Lady Cats Softball Season Summary (06/20/16)

(Dan Shofestall, Clarion Area Manager)

(Photo provided) Front(L-R) Anna Reed, Keanna Over. Row 1 (L-R) Johnna Rapp, Carly Best, Liz sarver, Sydney Kiser. Row 2 (L-R) Cora Zerfoss, Sadie Rudesyle, McKenzie DiTullio, Harley Frey, Maya Thorton, Alexis Constantio, Lindsey Kemmer. Back (L-R) Coach John Stroup, Coach Randy Reynolds, Manager Dan Shofestall

The Clarion Bobcat Softball Team completed its 2016 season with a 12-2 loss to the West Greene Pioneers the District 7 WPIAL champions in the first round of the state playoffs. The game was played at California University’s Lilly Field.The Bobcats final record was 15-9 as they took second place In the KSAC North losing the Championship to Cranberry on the leagues tie breaking system. They were also the # 3 seed in the District 9 playoffs and advanced to the championship game where they lost to top seeded DuBois Central Catholic in a hard fought 2-1 loss.

The season showcased many high lights for the team including a 6 game win streak and a 9 game win streak. They also had playoff wins over Curwensville 3-2 and Coudersport 4-1. The team also qualified for the state playoffs for the first time since their 2011 season.

The team was led by seniors Keanna Over, Johnna Rapp and Anna Reed. Strong pitching and a stout defense were two of the teams strengths. Sadie Rudesyle and Alexis Constantino handled the bulk of the pitching duties as both sophomores improved greatly in there second year in the circle with the Bobcats. A better command of the strike zone was one of the reasons for the duos success this year.

Backing up the pitching was a tough hard nosed defense that gave up an average of 3.5 runs per game. Over and Reed ran the middle of the infield at shortstop and second base and were a terrific tandem as the two seniors combined for 75 assists and 77 putouts on a total of 165 chances. Cora Zerfoss, Rudesyle, Constantino and Maya Thornton handled the corners at first and third base and were especially quick to the ball on slow grounders and bunt coverage. Rapp another senior handled the catching duties and was a stalwart behind home plate. She did a terrific job with glove placement, calling pitches and had an outstanding fielding percentage of .985.

Another area of great improvement this year was the development of the Bobcat outfield. Better angles to the ball, arm strength and an attacking approach to the ball were all improvements over last year. Sydney Kiser was the starting center fielder and led the outfield with 23 putouts. She was flanked by right fielder Liz Saver and left fielder Maya Thornton who both ran to the gaps very well. The outfield was also Blessed with good back ups who played pivotal roles with the team. MacKenzie Ditullio, Carly Best, Lindsey Kemmer and Harley Frey were a big part of the teams success. Carly Best was also the Designate Player and was phenomenal in that role.

Offensively the team had a lot of contributions from everyone. The team finished with 222 hits while pounding out 33 doubles, 11 triples and 5 Home Runs. They had a team Average of .333 and an on base percentage of .399 while delivering with 111 RBI’s. The team stole 60 bases while getting caught only 7 times. The Bobcats had a very competitive schedule this year as they played 4 Triple A and 7 Double A teams.

The Bobcats roster included three seniors, one junior, six sophomores and three freshman. They were a team that competed very hard every game and made a big jump in one years time to a team that earned a birth in the state playoffs. They took great pride in representing their school, parents and community. As stated before the team had three seniors who will be greatly missed. Keanna, Johnna and Anna have contributed in many ways to the team and we wish the three the best of luck as they move on to college.

(Thanks to Coach Shofestall for this summary. GREAT, GREAT SEASON LADY CATS!!!!)

CLARION BOBCATS 2016 ROSTER:
Seniors
Keanna Over
Johnna Rapp
Anna Reed

Junior
Cora Zerfoss

Sophomores
Alexis Constantino
MacKenzie Ditullio
Sydney Kiser
Sadie Rudesyle
Liz Saver
Maya Thornton

Freshman
Carly Best
Harley Frey
Lindsey Kemmer

Coaches
Jeff Rudesyle
John Stroup
Randy Reynolds
Dan Shofestall