CANFIELD, OH- South Range Senior, Kelly Szolek has made a career from mowing down runners on the basepaths, and shooting the gaps like it’s her J-O-B. Maybe for good reason that she’s earned the nickname of “The Polish Cannon” on YSN because she doesn’t usually start the fight- she finishes it.
Szolek is winding down her career at The Range, but there’s still much to do- but after graduation, the fun doesn’t stop for Kelly. In fact, she’ll be heading to IUP to continue her journey on the softball diamond and in the classroom- en route to gaining a degree in law.
So, she’s not done finishing the fight even after she hangs up her cleats down the road.
We caught up with 1/3 of the “Triple S Express” to talk about life on and off the field, on this week’s South Range Player Profile: Kelly Szolek.
PRESENTED BY
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BAL00027-scaled-e1683774232679.jpg13822220YSN Staffhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngYSN Staff2023-05-11 03:18:392023-07-15 06:00:27BEHOLD THE CANNON
MYRTLE BEACH, SC- Sam Susany threw a gem on Tuesday morning for South Range, allowing zero runs and besting Anderson by a score of 3-0.
The pitching was strong on both sides. Susany struck out five, while Shelby Lewis sat down three.
In the first inning, South Range got their offense started when Susany tripled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.
One bright spot for Anderson was a single by Lewis in the fourth inning to put the pressure on South Range, but would be alleviated by South Range without surrendering a run.
Susany took the win for the Raiders. The righty surrendered zero runs on three hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking zero.
Lewis took the loss for Anderson. Lewis allowed nine hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out three.
South Range tallied nine hits. Kelly Szolek and Susany all managed multiple hits for the Lady Raiders. Szolek led South Range with three hits in four at-bats.
CANFIELD OH- South Range has had a bushel of success over the last decade. However one thing they have looked for is a consistent dominant defensive catcher. You look at the Raiders history since 2012, theyve plugged in a lot of different players behind the plate. A lot more than they’ve had pitchers in the circle. Although the players who have put on the gear have been capable, and did everything the coaches asked, Kelly Szolek has come in and firmly given the Raiders their first elite catcher in quite some time. That’s huge for a program who since 2010 hasn’t had a pitcher in their circle who hadn’t gone to college.
It was clear last season that Szolek took a hold of the position, now as a junior she has elevated her game even higher than before. Her bat had jumped to higher numbers, and her work behind the plate has been phenomenal. Her efforts never went unnoticed by the state of Ohio. She was named First Team All Ohio this season. That is a title that is completely earned.
After catching a seasoned veteran last year in Bree Kohler, now Szolek manages a tandem of younger pitchers taking their first season of consistent varsity innings. Kelly has been a tremendous calming influence to the pitching staff of the Raiders. With the velocity that they bring in, there has to be trust in the catcher. Szolek’s numbers speak for herself on how trustworthy she is. She only has 1 passed ball all season in 167 innings caught. Kelly set a goal this season to get better at throwing runners out on the base paths, now she’s one of the best in the state at doing that. She has caught 15 base runners stealing and has a 55% caught stealing rate. She also has picked off a runner once this season. Szolek has also only made 1 error all season.
When you add those impressive stats to her offensive numbers it is no secret why she was selected all Ohio. Szolek leads the team in batting average at the moment hitting .517. She has 8 doubles a home run and 21 RBI. Im 82 at bats Szolek has only struck out 8 times. She’s drawn 13 walks.
Kelly took the time to come on to YSN’s Running Point this week to talk to Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell about her season and being a part of this program. They also discuss her personal goals on the year, her work ethic, and much more. Release the anchors and sail with the Raiders! Check out the latest South Range player profile.
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/02D2403A-81D7-4A07-B9AC-19056CF42023.jpeg14262471Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-05-21 01:57:082023-07-15 01:33:41ALL STATE SZOLEK!
