Trib HSSN softball player of the week for May 11, 2024

By: Don Rebel
Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 9:22 AM

Trib HSSN softball player of the week – Addison Deal

School: Laurel

Class: Senior

Position: Pitcher, first base

#Earned: The senior had another big week at the plate and also picked up a win in the circle for Laurel. Deal went 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs in a victory over Shenango. On Wednesday against the No.3 seed in 5A, North Hills, Deal again went 3 for 4 with a double, a home run and six RBIs as the Spartans beat the Indians, 9-4. She was the winning pitcher in that game, striking out five over five innings pitched. In the regular season finale against Knoch, Deal went 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs as the Spartans head into the Class 2A playoffs as the No. 3 seed with 11 consecutive victories.

What coach says: “Addie has demonstrated more patience at the plate in the second half of the season,” Laurel coach Frank Duddy said. “She’s been working on pitch selection. She knows what she’s looking for and has been much more comfortable going deeper into counts to get it.”

“Young Addie’s desire to hit the ball hard would sometimes lead her to be a little tense and over anxious. She might swing at a pitch that she couldn’t do much with. Older, wiser Addie has learned to relax a little. She’s a little more patient and is looking for something she can drive.”

“Addie has been very consistent for us in the circle. She’s one of three very good pitchers on our team and we use them all. They usually don’t throw back-to-back games, which means they may be on the shelf for a few days. When we call on her to sling it, she always gives us a chance to win. If I ran her or any of the others out there every game, I’m confident she would be among the statistical leaders.”

“This team is capable of making a very decent playoff run. We are aware that there are plenty of strong teams in this 2A bracket, but we consider ourselves one of them. We have to take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time. We have to believe in ourselves and believe in each other. One thing I am confident in is that we are going to have fun and enjoy the experience.”

Background: Deal will continue her academic and softball career starting in the fall at St. Francis (Pa.) in Loretto. Deal and her best friend Autumn Boyd were starters as freshmen on a Laurel team that defeated Shenango to capture a third straight WPIAL softball championship. For the season, Deal is batting .593 (32 for 54) with 15 doubles, one triple and six home runs with 29 runs scored and 38 RBIs, all team highs with the exception of triples. In the circle, Deal is 6-1 with a 2.19 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched. Deal loves the outdoors and is an avid hunter who also enjoys fishing.

2024 Trib HSSN Softball Players of the Week

Week 5 – Bailey Barnyak, Carmichaels

Week 4 – Mackenzie Reese, Hampton

Week 3 – Sydney Gonglik, Bentworth

Week 2 – Lexie Hames, Seneca Valley

Week 1 – Sydney Sekely, South Park

Tags: Laurel