Player of the Year

* Lauren Hackett, Shaler, Catcher, Senior
It is highly unusual for someone other than a pitcher to be selected as player of the year in district softball. But Hackett was so dominant offensively and defensively that she was an easy choice. She was a four-year starter who was a two-time member of the PG All-Area team. "Just about nobody attempted to run on her arm," said Shaler coach Skip Palmer. On offense, Hackett batted .556 (35 of 63) with 11 doubles, 3 home runs, 22 runs scored and 24 RBIs. This was after batting .604 as a junior. She will play next season at Robert Morris.

The Rest

* Kaitlyn Kutchman, Montour, Pitcher, Senior
Kutchman was the driving force in the Spartans' run to the WPIAL Class AAA championship. She had a 20-6 record with a 1.10 ERA, and struck out 216 in 172 innings. Also hit .432 with 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. A Seton Hill recruit.

Ashley Gerhart, West Allegheny, Shortstop, Senior
* A four-year starter who was one of the best hitters in the WPIAL. She had a .492 average with 11 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 29 runs scored and 18 RBIs. Also a talented defensive player. Has signed with Robert Morris.

* Kirsten Wilson, Riverside, Pitcher, Junior
A first baseman until this season, when she developed into a standout pitcher. Had 254 strikeouts in 132 innings, including 19 in one game. Had 16-4 record with 0.64 ERA. Batted .579 with nine doubles, 7 home runs and 20 RBIs.

* Tara Konopka, Peters Township, Pitcher, Senior
Will play next season at Division I Drexel. Konopka was a four-year starter who had a 15-5 record this season and a 1.07 ERA. She struck out 161 in 144 innings and also was a force as a hitter with a .375 average and 13 RBIs.

* Colby Miller, Chartiers-Houston, Catcher, Senior
An excellent defensive catcher who was a four-year starter. Batted .468 for WPIAL A champs with 4 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 33 runs scored and 42 RBIs. Had .835 slugging percentage. Will play next season at Slippery Rock.

* Kayla Briggs, Chartiers-Houston, Pitcher, Junior
Briggs helped the Bucs win WPIAL Class A title by pitching five no-hitters. Had a 25-2 record with 215 strikeouts in 151 innings and allowed only 72 hits. Had ERA of 0.97. Also batted .516 with 46 runs, 9 doubles and 30 RBIs.

* Stacey Capp, Montour, Shortstop, Junior
A Spartans standout on offense and defense who helped team win the WPIAL Class AAA championship. Capp was Montour's leading hitter with a .505 average. She also had 10 doubles, 2 triples, 33 runs scored and 31 RBIs.

* Giorgiana Zeremenko, Canon-McMillan, Catcher, Sophomore
The only sophomore on the All-Area team, Zeremenko helped the Big Macs win the first WPIAL title in school history. Did not make an error. Also batted .475 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, 7 home runs and 31 RBIs. Struck out only twice.