Bethlehem Catholic's Matt Bahnick, an all-Lehigh Valley Conference and
all-area shortstop, and Kelly King, who pitched the Golden Hawks
softball team into the state finals last June, recently announced their
college choices.
.....
King, whose Golden Hawks team lost in the state finals 1-0 to
Greencastle-Antrim in a 9-inning thriller, said IUP was a last-minute
decision for her.
''It was between IUP and California of Pennsylvania for me,'' said King,
who was 15-9 last season with 1.5 ERA. ''I want to focus on my academics
as much as softball in college and I just fell in love with the place on
one visit. Getting this out of the way now allows me to concentrate on
my senior season.''
Coach Rich Mazza said: ''Kingy has been a four-year starter and she's a
fighter. She leads by example. She never gives up. We've had some great
pitchers in this league and she has been overshadowed by some of them.
But she was a big part in us getting as far as we did last year.''
Family: Parents David and Bridget, older sister Andrea.
Class/School: Rising senior at Bethlehem Catholic.
Of note: Pitched the Golden Hawks softball team to the District 11
3A softball championship and to three PIAA playoff victories before
losing a 1-0, 9-inning thriller to Greencastle-Antrim in Friday's 3A
state finals in Shippensburg. King finished season with a 15-9
record, 1.61 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 161 innings.
Have you gotten over that tough loss in the state finals?
Yes, but it took a day or two. I've replayed so many things from
that game in my mind.
What was your favorite win of the season?
Beating Milton in the state semis.
How did you get through the long bus rides to Wilkes-Barre and
Shippensburg?
We did a lot of singing.
What's the biggest misconception about softball?
That it's an easy game to play. Guys, in particular, think it's so
easy.
Who are your favorite teams and athlete?
Eagles and Phillies and Chase Utley.
Who are your softball role models?
[Ex-Nazareth star] Courtney Mosch and [University of Washington
star] Danielle Lawrie.
Favorite place to play?
There's a nice softball complex in Salem, Va.
Place you want to go this summer?
Ocean City, Maryland.
Place you've never been to but really want to visit? Australia. Just
from the movies, it looks like a great atmosphere. It looks
beautfiful.
