Robert Morris commit Garver set to lead Ligonier Valley softball

By: Mike Kovak
Thursday, March 21, 2019 | 1:22 PM

She throws a wicked curveball, a high-speed fastball and a rise that leaves batters swinging at air.

The work ethic is there, so is the dedication.

When “Eugene” is pitching, the Ligonier Valley softball team likes its chances.

“Eugene” is junior Jane Garver, a Robert Morris commit, who was given the nickname by Rams coach Mark Zimmerman. Garver’s grandfather, E.R. Caldwell, is a well-known businessman in Ligonier. When Zimmerman found out the E stands for Eugene, his ace pitcher was stuck with a nickname.

It’s also safe to call Garver one of the top pitchers in District 6.

“She does it all for us,” Zimmerman said. “She’s got good size, and she has fairly big hands, and that helps her put a good spin on the ball. We feel confident when she’s pitching.”

As Ligonier Valley should.

Garver went 11-4 last season with 128 strikeouts and a 1.75 ERA in 96 innings. Garver, along with 2018 Tribune-Review Girls Athlete of the Year Lexie Petrof, guided the Rams to 16-5 record. Ligonier Valley reached the District 6-3A semifinals, where it lost to eventual state champion Philipsburg-Osceola.

Petrof is playing softball at Akron, but Garver and the Rams believe this could be the season Ligonier Valley reclaims the Heritage Conference title — the Rams had a run of three consecutive titles ended last year by Northern Cambria — and more.

“Our first goal, and we don’t want to look past it, is the Heritage. We slipped up last year, and we don’t want that to happen again,” Garver said. “But, you know, Ligonier Valley hasn’t won a district title since 2010. That was like Maddy Grimm-era. It’s time to do something about that.”

Ligonier Valley gets started with its quest Friday against Purchase Line, and the Rams will be relying on Garver and her arsenal of swing-and-miss pitches.

“I really want to figure out how to lead the team well. I want to take on that role,” Garver said. “I feel like I’m mentally tough. I pride myself on that. I’ve been pitching for so many years, and my experience with travel ball, I’ve faced a a lot of D-I commits, and I think that gives me an edge.”

Ligonier Valley has the pitching covered, and Zimmerman said his defense is up to the task.

“Our trouble has been scoring runs in big games,” Zimmerman said.

Enter freshman Maddy Griffin.

“She has an excellent skill level, and she’s fast,” Zimmerman said. “She can pitch. She can play middle infield. She can play outfield. We’re moving her around to see where she can fit the best for us, but she’s going to be a player.”

Catcher Kaylee Colt (.364 batting average last season), shortstop Courtney McKlveen, center fielder Taylor Bojtos (.418 average), Mia Lynn at second base, Abi Cmar (.373) at third base and Nine Christopher in left field gives Ligonier Valley a wealth of experience.

Getting players locked in at positions and finding a couple of players at first base will be key for Ligonier Valley.

“Last year, Northern Cambria and West Shamokin were two (Heritage Conference) teams that were good, and they probably will be again,” Zimmerman said. “Marion Center and Homer-Center are always good. I think we’ll face a lot of good competition. We’ll see how it shake out, but our girls know where we want to get to.”

Tags: Ligonier Valley