North Allegheny High School - Safari Yearbook (Wexford, PA)

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ii? With excellent form, Soph. Josh Kingdon smashes a single up the middle. Being a Sophomore on varsity was difficult because the level of play was much higher. 959 Trying to pick off a Boulder opponent, Jr. Mike McCann puts on the tag. Trying to catch the opposing player offguard helps to rid the bases and keep the other team out of scoring position. Burks 5? Frantically throwing the ball from the outfield after a hit by the opposing team is Sr. Erik Johnson. Playing a position in the outfield was a difficult job because it required quick thinking and fast action. Klanica 5? Soph. Orlando Mij ares tells his teammate to hold his throw in a game against Mullen. As the catcher, Mijares could see the whole field and was aware of where to make the play.

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Burks ii? 3 956 Zfcmm 953 While playing in a game agianst Kent, Jr. Melanie Campbell defends her opponent. Players have learned that both offensive and defensive strategies are important for success. 9i? Running down the field, Sr. Michelle Kreidler cradles the ball. Kreidler has been on the Varsity team for two years and her enthusiasm gave the team energy. .,,.. , ,,.. . 1. 1 Burks Z 3 ii? During a game, Sr. Kim Kloppel blocks a shot on goal. Goalies had to be on their feet anticipating any move they may have to make in order to stop an incoming shot. Burks 55 While the opponent looks on, Sr. Kelly Burton goes for the position ofthe draw. Being quick to act, she gains the position necessary to steal the ball.

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Ei? Hurling a strike at the plate, Soph. Jason Bernosky looks to get ahead in the count. Young pitching was something the varsity baseball team had an abundance of this season, which helped to prepare them for next year. Burks by Lisa Roberts eiePlaying with the top two teams in the state in your league made games a little more competitive. The varsity baseball team played in many close games in the difficult Centennial League. With Fairview and Creek as the top two teams in the early season, the Raptors knew they had their work cut out for them. Despite the early season losses, our team really came together at the end of the season. We played with more confidence and more like a team, stated Sr. Erik Johnson. Baseball was a difficult sport that could have gone either way at any time in the game. This, unfortunately, was the cause of many late game losses for the Raptors. Our season has been a disappointment. We're a much better team than our record shows. VVhen it was time to step it up, we didn't. We have high expectations for the second half of the season, commented Soph. Chadd Chadwick. A big win over Boulder helped to push the team and change the momentum for the rest of the league play and hopefully on to post-season play. Without many seniors, the varsity baseball team looked forward to the next season with most of their play- ers returning. With our young team, we competed very well against the tough Centennial League teams, stated Sr. Jason Houston. it? Intensity is an important part of baseball. The Raptors kept their focus on the field with strong defensive play even with the presence of baserunners, which, if the game is close and the runners are in scoring position, can change the whole focus of the game. df df 17: 5 77: , WMM!!