Despite graduating 7 seniors, 2-time defending PIAA champion Hempfield primed for softball success

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 | 4:09 PM

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After a full count of championships the past few seasons — three straight WPIAL titles, two PIAA crowns in a row — Hempfield softball is ready to make another payoff pitch.

The bad news for opponents is that it looks like veteran coach Bob Kalp and his staff have the talent to assemble yet another winner — and keep that resplendent shine on their program. Even after the best season in school history, the bar remains raised.

“We have had some good teams in my 22 years,” Kalp said. “And we've had some very good teams. And then we've had state championship teams. We'll have to see what kind of team we have this year, but I still think we can be pretty good if we avoid mistakes.”

No slip-ups is a recurring point of emphasis for Kalp, who stops even the simplest drill during one of his detail-scripted practices to point out a potential game-changing miscue.

That is a key reason the Spartans are so skilled and seem to execute flawlessly most games.

Hempfield achieved perfection last season, finishing 27-0 with a WPIAL three-peat and state repeat behind a talented seven-senior group that Kalp said is now, “scattered at colleges all over the country.”

But three returning regulars are back, along with another talented pitcher — imagine that — as the Spartans try to reload.

The team takes a 41-game winning streak into the season opener March 23 at Connellsville — weather permitting, of course; it was a white-out outside the gym earlier this week as Hempfield fielded grounders on a scuffed gym floor.

Senior Maddie Uschock takes over in the circle after the graduation of perhaps the program's best all-around player, Morgan Ryan, who is now pitching at Notre Dame.

Still, “Pitching is the least of my worries,” Kalp said.

The all-everything Ryan set program records for pitching wins (73), home runs (16) and RBIs (100). She went 22-0 last year with 199 strikeouts.

Uschock was 5-0 with three shutouts and a 1.08 ERA last season in 26 innings.

“She won't be all fastballs,” Kalp said of Uschock, a Dominican University recruit. “She has an incredible curve ball and change-up. She won't throw every inning, though. We have some other girls too.”

Junior all-state outfielder Laura Fox is back and could move to the leadoff spot to replace dependable shortstop Ali Belgiovane (Pitt-Johnstown). Fox could be in a walking boot for two weeks or more as she battles tendonitis in her right foot.

“Foxy will be a key player for us once she gets back,” Kalp said.

Fox hit .438 with 12 doubles, 10 stolen bases and 27 RBIs as a sophomore.

“This is a new set of girls, but they all know the expectations,” Fox said. “The younger girls are working their butts off. I am excited to be a leader.”

Two other experienced players are senior second-team all-state pick Kelsey Tobin, the designated player much of last season, and senior infielder Margaret Monzo, the flex third baseman during the title runs. Monzo is a Dickinson recruit.

“We have 13 (total) girls back from the state team,” Kalp said. “They have three weeks of after-season (postseason) work, which should help them.”

Hempfield also must replace power-hitting outfielders Autumn Beasley and Jordan Bernard.

Senior Allison Podkul is expected to take on an increased role, along with senior Samantha Kline.

Kalp likes the morale of the team, despite only a few practices under the dim lights of the school's auxiliary gym.

“One of the key things good teams have is senior leadership,” Kalp said. “Selfishness is a big word. If the seniors are selfish, you're probably not going to be very good. You don't get any better as far as taking control. This group doesn't seem selfish.”

One of several “newbies” Kalp mentioned is freshman Emma Hoffner, who already has made a verbal commitment to play at St. Francis (Pa.). Hoffner could be in line to replace standout catcher Madi Stoner and should carry a heavy bat.

Junior Jessica Persin and sophomore Olivia Persin were competing for infield spots.

“Our middle infield is really up in the air right now,” Kalp said.

Second baseman Jenna Osikowicz (Seton Hill) is another anchor to replace. The Spartans also have to replace first baseman Stacey Walling (Pitt-Johnstown). Osikowicz, Belgiovane and Beasley also were first-team all-state players.

Hempfield should get a push in Section 2 from rival Latrobe, which returns a number of key hitters. Hempfield defeated Latrobe, 13-2, in last year's WPIAL final.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Hempfield Area