Last season, not making it to the playoffs was hard for the Penn Hills softball team. The year before, the Indians had managed to return after a long time without being in the playoffs.
The seniors at Penn Hills are determined to help the team reach the WPIAL Class 5A postseason.
The Indians have been successful at the plate at the beginning of the season, scoring 28 runs in their first two games.
Penn Hills softball coach Ashley Banner said, 'These girls have been working hard all winter. We've been doing a lot of live hitting, batting cages, and work in the cages.'
This season, Penn Hills has eight seniors on the roster. Lauren Sipple (infield), Shania Lewis (shortstop), Cassidy Burkovich (first base), Damiana Hopkins (designated player), Hannah Pugliese (right field), London Irish (center field), and Gabby Pernatozzi (third base) all hope to give the Indians a good boost in their final season.
Pugliese is joining the team for the first time.
Banner said, 'They've been working hard on skills and development. We've been talking a lot about leadership. We have seniors who are excited about doing well in their last year. We see that in the dugout and enjoy playing together.'
Isabella DeCarlo has taken over the pitching duties for Penn Hills. DeCarlo gained a lot of experience last season while working with the previous starter, Maura Wade.
Banner said, 'She's developed tremendously and learned a lot. It was a great transition, allowing her time to grow and develop before having to step in and put the ball in her hands. She had a lot of confidence and is coaching up the players throughout the game. She's showing a lot of leadership.'
Penn Hills started the season with a 17-7 win over Gateway and followed that with an 11-0 victory over Highlands. The Indians will start section play on April 8 at home against Fox Chapel.
Banner commented, 'Right now, what I'm seeing is they are playing great defense. They are staying very positive and motivated throughout the entire game. I would like to see that focus continue throughout the year, along with hitting the ball.'
Banner hopes to start section play strongly to try and get back to the playoffs.
Banner said, 'We want to be competitive in every game we play, whether it's section or nonsection.'
