The top softball pitcher in the YAIAA?
With a state championship medal in her possession and speed and command on the mound that has helped the Warriors stay undefeated this season, it would be hard to argue against Susquehannock junior Megan Sheaf as the best hurler in the YAIAA.
And yet, Central York freshman Lauren Walker is making her own case with her play on the diamond.
Sure, Sheaf threw a 14-inning shutout in a victory over Division II rival Kennard-Dale last month. But Walker did her one-inning better on Friday, blanking South Western for 15 innings and allowing only two hits to help the Panthers win 1-0.
Central is far from undefeated this year, racking up four losses, including a divisional defeat against the Mustangs earlier this season. But considering what Walker has been able to do without the consistent offensive support that Sheaf receives and considering that Walker plays against bigger schools, the Walker-Sheaf debate at least worth having.
After Friday's victory, Walker's senior teammate and winning-run-scorer Erin Kissling said that Walker "lives for stuff like" the 15-inning game.
"She just loves softball," Kissling said. "It's her life. At practice like when we'll goof around and stuff like that, she's the one that keeps us focused. During games, she's always there, giving us a pat on the bat and stuff like that. Even though she's a freshman, she doesn't act like it at all."
I've seen both Walker and Sheaf in person this season, and was blown away (much like several opposing team's batters) by their respective performances. As far as who's better, I'd rather wait and see how they perform in the postseason before passing judgment. Sheaf proved herself during last year's state title run. Now the newcomer Walker gets to show what's she's got.
