With 8 returning starters, expectations high for Baldwin softball team

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 12:16 AM

With eight returning starters, the Baldwin softball team owns lofty goals.

“As always, our first goal is a section championship, followed by a WPIAL and PIAA championship,” coach Vince Sortino said.

The veteran coach, who has guided the Highlanders to three consecutive section titles, expects his team to excel on defense, which should help keep it in most games this season.

“We have a good group of defensive players back from last year in key positions that should be able to help us once again,” Sortino said. “We are always working on the fundamentals of the game, both offensively and defensively.”

The Highlanders' returning starters consist of seniors Taylor Dadig (SS), Carly Santillo (C), Emma Berta (CF) and Bella Rossa (RF); juniors Addie Tagg (P) and Salena Jaquay (DH); and sophomores Allison Murray (1B) and Cassie Carlson (2B).

“Expectations are always high within our team,” Dadig said. “We are always focused at practices and lifting on getting better every day. We have been working on improving all aspects of our offense and defense, but our defense continues to be solid.

“And our strong communication on and off the field helps maintain our team chemistry. We look forward to the challenge of winning a fourth straight section title.”

Dadig is a fourth-year starter at shortstop and a George Mason recruit. She has been named all-state once and all-section twice. She hit .642 with a .655 on-base percentage last season, and attained her 100th career base hit.

“My personal goals (for 2018) would be to continue to stay focused every day at practice, and be a leader on the team every day,” she said.

In January, Dadig, who plans to major in engineering in college, was presented with the prestigious KDKA Extra Effort Award.

“It was an amazing honor to receive the award, and to be recognized and to thank everyone who has supported me in school and on the softball field,” she said. “I wouldn't be in the position I am today without all the support I have received from my parents, teachers, coaches and teammates. I am extremely excited for my senior season.”

Santillo, a Pitt-Johnstown recruit, is a fourth-year starter at the catcher position.

Baldwin tied for first place in Section 1-6A with rival Canon-McMillan last season, as both teams compiled 10-2 records. The Highlanders ended up 12-3 in the regular season, then advanced to the WPIAL semifinal round and third-place consolation game.

“Our section is very competitive with very good coaches and players from other teams,” Sortino said.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin