Penn Hills graduate sets example for this year’s softball team

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, May 5, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Yasmine Logan was one of the more comfortable visiting players at Varabedian Field in Oakland when Ohio University came to town to take on Pitt softball.

Logan, a Penn Hills graduate, was supported by a large contingent of Indians softball players who made the short trek down to the stadium.

“It’s a great experience,” Penn Hills softball coach Ashley Banner said. “A lot of the girls have never seen a college game before. It was refreshing for them to see a college game and support a Penn Hills alumni.”

Logan is the top power hitter for the Bobcats. She has a team-high nine home runs this season. Logan also has a .299 batting average, seven doubles and has driven in 35 runs.

Ohio University is 28-22 overall and 16-8 in the Mid-America Conference.

“I’ve never seen her play before,” Banner said. “She was a great ballplayer. She made some nice catches in the outfield.”

It was a nice break for the varsity team, which had ups and downs on the field this season. The Penn Hills softball team celebrated senior night May 1 with a 20-0 victory over rival Woodland Hills. Senior Shania Lewis led the team with four RBIs in the win.

Fellow senior London Irish and junior Izzy Decarlo also drove in three runs.

Banner said she has been proud of this senior class, which features six players.

“I’m going to miss these girls,” Banner said. “Their work ethic is outstanding. They are strong in school from an academic standpoint. They are a great group of players, and I am going to miss them. I wish them nothing but the best of luck.”

Penn Hills (4-7, 1-7) picking up a win over the Wolverines allowed the Indians to snap a four-game losing kid. The Indians have a tough slate of opponents in Section 1-5A, including the defending PIAA runner-up Shaler.

Penn Hills had two more section games left on its schedule against North Hills on May 2 and against Oakland Catholic on May 9.

The Indians beat the Eagles, 12-2, earlier this season for their lone section win. Banner said she wants to continue building on the foundation they’ve laid over the past few seasons.

“We want to continue to get the word out in the school,” Banner said. “We want a lot of girls in the sport. It’s fun and competitive. Even taking them to see Yasmine play shows that softball can benefit them beyond high school. We want to continue to educate people and help the school district see the benefit of the softball program.”

Tags: Penn Hills