Cora Zerfoss, First Team, Alexis Constantino Second Team PHSSA All-State (08/14/17)

Clarion Area Lady Cat Softball players Cora Zerfoss and Alexis Constantino were name to the Pennsylvania High School Softball Association’s (PHSSA) 2017 Class-A All-State Team announced last week. Clarion Manager, Dan Shofestall said, “We are happy to see two of our players make the Pennsylvania All-State Softball Team. It is a great honor for Cora and Alexis for sure.”

(Photo submitted by Clarion Softball) Cora Zerfoss behind the plate

Cora was named to the First Team at catcher and Alexis was named to the Second Team at shortstop. A senior, Cora sported a .444 batting average, during the season, with 36 hits and 17 runs batted in.

Cora was named All-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference and and was also named to the Tri-County Sunday/Courier Express All-Star Team.

Coach Shofestall had high praise for his senior backstop, stating, “Cora had an outstanding senior year as she topped off her great Bobcat career. She was very gifted athletically and made a lot of impact plays for us over the years.

Cora has been with us through the good times and the tough times, over the past four years she has played for us. She has been a big part of our team, through the years and I am so happy and proud for her that she ends her outstanding Bobcat career being recognized as one of the top players in the State of Pennsylvania.”

Alexis Constantino

Alexis, a junior, batted .500, with 34 hits, 17 RBIs and 19 runs scored. Alexis was named All-Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference and was also named to the Tri-County Sunday/Courier Express All-Star Team.

Coach Shofestall also had glowing praise for his shortstop, commenting, “Alexis also had a tremendous year for us. Both her bat and glove work became stronger and better as the season wore on. Alexis had a disciplined eye at the plate and had a .600 average (6-10) during the playoffs.

“I think one of the reasons that Alexis was so efficient at the plate was that even though she hit with a great average (.500) for the season, she still had the patience to take a lot of walks (15) which was very productive for our team. It was great to see Alexis being named to the 2017 All-State Softball Team as well.”

This great recognition is something that others associated with Cora and Alexis can can derive much pleasure from. In congratulating the two honorees, Coach Shofestall said, “I congratulate both Cora and Alexis for being named to the Pennsylvania All-State Softball Team. I also believe with both of these girls winning these honors that it is also a great reflection of their team, their outstanding teammates, coaches, their parents and the Clarion School that they represent.”

Moniteau’s Kennedy DeMatteis was named Class-AA Player of the Year.

Others from the region who were named All-State include:

Class-A

First Team – from DuBois Central Catholic: Riley Assalone (pitcher), Jordy Frank (catcher), Ashley Wruble (second base) and Macey Hanes (outfield).

Second Team – from Elk County Catholic: Emily Evers (third base).

Class-AA

First Team – from Moniteau: Gabby Stewart (outfield), Kristina DeMatteis (designated player) Courtney Claypoole (outfield).

Second Team – from Maplewood: Olivia Leech (outfield).

Class-AAAA

First Team – from Punxsutawney: Kylee Lingenfelter (pitcher), Kim Shoemaker (outfield); from St. Marys: Micayla Bothun (outfield).

Second Team – from Clearfield: Aspen Bishop (outfield); from Grove City: Camryn Billig (catcher).

(Congratulations to Cora, Alexis and all the others on the 2017 PHSSA All-State Team!!!!)