Seton-La Salle embarks on WPIAL softball playoff run
As Seton-La Salle embarks on its quest for a WPIAL championship in softball, Jay Krull is cognizant of the fact that his pitching ace Lauren Zola can only do so much.
“You can’t win a game, 0-0,” said the Rebels’ manager.
When SLS takes on Avonworth today (May 13) at 3 p.m. at Baldwin in the first round of the Class AA playoffs, all Zola likely will need is one run. In 13 of the Rebels’ victories this spring, she has pitched 11 shutouts and struck out more than 175 batters. She iced SLS’s undefeated section season last week with a remarkable performance. In an 8-0 win against Brentwood, Zola fanned 20 batters. She allowed a hit and walked one. Plus, she recorded the only other out in the game, when she caught a pop-up.
“She pitched very well. Lauren has been dominant all season,” Krull explained. “We are hoping she continues to be successful. We are keeping our fingers crossed because in a single-elimination tournament, anything can happen.”
Zola usually puts out fires before they happen. Before blanking Greensburg Central Catholic, 10-0, in SLS’s final playoff tune-up, Zola was 12-0 with a 0.34 ERA. She is 52-8 in her career and is closing in on 700 career strikeouts. According to Krull, Zola possesses a nice change-up, a screwball and a rise. “She can pull the trigger on most any of her pitches.”
With Zola registering so many strikeouts, it sometimes can be difficult to keep the fielder’s attention. In the past, Krull said, her teammates were “surprised” when the opposition did get a hit. But this season, the Rebels have curtailed their fielding miscues, committing only three errors in 11 games. “We are all executing and doing a good job.”
While Zola can help herself at the plate, batting over .300, the Rebels rely on the big stick of Lexi Wagner. The Pitt commit has stroked six homers this spring. A freshman, Jada Simon has smacked her share of round trippers as well as provided a strong glove at first base. Dani Dadig is a mainstay in the outfield. The senior is a Division I recruit for Youngstown State University. Plus, Julianna Curry helps anchor the infield with her defense at second base.
Behind the plate, the Rebels rely upon Alyssa Miller. The junior complements Tim Zola. An assistant and Zola’s father, he calls the pitches during the game but Krull says that Miller has “grown by leaps and bounds” behind the plate.
“Everybody has been doing an exceptional job,” Krull added. “Lexi is a tremendous player. Dani has been a huge part of our success. We’ve been getting key hits and strong defense from everybody. Our bats have started to come alive in the last few games and we are staying alert in the field.”
Better competition has helped the Rebels remain focused. Though they ran the table in their division, they have only posted one, 10-run victory and that was against Shady Side Academy. “It’s been a much better section. All the teams have been competitive,” Krull said. “We are hoping that will help us in the playoffs.”
Seeded third in the tournament, SLS expects Deer Lakes and Mohawk to provide the toughest opposition. The Lakers are the defending champions and have reached the WPIAL finals the past four years. They, too, boast a talented pitcher in Tiffany Edwards. Mohawk, like SLS, won Section 5 with an undefeated record.
“Deer Lakes has won the title three years in a row but Burgettstown, Carmichaels, Burgettstown, Southside Beaver and McGuffey are tough teams, too,” Krull said. “In general, any team that makes the playoffs, you have to assume they are a good team. But, our goal still is to win a WPIAL championship.”
Chartiers-Houston, South Fayette, Chartiers Valley, Canon-McMillan and Bethel Park join Seton-La Salle in the quest for softball championships. The Buccaneers earned the No. 1 seed in Class A and received a bye in the tournament. The Lions battle Mars at 3 p.m. May 13 at Hampton in the Class AAA tournament. The Colts also play May 13 against Blackhawk at 5 p.m. at North Allegheny. C-M and BP had first-round games May 12 against Latrobe and Gateway respectively in the Quad-A tournament.