Lampe twins share player of year honors for West Greene
Madison and McKenna Lampe get a hug from their father, John Lampe, after the Pioneers defeated DuBois Central Catholic in PIAA Class A semifinals at North Allegheny High School in June.
Belle Vernon pitcher Bailey Parshall delivers a pitch as dust rises on the infield at California University’s Lilley Field during the WPIAL Class 4A softball playoffs last season. Parshall is a Penn State recruit who struck out 20 batters in the Leopards’ season opener this year.
After being honored on the floor of the House of Representatives, PNC Park, Waynesburg’s Rain Day and the Jacktown Fair, the West Greene softball team had a cherry placed on top of its memorable state championship season Thursday afternoon when the Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association released its all-state teams.
Madison and McKenna Lampe were named Co-Players of the Year in Class A, joining three teammates – Madison Renner, Jade Renner and Kaitlyn Rizor – on the Class A first team.
“It’s been a busy summer,” West Greene coach Bill Simms said.
“It’s nice to see our players soaking it all up, but we want to say humble at the same time. We just want to have fun and cherish the moment. It’s uncharted water for us.”
The all-state teams are normally released at the end of June but the delay was caused by controversy after District 6 officials took over the process. The release of that team was roundly criticized for leaving out obvious candidates. A new group resubmitted ballots.
Belle Vernon pitcher Bailey Parshall was named the Player of the Year in Class AAAA after setting a school record for her three-year totals for wins (56), strikeouts (673) and shutouts (23).
Parshall, a Penn State commit, dominated opponents this season with a 0.51 ERA, while striking out 246 batters and only allowing 11 earned runs over 149 innings.
“Softball has always been my No. 1 priority and to see all the hard work I’ve put in pay off is really special,” Parshall said. “I’m constantly working two or three times a week in the offseason. It’s great when it translates to the season.”
Parshall finished her junior season with a .551 batting average with 25 RBI and 12 doubles, attributing most of the success as a hitter to understanding the tendencies of other high school pitchers.
“As a pitcher, it’s harder to throw inside because it’s much easier to turn on for hitters,” Parshall said. “For me, I’m always thinking middle away because I know that’s where pitchers are trying to locate when I’m up to bat. If it’s not middle away, and if I don’t have two strikes on me, then I’m most likely not going to be swinging.”
The Lampe sisters were the first players in West Greene history to earn Player-of-the-Year recognition.
McKenna Lampe, the sophomore centerfielder, had a .643 batting average, scored 64 runs, and collected 10 doubles and seven home runs. Third baseman Madison Lampe hit .567 out of the second spot in the lineup, driving in 52 runs and scoring 51 times. She had 12 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs.
“They were catalysts at the top of our lineup and both have different skill sets,” said Simms. “It’s a blessing for us and hopefully a terror for the opponent. It’s a luxury to have them batting No. 1 and No. 2.”
Other players who were recognized with first-team honors were Monessen pitcher Dana Vatakis in Class A; shortstop Kaci Alderson, outfielder Kayla Alderson and third baseman Macie Kesneck of Chartiers-Houston in Class AA; and shortstop Sarah Jubas of South Fayette in Class AAAA.
Carmichaels’ Megan Walker and Waynesburg’s Tara Staley earned second-team recognition in Class A and Class AAA, respectively.