By Nick Wagner
nwagner@timesleader.com
Wyoming Area’s Bree Bednarski is the epitome of a three-sport athlete.
So far in her career, Bednarski had won district titles in track and field, and recently verbally committed to the University of Michigan for field hockey – she was a 2014 all-state field hockey player.
Now, Bednarski’s accolades extend to the softball diamond.
Bednarski was named to the 2015 Pennsylvania High School Coaches Softball Association All-State Class AAA First Team for her work in center field. Bednarski admitted the feeling is similar from field hockey to softball.
“It means so much to me to get picked,” Bednarski said. “I practiced very hard this year and it feels good to be recognized.”
Pittston Area junior Mindina Lieback was named to the second team outfield after hitting a blistering .419 this season. The leadoff hitter for Pittston Area, Lieback’s on-base percentage was .463. She finished the season without making an error in the outfield.
Bednarski, just a junior, hit .456 for the Warriors this season and carried a .473 on-base percentage. She was successful on 16 of her 17 stolen base attempts.
In center field, Bednarski made just two errors – both in the same game against Hazleton. She finished with a .931 fielding percentage.
In 40 career varsity games over her first three seasons, Bednarski is hitting .438 and has driven in 21 runs and scored 49 times.
“I really like everything about this game,” she said. “Our team was great. We all really loved each other and there was no fighting. We were a really good team and they were always there for you.”
At shortstop, Wyoming Area senior Emily Wolfgang earned an honorable mention. Wolfgang hit .452 and had 15 steals, driving in 25 runs.
“Emily was the best shortstop we’ve ever had,” Bednarski said. “We’re able to get to the deep holes. Her bat was just awesome.”
At pitcher, Wyoming Area freshman Gwen Glatz was named an honorable mention. Glatz was 15-5 this season with a 1.24 ERA.
“That was amazing to see,” Bednarski said. “To come in as a freshman starter is impressive. She was able to hold her ground. Her bat was great, as well.”
Bednarski is currently attending the USA Field Hockey Futures Elite Academy at Millersville University.
Pittston Area sophomore shortstop Taryn Ashby was named an honorable mention. She hit .364 for the Patriots. Combined with her hitting and pitching, Taylor Baloga was named an honorable mention at the DH/Utility slot. Baloga hit .310 and was Pittston Area’s ace in the circle.
The corner positions were solid for Pittston Area all season. Third-baseman Abbey Bradigan, a junior, and first-baseman Nina Cencetti, a freshman, each picked up honorable mentions. Bradigan hit .345, while Cencetti hit .321 and provided the Patriots with pitching help.
Each of the four Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association classes have individual teams with selections made by approximately 240 coaches and sportswriters covering all the PIAA Districts. Class A is comprised of 155 schools, AA with 166, AAA with 164 and AAAA with 165. Therefore, 650 schools play high school softball in the state with nearly 10,000 participants.
Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick
