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Wildcats atop conference squad

Greenwood went 11-1 in the Tri-Valley League (17-4 overall) to become co-champions with Upper Dauphin. TVL coach of the year Troy Gantt led his team to a District 3 Class A title and into the state playoffs.

The team produced three selections to TVL’s all-conference team.

“There was a common factor in all three of these girls, that is their desire to do what it takes to win,” Gantt said. “We couldn’t have asked for better leadership than they provided. All three seniors will be difficult to replace.”

Senior Courtney Fleisher was voted in unanimously to the first team along and was the league’s most valuable player. Fleisher finished second in the league in batting with a .535 average, had 23 hits, scored 23 runs, 20 RBIs and two triples. Fleisher made a big impact in the circle for the Wildcats as well — in 58 1/3 innings Fleisher recorded 55 strikeouts, led the TVL in ERA at 0.96 and had eight wins.

“Courtney did everything for us this season as a pitcher, leadoff batter, run producer and a great fielder,” Gantt said. “She was in the middle of all that we accomplished this season.”

Fellow senior Laura Sheaffer also was a first team selection. Sheaffer had an average of .477 at the plate with 21 hits, 20 runs scored and stole 12 bases.

“Laura was the anchor of our outfield and a tremendously tough out from the left side with her speed and experience,” Gantt said.

Corissa Wagner was a second-team member. She had 23 runs scored and 13 runs batted in. Wagner also was a key part of the pitching for Greenwood with an ERA of 4.36 and three wins in 17 2/3 innings of work.

“Corissa, a great pitcher who didn’t get the innings she deserved, was always willing to put the team first,” Gantt said. “She was one of the keys to our defense and run production this season.”

Juniata (7-10, 5-7 TVL) had two second-team selections in softball, Maci Kreider and Cassidy Hambright.

Sophomore Kreider led the way for the Indians with a batting average of .475 along with 28 hits, including five home runs and eight doubles.

“She was definitely one of our top players,” Indians coach Dave Cisney said. “She was the No. 1 hitter on the team. She was a very hard worker, definitely looking forward to the next two years with her.”

Hambright, a senior, closes out her senior campaign with 20 hits, four of them doubles, 17 runs batted in, three runs scored and had an average of .328. Hambright will move on to Lebanon Valley College.

“Cassidy was a four starter — she was a strong leader,” Cisney said. “We are going to miss her and wish her well for the future.”

East Juniata, in its first year of the Justin Martin era, was given two selections to the league’s baseball all-stars.

Freshman Daniel Kanagy made an impact on the Tigers in his rookie season finishing fifth in the league in batting average going .425. Kanagy was fourth in hits with 17 and tied with teammate Logan Wagner with nine RBIs. Kanagy contributed to the Tigers on the mound as well with an era of 2.37 and 28 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings of work gave him a first-team nod.

“He came out and had a real good freshman year,” Martin said. “He was a very supportive guy, just a real good ball player. He will be very instrumental for our team going forward.”

Senior ace pitcher Jon Nace pitched in 34 innings for the Tigers in the TVL collecting 35 strikeouts to finish third in the league and on the second team. Nace also had two wins in the league while on offense Nace scored nine runs tying with teammate Wagner.

“Jon provided us with senior leadership,” Martin said. “He was our No. 1 pitcher to go to. Anytime he was on the mound, we knew we had a chance to in.”

Greenwood, which won its first district title, had two TVL all-star selections in baseball.

Junior Luke Myers was a first-team selection. Myers batted .366 in the league with 15 hits and scored nine runs. Myers was a big part of the pitching as well going 29 innings with three wins, 38 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.207.

“He deserved it, he was on top of the categories offensively and also pitching,” Wildcats coach Mark Sherman said. “Unfortunately during the first semifinal game he had some arm issues and we had to shut him down. He kept his head up, offensively got key hits, he was a huge contributor to this team.”

Sophomore Aaron Bollinger had an era of 1.89 through 29 2/3 innings in the TVL with a WHIP of 1.213 and scored nine runs. This contributed to his nomination to the league’s second team.

“Bollinger was our spark plug,” Sherman said. “He definitely deserved it only being a sophomore. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, he’s kinda the fire for this team. It was an honor to coach both these two this year.”

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