Led by senior shortstop, scrappy Norwin softball team ready for season

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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When she is finished dealing assists and taking charges on the basketball court — fully healed nose or not — Bailey Snowberger will rejoin the Norwin softball team.

That is where you’ll see the senior shortstop in her true element.

“Bailey is a very key player for us in so many ways, from being the catalyst to being that constant role model for the younger players,” Norwin coach Brian Mesich said. “Obviously, there will be a little trickle down effect to start the season from her success in basketball. She has a tremendous work ethic and will be ready to go when basketball is over because she is constantly getting her softball reps in.”

Snowberger, a Holy Cross commit, batted .519 with five home runs and 39 runs scored last season as Norwin (15-6-2) reached the WPIAL 6A semifinals.

Norwin has six additional starters back, including senior third baseman Josey Michalski, who joined Snowberger as an all-state selection last season.

Senior Brookelyn Kotch (pitcher/utility), junior Rachel Minteer (IF/OF), junior Izzy Deering (IF), sophomore Addison Grimes (OF) and junior Kyla Coyne (OF) are the others.

Mesich has been impressed by Kotch’s leadership.

“There is a great team and family feel,” Mesich said. “We should have position flexibility for a number of players, and hopefully maintain our offensive power and hitting.”

Other players who could make an impact are sophomore Abbie Tell (P/1B) and freshman Diem Wardzinski (1B/OF).

“The team worked really hard in the offseason,” Mesich said. “We have a lot of great young ladies and hopefully with our upperclassmen leadership, our young team will surprise some people.

“Bailey, Brookelyn and Josey will instill this team to be a scrappy competitive team this season.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin