Westmoreland athletes of the week: Penn-Trafford’s Josh Spiegel, Belle Vernon’s Bailey Parshall

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | 8:36 PM

Josh Spiegel

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Baseball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Spiegel, an Oklahoma State commit, hit a solo home run for Penn-Trafford (1-0) in a 4-3 win over Shaler in nonsection action March 26. Last season, Spiegel finished with a .429 batting average, eight doubles, five home runs and 23 RBIs.

“It was the first game of the year; as a team we did really well. I got a good pitch to hit in my second at-bat of the game and hit it out to left center. It felt pretty good,” Spiegel said.

What does the team need to do to make a deeper playoff run this year?

All together, we're more of a good group. If our pitching comes together with some hits we can make a deep run this year.

What were you working on during the offseason?

I was working on adding a little bit more strength and consistency with swing. When it comes to catching, I was working on fine-tuning my receiving, blocking, catching and throwing skills.

How are you using this year to prepare yourself for the collegiate level?

I want to put the best at-bats together and not swing at bad pitches. This summer, I will play in the Futures Collegiate Summer League in New England.

What is it like to manage a pitching staff from behind the plate?

That is some of the reason why I love baseball. I get the challenge of knowing my pitchers, getting them to throw strikes and helping my team win.

What is your favorite opening day memory?

I would have to say this year with how well our team played and with me getting a home run in the first game.

Bailey Parshall

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Softball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Parshall, a Penn State commit, struck out a school-record 20 batters to lead Belle Vernon (1-0) to a 2-1 nonsection win over Steel Valley on March 26. The previous school record of 19 strikeouts was set by Ashley Nichols in a 12-inning game in 2007. Parshall drove in a run in the win.

“It was a pretty big deal to start off our season that way. It's an eye-opener, and we are going to have a good season,” Parshall said.

What made you commit to Penn State?

My whole family went there, and it has always been a dream of mine to go there, so I can follow in their footsteps. Once they offered me, I knew Penn State was the school for me.

What does it mean to you have a game like that to start the season?

On a personal level, getting 20 strikeouts is really big for me. I want to average a lot of strikeouts for the season. As a team, we did a good job of communicating and working together. We go to practice and have the same goal in mind, which hasn't been the case in year's prior.

What were you working on during the offseason?

When it comes to pitching, I have been working on my changeup and drop ball. I wanted to have more variety of pitches. When it comes to hitting, I was working on hitting the inside pitch and pulling the ball, as well as hitting it to a location.

What does the team need to do to make another run at a PIAA title?

I think the key is playing good defense, and the most important thing is hitting. This year, we have a few freshmen that are going to play a big key. We have three freshmen that will help us out offensively.

How are you using this year to prepare yourself for the collegiate level?

I have been working on trying to accent my best pitch. I threw my best pitch to get out of situations. My best pitch is my curveball, and it has really changed the sequence of my pitches.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Penn-Trafford