Two area softball players named first team All-Ohio

Becka Peterson

SPRINGFIELD — Two of the area’s top players were named to the Ohio High School Softball Coaches’ Association All-Ohio first team squads on Wednesday.

Urbana senior pitcher Leanna Pittsenbarger was selected in Division II, while West Liberty-Salem junior pitcher Becka Peterson was chosen in D-III.

Pittsenbarger, an Eastern Kentucky recruit, went 20-3 with a 0.61 ERA, 299 strikeouts and 11 shutouts.

“It’s always an honor,” Pittsenbarger said. “I was really excited. Everyone plays for their team, but it’s really nice to get individual accolades, too.”

At the plate, she hit .511 with 29 RBIs and three home runs.

“I was really happy that my hitting finally came around,” Pittsenbarger said.

Peterson hit .557 with 42 RBIs and 11 home runs. On the mound, she went 12-1 with an 2.17 ERA and 82 strikeouts.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Peterson said. “It’s definitely something I worked for.”

The Tigers advanced to the D-III state tournament for the third time in four seasons, falling to Liberty Union 1-0 in the semifinals.

“I’m definitely excited we had a good season,” said Peterson, who also hopes to play collegiate softball. “For some people, getting there is enough, but we really wanted to win the title. It’s too bad we couldn’t do that.”

Shawnee senior outfielder Marta Lockwood was named to the second team in D-II, while Kenton Ridge junior infielder Arika Roush received an honorable mention.

West Liberty-Salem senior catcher Kaitlyn Kite received an honorable mention in D-III. Southeastern junior catcher Andrea Schaaf and Triad junior outfielder Kelsey Funderburgh earned honorable mentions in D-IV.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, mcooper@coxohio.com or on Twitter @SNS_Wizard.