Gateway softball enjoys improvement in ’18

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, June 1, 2018 | 10:45 PM

Before the Gateway softball team began its season, first-year coach Scott Lewis said learning and skill improvement in every practice and game would be major goals.

In his eyes, it was more than just wins and losses for a team that was hoping to turn around its fortunes from a 2-13 record in 2017.

Lewis said as the skills improved and his players learned more about what they could produce, the wins started the build.

In the end, despite a 12-2 loss to Trinity in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, the program had the turnaround it was looking for. Gateway finished 8-7 overall, and its 8-6 mark in a competitive Section 1 tied it with Kiski Area for third place.

“The girls were excited to be in the playoffs,” Lewis said. “From last year to this year, it was a huge difference for sure. The girls were able to handle the pressure pretty well and get some big wins when we needed them.”

It came down to the final day of section play to see if Gateway would make the playoffs. The Gators, Kiski Area, Plum and Greensburg Salem all were 7-6 and fighting for the remaining playoff spots behind co-champions Franklin Regional and Penn-Trafford.

Gateway and Kiski scored wins over Woodland Hills and Armstrong, respectively, while Plum lost to Franklin Regional, and Greensburg Salem suffered a defeat at the hands of Penn-Trafford.

Lewis said the team really bore down and gutted out key victories late in the section slate against Plum (8-5) and Greensburg Salem (2-1). The victories were part of a four-game winning streak to close out section play after shouldering a three-game losing skid.

The Gators' resume also contained a close 4-3 victory over Kiski.

“The girls came out swinging from the start. ‘Attack the ball' was one of our mottos,” Lewis said. “They produced offensively all season and also played some solid defense. I was pretty proud of that.”

Gateway was one of a number of softball teams to only play section games during the regular season. Six nonsection games were canceled because of the weather or nixed because of the necessity to reschedule a postponed section contest.

Lewis, an assistant with Gateway for seven seasons before taking over as head coach, will welcome back several starters and a number of other players hoping to make an impact in 2019.

But he had to say farewell to three seniors he described as impactful.

Sam Hunter will join the softball team at La Roche.

“Sam was hurt last year, but she came back and had a really nice season at first base,” Lewis said. “She hit the ball pretty well.”

Dannielle Taylor, a four-year starter, will attend Pitt-Johnstown. Lewis said she has left the door open to playing for the Mountain Cats.

“Dannielle played about every position there is,” Lewis said. “She even caught one game this year. She did a lot for us over her four years. She was very versatile.”

Alaysha Williams, Lewis said, will attend Kentucky.

“She didn't hit a lot this year as she was usually our flex player, but she was pretty solid in the outfield,” Lewis said.

Juniors Mykaila Jackson (third base), Gionna DeLuca (second base) and Jordan Henderson (infield and outfield) will be counted on as senior leaders next season.

Sophomore Maura Ryan continued to emerge as the starting pitcher for the Gators. Lewis said fellow sophomore Kayla Gratton provided reliable backup in the circle.

“There is a lot of momentum for the program,” Lewis said. “Winning was fun this year. We want to take another step forward next year.”

Michael Love is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at mlove@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Mlove_Trib.

Tags: Gateway