All-state pitcher Emma Henry, Greensburg Central Catholic softball eye next step

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 13, 2022 | 5:28 PM

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Emma Henry went into last season with the Greensburg Central Catholic softball team not knowing what to expect.

After losing her freshman season to the covid-19 pandemic, Henry expected there to be a learning curve.

However, she proved to be a quick study, earning Class A second-team all-state honors in her first varsity season.

Now the junior pitcher is hoping to take the next step. By adding some new pitches, Henry wants to help Greensburg Central Catholic exceed where it finished last season.

“Honestly, I worked on a new movement pitch, and it helped with my fall schedule in tournaments,” Henry said. “It got more of the advanced batters out. I was focusing on spins.”

Last season, the Centurions (11-5, 7-3) took second in the section behind eventual WPIAL Class A champion and PIAA runner-up West Greene. GCC lost to Union, 6-5, in the WPIAL quarterfinals after beating Ellis School in the first round.

GCC’s first-round victory was its first WPIAL playoff win since 2015.

Henry believes another year of preparation for this season will allow the Centurions to take another step forward.

GCC will open the season March 25 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. It will play four games in three days before returning home.

“Really, I lost my freshman year,” Henry said. “I didn’t know what to expect going into the year last year. I didn’t know how to do certain things. I know a lot more about what to do about certain plays and moments.”

The Centurions will look to replicate their offense from last season. GCC averaged 9.3 runs per game and has a number of players who will be competing for spots in the lineup.

“With a year of experience with our current team, and a few key additions, I feel we can compete with anyone every time we step on the field,” GCC coach Mike Gaffney said. “Our pitching is solid. Offensively, I feel we are as good from top to bottom as any team we play, and defensively I feel we are solid because now we have players back to playing there more natural positions.”

Key returnees include senior second baseman Natalie Ward, sophomore shortstop Macee McGill, and sophomore first baseman Makenzee Kenney.

GCC also has plenty of upperclassmen returning who can help provide depth.

Seniors Bailey Kuhns, Laura Kondas and Riana Booher are outfielders. Junior catcher Isabella Marquez is looking to build off a strong sophomore campaign.

Sophomore Grace Kindel and junior outfielder Sara Blahovec also figure to be contributors.

GCC again will be tasked with a lot of long road trips in section. GCC will have to take on Avella, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown, Monessen and West Greene.

“Honestly, I think our goal is to go as far as we possibly can,” Henry said.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.