Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Juniata pitcher Elizabeth Gaisior tossed a one-hit shutout against Burrell in the opening round of the PIAA softball playoffs this past season.

Gaisior earns Overall Pitcher of the Year

MIFFLINTOWN — The accolades continue to roll in for Juniata ace pitcher, Elizabeth Gaisior.

Gaisior was named the PIAA Overall Pitcher of the Year by the Pennsylvania Coaches Association for the 2023 season. She was also honored as a Class 3A first team player as a pitcher.

Juniata went on a postseason run that ended with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Mid Valley in the Class 3A State Championship Game in June. Leading the way on the magical run to the Indians’ first-ever softball state championship game was the aforementioned Gaisior. The rising senior started every meaningful game inside the circle for her Juniata squad.

Juniata coach Erin Cressman has known for a long time the talent that the lefty hurler has possessed. That unique talent paired with Gaisior’s hardwork and determination has brought Juniata softball to new heights as well as opened new doors for her softball career.

“This is a huge honor for Liz and an award that she absolutely deserves. She is a very talented athlete who has worked so hard all season, and her entire softball career, to be able to pitch the way she has,” Cressman said on Gaisior’s award. “She’s always looking for ways to get better, and that is what makes her a special player. It is really cool to see her hard work paying off.”

In her junior year, Gaisior tallied 186 innings in 29 games of work. Gaisior pitched in every game for the Indians. During the season she struck out an incredible 423 opposing hitters. That measures out to an unfathomable 2.23 strikeouts per inning.

“Liz dominates every time she takes the mound, even when she doesn’t have her best stuff. She competes and strives to throw her best pitch, every pitch,” Cressman noted.

Gaisior had her best stuff in the state semifinals against Jamestown in DuBois. She struck out 20 of the 21 batters on the day, sending the Indians to the state final in State College.

“She set the tone for our team all year long and led us all the way to the school’s first district title and state finals appearance, being a great teammate and leader along the way,” Cressman stated.

The Indians ace ended the season with an impressive 0.75 ERA and 0.2 WHIP, only allowing 20 earned runs and 33 walks along the way.

This proves to be the icing on the cake for Gaisior and Juniata who worked through the entire year to put Juniata softball on the map. The Indians only lost two returning starters from this past season and will look to compete for the program’s first state title in 2024.

Along with many returning Indians, Gaisior will be bringing the 2023 Overall Pitcher of the Year award with her next season as she looks to end her high school career in winning fashion for Juniata.

“This was an amazing season for Liz and Juniata softball as a whole. Everyone is really excited for what’s to come.”