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The Post-Gazette's 2009 All-Area Softball Team
Sunday, June 21, 2009
2009 PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ALLY VRCEK

School: Franklin Regional | Position: Pitcher | Year: Junior

Vrcek is in Franklin Regional's choir. This year, she sang a perfect tune for the Franklin Regional softball team. Franklin Regional was the only team to win a WPIAL title this season with a perfect record -- and Vrcek led the way to the Class AAA championship. Through the WPIAL playoffs, Vrcek had a 17-0 record. She suffered her only loss in the first round of the PIAA playoffs to finish with a 17-1 mark. A 5-foot-8 1/2 right-hander, Vrcek pitched 116 innings and allowed only 11 runs (six earned). Her ERA was 0.36. She struck out 205 batters and walked only 18. But Vrcek also was a big factor with the bat. She had a .328 average with three home runs and 13 RBIs.

KRISTEN HAWKINS

Elizabeth Forward | Pitcher | Senior

Hawkins will play Division I college softball next season at the University of Virginia. But she was recruited as a catcher. As a pitcher, had 1.03 ERA and six shutouts. Batted .445 with six doubles, two triples, four home runs and 18 RBIs.

KARI FALK

Riverside | Pitcher | Senior

Led Riverside to its second consecutive WPIAL Class AA title. Was 18-2 with 0.43 ERA. Had 13 shutouts and one no-hitter. Had 149 strikeouts in 131 innings. Also had .439 batting average with four triples and 25 RBIs. Will play next season at Edinboro.

ABBY NICHTER

Shaler | Pitcher | Junior

Became the Titans' No. 1 pitcher this season and helped team finish second in both the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAAA tournaments. Had 16-6 record with eight shutouts and 126 strikeouts. Shut out WPIAL champion Hempfield in PIAA quarterfinals.

T'NIA FALBO

Hempfield | Pitcher | Senior

Led Hempfield to WPIAL Class AAAA title. Was a force as pitcher and hitter. Hit .358 with six doubles and 19 RBIs. Was 13-4 as pitcher with 1.53 ERA. Struck out 125 in 110 innings. Will attend Maryland Eastern Shore for softball and bowling.

CHELSEA SIAR

Shaler | Shortstop | Junior

An excellent defensive player who was one of the main reasons Shaler made it to the championship game of both the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAAA playoffs. Had .923 fielding percentage. Batted .387 with seven doubles, two home runs and 15 runs scored.

GEENA BADOLATO

Mt. Lebanon | Pitcher | Junior

Led Mt. Lebanon to WPIAL Class AAAA semifinals, where she lost, 1-0, to Shaler. Badolato finished with a 15-1 record and often blanked opponents as 11 of those wins were by shutouts. Struck out 166 and had 0.30 ERA. Allowed only 34 hits.

CHELSEA EVANS

Riverside | Catcher | Junior

An excellent defensive catcher who allowed only two stolen bases all season. Did not make an error. A three-year starter, she hit .426 with four doubles, three triples and 11 RBIs for WPIAL Class AA champs. Batted .571 in six postseason games.

CASSIE SHOW

Connellsville | Second baseman | Junior

Show had a lot to show this season. Used range and strong arm to excel on defense. Hit .383 with 16 extra-base hits. Scored 23 runs and had 10 RBIs. Also a speedy runner, successfully stealing 14 of 16 bases. Has been a starter since her freshman year.

NINA MELVIN

Vincentian | Pitcher | Junior

Moved from catcher to pitcher this season and Melvin's magic led Vincentian to the WPIAL Class A championship for second consecutive year. Finished 22-3 with 0.82 ERA. Struck out 194 in 145 innings. Also was one of the team's top hitters.

First published on June 21, 2009 at 12:00 am