MOOSIC – Pittston Area coach Frank Parente wants his softball team to enjoy the rare experience of being in the role of defending state champion.
“I told the girls the other day, ‘when you have a target on your back, it means you did something neat’,” Parente said during Bill Howerton Baseball/Softball Media Day last month at PNC Field. “Last year, we did something great.
“We’re hoping to do it again this year. That’s the goal. That’s always the goal.”
Official practice began March 6, but Parente had to wait for some of his players to finish the most successful girls basketball season in school history March 15.
Kallie Booth, last year’s batting average leader, was the second-leading scorer on the basketball team and the leader during a postseason run that included a District 2 title and a trip to the second round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 5A state tournament.
Ava Callahan and Taylor Baiera are also starters from both the unbeaten 2022 softball team and the 24-win basketball team.
Callahan was a first-team Class 5A all-state selection at catcher last season, joining Gianna Adams, the state Pitcher of the Year in 5A.
While some, like Callahan and second-team, all-stater Booth had shortened preseasons, others were at work well in advance of official practices. They took a break from their basketball pursuits to be part of the Media Day festivities.
Adams, who had time to continue working on her pitching, and second-team, all-state utility player Bella Giardina were among those at Media Day who had plenty of time to work on softball in advance.
The Lady Patriots will take their time moving into game action.
Whereas some other teams have already played, Pittston Area does not plays its first game until facing Wyoming Valley West April 4.
