MSA Sports Hometown Softball Program Salute – BALDWIN HIGHLANDERS

By: Bruce Markey
Thursday, April 19, 2012 | 2:42 PM

As we hit the half way point of section play in this 2012 season, the Baldwin Highlanders are in a tie for first place in the WPIAL's Class AAAA Section 5 with both Canon-McMillan and Peters Township.  The Highlanders hope to make the WPIAL playoffs for a third straight year after losing in the district Semifinals last year to Seneca Valley after beating rival Peters Township 8-5 in the Quarterfinals. Now in her second year at the helm, Baldwin coach Sam Hovanec hopes to continue the rich tradition of purple and white softball as the Highlanders have won ten WPIAL championships, including 9 titles in a 12 year span from 1985 to 1996. It's been 12 years since Baldwin won their most recent crown in 2001, now the Highlanders hope to add their first Class AAAA championship to the list of all their AAA gold. Baldwin is a proud member of the new MSA Sports Hometown Softball Program this season. Here is an inside look at the Highlanders.

Seniors

• 3rd basemen Mara Bandi – Will continue her education at Community College of Allegheny County. She has earned a 3.7GPA in her senior year. She plans on majoring in Criminal Justice.
o BA. .379, 11RBI’s, 1HR

• 2nd basemen Karly Higgins – Received an academic scholarship to Bethany College. She will continue to be a student athlete with her intent to major in Physical Therapy. 
o BA. .313

• Centerfielder and Captain Laura Hall – Will continue to be a student athlete at Gilford College. Laura has held an outstanding 4.1GPA and would like to continue her studies in Elementary Education/Business. She is also an active member of National Honor Society.
o BA. .417

• Pitcher Anna Lauterbach – Received a full athletic scholarship to St. Joseph’s University. Anna has held a 3.8GPA throughout her high school career. She will be majoring in Elementary/Special Education.
o BA. .414, 11RBI’s, 3 HR
o Pitching: Post a 9-2 record with 84 strikeouts

• Shortstop Amber Weimer – Received both an academic and athletic scholarship to Carlow University. Amber has held 3.0GPA and would like to major in Nursing.
o BA. .459

• Right fielder Erica Young – Will continue her education on an academic scholarship to Duquesne University. Throughout high school Erica has held a 3.8GPA and is an active member of the National Honor Society.
o BA. .176

Juniors

• Abbey Suhoski – BA. .412, 14RBI’s, 3HR

Sophomores

• Breanna Meyer – BA. .323

• Melissa Paterni – BA. .485, 9RBI’s, 1HR

• Rose Fiscante

Freshmen

• Katie Higgins

• Alexa Vona

• Dani Wolfson

• Jess Pavlik

• Jordan Bogaski

Coaches

• Head Coach – Samantha Hovanec

• Varsity Assistant – Shannon Mongalise

• JV Head Coach- Nicole Sortino

From the Coach:

Our team opened the season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at the Cal Ripken Experience Tournament. The girls posted a 3 -1 record while gaining vital experience before the start of section play. Now 11 games into the season the girls are 8-3 overall and 4-1 in section play. They have found ways to win through fundamental softball, team work, and the willingness to win. Lead by all 6 seniors the team looks to defend their Section Title and build off last year’s WPIAL semi-final loss.

Tags: Baldwin