Wickstrom, Carly Konopka, Lindsay McKnight, Emily Lusk, Tori Weida and Meghan Bastyr.
A junior center fielder, Wickstrom maintained a .957 fielding percentage while batting .519 with a .611 slugging percentage. She drove in 11 runs.
“The girl has skills,” emphasized Bowers. “She’s fast and aggressive in the field, has great game sense on the bases and in the field. She’s a smart player,” he added “At the plate, Marissa consistently finds a hole in the opponent’s infield and puts the ball there.”
A junior pitcher, Konopka shared the spotlight with Perich. She averaged six strikeouts per game. At the plate, she batted .352 with a .481 slugging percentage and a team-high 17 RBI.
“Carly’s the player that can put the ball in play and score runs when you really need them,” Bowers said.
“She’s a team leader on the field. Not everyone can lead. It’s not easy. I admire her for her willingness to push her teammates whether winning or losing. I’ve never seen her quit or give up. She’s intense to the last out.”
Regarding her pitching, Bowers said the Konopka mastered a few more select pitches and her hard work in the off-season paid off. “She hit her spots, got ahead in the count, and controlled the ball. There were several games that I was in awe of her control and ability to hit all of her select pitches and spots.”
A junior shortstop, McKnight owned a slugging percentage of .812, thanks to three homers. She batted .375 and had a .915 fielding percentage. She drove in 14 runs.
“Lindsay really stepped up at the plate. She was has the ability to put the ball in play, move runners and score runs. She has power and can put the ball over the fence. Plus, she has incredible speed on the bases, turning a double for most into a triple, and typical singles into doubles.
According to Bowers, that speed gives her more range that most shortstops. Having McKnight is like having a another left and center fielder. She can play deep in the infield creating the overlap with left and center. Plus, she has the arm strength to make the out at first base, too.”
A junior, Lusk committed no errors in right, maintaining a 1.000 fielding percentage. According to Bowers, she goes out on every play, catching the foul ball, making the shoestring catch, getting the putout that should have been a single. “Emily’s arm strength, quick snap, and accuracy make her a significant threat to any base runner. She makes good decisions reading the ball whether it be a fly or grounder. She played her position to perfection.”
A senior, Weida made 44 putouts at second base. She owned a .917 fielding percentage. “She had an awesome season,” Bowers said. “She played strong up the middle. Tori led by example with her intensity and aggressiveness. There wasn’t a game that she didn’t dive into the dirt to stop a ground ball or line drive.”
A utility player, Bastyr made 56 putouts. She played third and second, outfield and catcher. She had a .915 fielding percentage. “Meghan has excellent footwork and mechanics when playing any position,” commented Bowers.
• From Seton-La Salle: Taylor Mercurio and Dani Dadig. A senior, Mercurio started four years for the Lady Rebels. The third baseman batted .426 and swiped 13 bases. A junior, Dadig batted .400 with four triples. She used her speed in centerfield as well as to steal 21 bases.
• From Upper St. Clair: Karsen Rooney. She earned all-section honors. In Section 4-AAAA, she was voted one of the top three outfielders.
Rookie of the year
Pitching is probably the most important position in softball and, despite being only a freshman, Lauren McMillan handled the duties like a pro for Keystone Oaks. She hurled the Golden Eagles to a section banner, tying with Seton-La Salle in division 1-AA with a 9-1 slate. The Golden Eagles finished 13-6 overall, falling to the Rebels in the consolation contest for third-place in the WPIAL.
McMillan posted an 11-3 record on the mound, complete with 127 strikeouts. Ten of those came in a 6-0 playoff win against Waynesburg. She tossed a four-hit shutout against Laurel. She had six strikeouts in a 2-1 semifinal loss to Beaver.
At the plate, McMillan helped her cause, batting .405 with 11 RBI. In fact, she was 2-for-2 against the Red Raiders.
For her efforts, McMillan has been named Almanac Rookie of the Year.
Players to watch
Among the Players To Watch are:
• Carolyn Cook of Bethel Park. When teammate, Shelby Reid was lost to an injury, freshman stepped into the starting role as catcher. According to her coach Heather Scott, “Carolyn played the positions as if she has been there all season. She played with poise and confidence.” Cook also batted .273 for the Lady Hawks.
• Kayla Alderson from Chartiers-Houston. This freshman center fielder batted .400 with two doubles and three triples. She tied for the team lead with 19 runs scored and 11 walks. She drove in eight runs.
“Kayla worked hard to win a starting position,” explained Alderson. “She learned quickly, made adjustments to her swing and kept a great attitude all year. Kayla has a ton of potential to be even better.”
• Miranda Griffith from Chartiers Valley. This freshman batted .355 with one homer, three triples and two doubles. The right fielder drove in eight and scored eight runs. “She was a clutch hitter for us and did a nice job defensively for us,” said Reicoff.
• Candace Drzik from Keystone Oaks. This sophomore batted .423 and drove in 18 runs. Though she never caught before this year, the all-section performer threw out 13 of 15 would-be base thieves.
• Kylie Hartbauer from Peters Township. As a designated hitter, this freshman batted .344 for the Lady Indians. “She had an exceptional year,” said Bowers. “She showed her skills early and became one of our go-to DHs for the season.” Hartbauer also saw playing time in left field and at third base. She also pitched for the junior varsity squad.
• Alyssa Miller from Seton-La Salle. This sophomore never caught before but started behind the plate and was a huge reason why the Rebels were successful this year. She batted .308.
• Julie Curry from Seton-La Salle. This freshman came right in and played like an upperclassman for the Rebels. The first base man batted .396 with 13 RBI. She did a ‘great job’ on both sides of the ball.
• Emily Bryan from South Fayette. This sophomore third baseman batted .453 with 26 RBI. She smacked four home runs to go along with three doubles and three triples.
• Courtney Blocher from South Fayette. This sophomore second baseman batted .409 with 15 RBI. She drilled three doubles, two triples and one homer.