Being named first-team All-Catholic in any sport is quite an accomplishment. It also represents the first step toward being considered for all-state recognition.
Among the six PIAA classifications, seven Philadelphia Catholic League softball players — three first-team selections and four second-team honorees — earned that distinction this season. Media members and coaches select the all-state team.
After leading Archbishop Carroll to its first-ever PCL championship, district title, and Class 4A state playoff victory, three Patriots were honored.
Junior pitcher Olivia Zanetich was named to the first team after compiling a 14-4 record with a 1.40 earned-run average and 200 strikeouts against only 34 walks.
“The best part is knowing all the hard work I put in over the years really showed out in this moment,” said Zanetich, who fired a four-hit shutout in the Patriots’ 5-0 PCL championship victory over top-seeded Bonner-Prendergast. “I plan to do it all again next year with my team.”
Also earning first-team recognition was junior shortstop Emily Russ, who posted a remarkable .557 batting average, a .637 on-base percentage, 20 extra-base hits, and 16 runs batted in.
Russ tormented semifinalist Archbishop Wood and finalist Bonner-Prendergast during the postseason, going a combined 5-for-6 with two triples and a home run.
“I’m extremely honored,” said Russ. “It feels really good. I’m so thankful to be a part of the Archbishop Carroll softball program.”
Freshman third baseman Camryn Hannon was named to the second team after leading the Patriots with 26 RBI while hitting .405 and collecting 12 extra-base hits.
“This honor reflects the hard work, dedication, and time I have put into becoming the player that I am today,” said Hannon. “I am extremely grateful for this recognition. The best part is knowing that my coaches, teammates, and family have believed in me and pushed me to keep improving every step of the way.”
Archbishop Carroll coach John Pascucci praised the trio for their season-long contributions.
“Liv had a phenomenal season in the circle and is very deserving,” said Pascucci. “She consistently dominated top competition and set the tone for us every time she pitched. Her composure, work ethic, and competitiveness were unmatched.
“Emily was a true spark for our lineup and a steady leader defensively, handling the shortstop position with confidence and consistency. Her production and leadership were a major reason for our success.
“Camryn provided steady, reliable defense throughout the year. She was a consistent contributor in the middle of our lineup and a strong defensive presence on the left side of the infield. Her hard work, toughness, and ability to perform in big moments made her a key part of our team’s success.”
From Class 4A runner-up Bonner-Prendergast, junior third baseman Mara George earned first-team honors after posting eye-popping numbers: 21 extra-base hits, six home runs, a .519 batting average, and a school-record 1.522 on-base-plus-slugging percentage.
George missed her sophomore season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
“Making all-state is such an honor,” said George. “Our team worked so hard this year and we all pushed each other to be our best. Our team worked hard all winter and spring to have a great season. Coach Meghan (Sullivan) pushed us to be our best and always had confidence in us.”
Sullivan described George as a “fearless leader who has true talent.”
“I am so proud as a coach to see Mara receive the recognition she deserves and earned this season,” said Sullivan. “She returned from a career-changing injury and worked tirelessly to get herself back to where she was before the injury. She is a true trooper and fierce competitor. It was rewarding to see all of her hard work pay off.”
One of the state’s top catchers, Bonner-Prendergast senior Georgie Mariani earned second-team recognition. Her .988 fielding percentage was the best among Class 4A catchers.
The Wheeling University-bound Mariani was known for her clutch contributions behind the plate and at the plate, hitting .388 with a .467 on-base percentage. Among her 13 extra-base hits were five home runs, and she drove in 19 runs.
“Georgie receiving the all-state recognition goes beyond many words,” said Sullivan. “She is a gritty player that has an abundance of knowledge of the game. She does the little things well. She threw out players, kept players honest on the baselines, and moved players around on the bases. Always leading. She has had an incredible four years here at Bonner-Prendie.”
Cardinal O’Hara junior third baseman Hayden Reale’s .390 batting average, .463 on-base percentage, and 18 RBI earned her second-team honors in Class 5A.
“It’s a really great feeling knowing that the work I’ve put in is really starting to pay off,” said Reale, who will play at Misericordia University. “From staying at practice later to get extra hitting reps to going early for fielding reps; working on my physical and mental strength. I feel honored to be in a group of such great and talented players.”
Lions coach Danny Yohee was thrilled with the recognition.
“That kid deserves every accolade that she will ever receive,” said Yohee. “She is just such a hard-working, humble young lady.”
At Nazareth Academy, senior second baseman Lexi Greenwood earned Class 3A second-team recognition after batting .421 with 16 RBI and posting a .977 fielding percentage.
“This is something I’m really proud of because it shows that my hard work and commitment was recognized,” said Greenwood, who will join the cheerleading team at St. Joseph’s University. “The best part is being able to represent my school and my team, and knowing that I earned this opportunity through everything I put into my last season.”
Pandas coach Danielle Vittitow was not surprised by Greenwood’s honor.
“Lexi’s growth as a player was incredible to watch,” she said. “She came in as a fundamentally sound freshman. She had an eagerness to learn and grow, which propelled her to become one of the top players in the league. Beyond her talent as a player on the field, she was a true leader who led her team in her quiet, calm manner.
“We are incredibly proud of what she has done at Nazareth. This all-state honor is a well-deserved recognition of all her hard work, and the icing on the cake for an outstanding four years.”
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Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.
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