SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
(Presented by Center City Print)
LAUREN STALICA, Abington Heights sophomore pitcher/first baseman
Time period: May 29-June 4
Only game: Stalica carried a shutout into the bottom of the seventh inning, then worked out of trouble with a game-ending strikeout May 30 when Abington Heights defeated Pittston Area, 2-1, May 30 in the District 2-4 Class 5A Subregional championship game. Facing the defending state and subregional champions, Stalica struck out eight in a seven-hitter with just one walk. At the plate, she was 1-for-2 with a walk.
Season batting: Included a state playoff game since the award-winning week was completed, Stalica is the team leader in the major categories of home runs, RBIs and batting average. Her average is well over .400 with seven home runs and more than an RBI per game.
Season pitching: Stalica has struck out more than 100 as the primary Abington Heights pitcher.
About Lauren: Stalica was selected as a first-team, Class 5A all-state first baseman as a freshman when, similar to this season, she led the Comets offense in the triple crown batting categories. The lefty pitched a little more than she played first base as a freshman and increased her time in the circle even more late in this regular season.
About the Comets: Abington Heights is in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state semifinals in Class 5A after picking up a forfeit and defeating Oxford, 9-7. The Comets have won 14 straight since beginning the season 6-6. They finished 12-2 in Lackawanna League Division 1 to finish second out of eight teams, handing division and District 2 Class 4A champion Valley View its only regular-season loss along the way.
