NEW CASTLE —
Hitting is contagious.
Savannah Partridge and the Union High girls softball team proved that last week.
The Lady Scots went on a three-game rampage last week as they outscored their three foes, 63-11. Partridge led the way as she went 7 for 10 at the plate and drove in 14 of those runs.
The performance earned her Lawrence County Athlete of the Week honors, an award sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy and selected by the New Castle News sports staff.
Union (3-0 section, 4-3 overall) started off the week with a 26-1 home win over Aliquippa. Partridge, a senior, had a three-run homer, a triple and a single in the triumph. She followed that performance by driving in four more runs in a 20-5 nonsection home win over Lowellville, Ohio. Partridge finished the week with a two-run homer, two singles and four RBIs in a 17-6 victory at Rochester.
“We have been playing pretty good. We’ve been hitting better than normal,” Partridge said. “We’ve been playing as a team. Our last game, we were pretty close for a while. Then, somebody started to hit and then the whole team did. I am just happy I can play.”
Partridge, a senior, almost had to miss this softball season. Also a basketball standout, she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the Lady Scots’ last basketball home game Feb. 6. So Partridge had a choice — have surgery right away in February or delay the procedure, rehab her knee and try to play softball.
So far, so good.
“I thought I was going to have to get surgery right away, but it just depended if I was going to play softball in college. If I wait until I graduate to get it, I’ll be fine by softball season,” she said. “It doesn’t hurt that bad. It’s just good that I can play with the injury I have. I am just happy I can be on the field and help the team.”
Union coach Gary Trimble is thrilled Partridge is able to participate in softball.
“We have a good hitting team. She is kind of like the pillar there. We are so pleased she’s able to play in the first place. She did rehab and got back as soon as she could,” he said. “She is an impact hitter. She has great instincts. She has a softball mentality. Whatever she is doing for us, she does a great job, whether that’s hitting, baserunning or fielding — she’s played several positions. She’s able to do whatever you want her to do. Not everyone can do that. She is a natural and has great instincts.”
Partridge, whose mobility has been limited in the field, hit .667 (16 for 24) with four homers and 23 RBIs in the team’s first seven games.
“I am very pleased with her attitude. It’s very tough coming to play when you’re hurting,” Trimble said. “She’s just been a good person to have around all year. Our goal is to make the playoffs. She is a big part of it and, hopefully, the rest of the season goes well for her.”
******
THE SAVANNAH PARTRIDGE FILE
POSITION: Third base
TEAM: Union
GRADE: 12
KNOWN FOR: Partridge has been one of the team’s top hitters this season. She was 16 for 24 with four homers and 23 RBIs in her team’s first seven games.
PARENTS: Kim Wohlgemuth and John Partridge
FAVORITE PRO ATHLETE AND WHY: Michael Jordan. He was just very determined to do what he did and he has a lot of accomplishments.
FAVORITE PRO TEAM AND WHY: Seattle Seahawks. I just like their coach, Pete Carroll. I think he’s a good coach. Overall, I think they are a good team.
FUTURE PLANS: Partridge said she wants to play softball in college, but still is deciding where.
Union
Related Photos
-
Savannah Partridge
Discussion
Athlete of the Week: Meet Savannah Partridge of Union
- Union
-
-
Tim Kolodziej: For the Class of 2013, there’s no looking back — promise?
Congratulations, Class of 2013! You made it. Your last history lesson is history. Your last final — final. The unsure children who once needed help to climb the school bus steps will now stride confidently across the stage to receive their diplomas.
-
Former school employee convicted of sex charges
A one-time employee of the Union school district has been convicted of sex-related charges involving a former student. A jury convicted Ronald Dougalewicz Jr., 40, of New Castle of aggravated indecent assault on a child less than 16, indecent assault, two counts of corruption of minors and possession of child pornography.
-
Vo-tech budget loses support
Now there are only two. That is the number of school districts that have approved the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget for the 2013-14 year after Union board’s withdrew support this week.
-
High School Basketball: Fadden resigns as Union girls coach
Brian Fadden has resigned as Union High girls basketball coach. The resignation was approved during Monday night’s school board meeting.
-
No tax hike in Union school budget
The Union Area School Board has introduced a $10.6 budget with no tax increase. If the $10,585,494 spending plan is approved, it will be the third year without a tax increase in the district. The property tax is at 14.42 mills.
-
WPIAL Baseball Playoffs: ‘Missed opportunities’ end season for Union
The book is closed on the 2013 Union High baseball team. Those interested in reading the last chapter should turn to the page titled, “Missed Opportunities.” There were plenty of them in the Scotties 5-1 loss to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals at Pullman Park in Butler.
-
High School Basketball: Union grad set to coach Kennedy Catholic girls
Chris Mele is taking his 20 years of coaching experience to Kennedy Catholic High School. Mele, a Union High graduate, was announced yesterday as the head coach of the Lady Golden Eagles basketball team.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Union High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Union High.
-
Union hires principal
Michael Ross has been named the new principal at Union High School. Ross was hired during a special meeting Tuesday night.
-
Union still undecided on tax hike
The Union school board is hoping to avoid a tax increase next year but has not decided yet. During Wednesday’s meeting, Samantha Charles, district business manager, provided an overview of funding for the 2013-14 school year, based on Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget.
- More Union Headlines
-
