Homers are up early in area softball season

The fence around Highlands' softball field has had little significance to the home team in recent years.

In fact, there probably were games when the Golden Rams forgot the barrier was even in the outfield.

"When I coached here for the first 10 or 12 years, we hardly ever saw a home run go over the fence," Highlands coach Mike Zendarski said. "Now, they're going out all over the place."

Could be the moved-back mound, spring-effect bats or wind-aided fly balls over short porches. Whatever the case, home runs have been plentiful early in the Alle-Kiski softball season.

Highlands homered three times in its season opener and twice in its second game. Sophomore shortstop Cassidy Runyan has two homers, including a grand slam. And she's the leadoff hitter.

"There have been balls hitting fences, too," Zendarski said. "There have been a lot close to going out, too. It's nice to see more offense back in the game. I mean, we had four (homers) in two games. I think we had three all of last year."

On Opening Day alone, local teams hit seven homers including two each by Valley and Knoch. Both of Valley's came from Katrina George. Knoch's were by Karson Simpson and Mikayla Moretti.

Knoch added two more homers Wednesday by two different hitters: Bethany Hay and Codi Reed. Burrell and Freeport each hit two homers against each other yesterday.

"Perennial home run hitters are hitting the ball again," Knoch coach Tim Knappenberger said. "They work on batting the whole year. They play travel ball, and the proof is in the pudding.

"After we ended the season last year, they played summer ball, then fall ball as an entire team, then at least hit once a week all winter. They are more prepared at the beginning of the season than when you're just getting into the gym after basketball season."

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Homers are up early in area softball season