Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Kaci Alderson
School: Chartiers-Houston
Sport: Softball
Class: Freshman
Alderson’s week: Many players would consider it a good day not making an out in a game. Alderson came very close to not making an out in a week’s worth of games. Alderson went 9-for-12 in four games, helping Chartiers-Houston to a 3-1 record.
Alderson, a shortstop and middle of the lineup power hitter, had four doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI and scored eight times in those four games.
“I’m seeing the ball well,” said Kaci Alderson. “My teammates are getting on base and I’ve been able to drive them in.”
Alderson went 3-for-3 with a double, home run, three runs and three RBI in a 17-2 win over Burgettstown; had a single, double, home run, scored three runs and knocked in three more in a 10-0 win over Bentworth; went 1-for-3 in a 7-2 loss to Frazier; and had two doubles, scored twice and drove in three runs in a 21-1 rout of Fort Cherry. All three wins were Mercy Rule games.
Alderson’s big week moved her season batting average to .600 and her RBI total to 23 in the first 11 games, 10 of them victories.
“She definitely hits for power,” said Tricia Alderson, Kaci’s mom and head coach of the Bucs. “She has always been a strong hitter but the last couple years, she has really come on.”
Family ties: Kaci Alderson has never been coached by anyone other than her parents at Chartiers-Houston. Her father, Dan, a former baseball coach at C-H, guided Kaci through the youth league and her mother has handled the varsity for decades. Kaci plays travel ball on the Pennsylvania Lady Knights.
“My mom and dad have helped me develop my technique,” Kaci said. “Having coaches as parents, I’m used to their system.”
Tricia Alderson said because of her background, the bar is set high for her daughter.
“We’re probably tougher on her,” Tricia said. “When we leave the field after a game, we’re still talking about the game. We expect a lot from her and she expects a lot from herself.”
But Kaci has some help.
“I might be the most superstitious person in the world,” she said. “I have to wear the same pony tail holder, sit in the same seat on the bus, and so many other things. There are too many to count.”
If it continues to bring success to the Bucs, don’t expect her to change.
Compiled by Joe Tuscano