McNickle returns to circle for North Hills softball

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, April 5, 2018 | 11:00 PM

Anna McNickle has had plenty of time to refocus on stepping back into the circle as the pitcher for North Hills softball.

Halfway through last season, the Indians now-senior hurler was moved to first base as part of a total team shakeup in the infield.

Now back to pitching, McNickle is ready for a strong season.

“I feel like last year I put pressure on myself when I shouldn't be,” McNickle said. “I have to trust my defense behind me.”

North Hills, which has had its start to the season delayed by five rainouts, rode the changes to a 11-10 record and an appearance in the WPIAL Class 6A quarterfinals.

McNickle knows when North Hills returns to the field, there will be a need to trust her plan. Knowing each outing and keeping a strong mental approach will be vital. Fellow senior Madison Posterivo also was part of the shuffle, sliding from second base to shortstop. Posterivo, who was a second-team all-section selection last season, likes what the Indians have returning in the infield.

“I think our strength is speed,” Posterivo said. North Hills coach Libby Gasior wanted to see improvement across the board. The Indians have made the playoffs the last two seasons.

“For us, our focus in this offseason has been consistency,” Gasior said. “We are trying to take the same approach. Hitting has been a strength for us, and our fielding has been solid, especially the second half of last year.”

Posterivo said North Hills spent the offseason searching for a way to be strong fundamentally. Having a little extra time at the beginning of the season was a plus.

“We've been hitting every day in the cage, working out, and constantly having groundballs hit at us,” Posterivo said. “We've been working hard this offseason. We've put in a lot of hours.”

McNickle will be excited to get outside to have an opportunity to prove herself.

North Hills will have to navigate through a strong Section 3 to return to the postseason.

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Hills