Ligonier Valley softball returns plenty of experience from 20-win team

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, March 9, 2018 | 5:06 PM

Last year, the Ligonier Valley softball team reigned over the Heritage Conference, going undefeated. With all but two contributors returning, the Rams aim to replicate that success in 2018.

“The bar is still set as high,” said coach Mark Zimmerman, entering his 19th season at the helm. “We're hoping to do very well again this year.”

The Rams went 20-4 last year, but they lost their final two games via shutout: the District 6 Championship game against Phillipsburg-Osceola and a PIAA first-round game against WPIAL Class 3A champion Ellwood City.

Ligonier Valley returns its top two hurlers, Jane Garver and Lexie Petrof. Garver, a sophomore, is expected to serve as the team's ace, but Petrof will pitch regularly. Zimmerman described Garver as a power pitcher with a good curveball. Petrof excels at mixing up her offerings and spinning the ball.

“We're blessed with two really strong pitchers, and that helps,” Zimmerman said.

Both Garver and Petrof are key performers on offense. Petrof could move to first base when she's not in the circle and likely will be joined in the field by catcher Lindsey Stormer, second baseman Mia Lynn, third baseman Abi Cmar, and outfielders Abby Turcheck and Sara Klinchock.

The competition to fill the third outfield spot, vacated by the graduation of Catou Cmar, includes Rachel Caldwell, Kaylee Colt and Courtney McKlveen. That trio could also fight for playing time at shortstop along with Taylor Bojtosh, who is versatile enough to play just about any position.

“Those four girls are putting up a pretty good fight to get on the field,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman, who has guided the Rams to eight conference titles, said his squad has shifted to more of a small-ball approach in recent seasons.

“We don't rely on the long ball all the time, and we're certainly not afraid to bunt,” he said.

Beginning this season, the Heritage Conference will split into two divisions. Despite that change, Zimmerman expects similar challengers from a year ago. He pointed to Northern Cambria, Homer-Center, Marion Center and West Shamokin as teams that could test the Rams.

Similar to last season, Zimmerman loaded the Ligonier Valley nonconference schedule. Opponents include Derry, Belle Vernon, Latrobe, Pine-Richland and Southmoreland from the WPIAL, as well as Punxsutawney, Central Martinsburg and Hollidaysburg.

“We were able to pick up a lot of exhibition games, and we have a pretty heavy schedule. We like playing good competition,” Zimmerman said. “I think these girls are going to be up and ready for the challenge.”

Sean Meyers is a freelance writer.

Tags: Ligonier Valley