North Catholic pair head off to college diamonds
CRANBERRY TWP — Versatility is coveted at all levels of sport — college softball included.
The programs at Ohio Dominican University and Allegheny College both believe they landed such ability.
North Catholic softball stars Liana Morreale and Halle Book have signed with ODU and Allegheny, respectively.
The current seniors both started as freshmen and sophomores for the Trojanettes before last year's season was wiped out.
Morreale, a Mars resident, has played the infield, outfield and also pitched in high school and is slated to be North's No. 1 pitcher this spring.
Book has played at every level of the defense except pitcher.
“Outfield, second base, shortstop and even catcher ... she can play them all,” said North coach Anthony Conforti of Book. “She's athletic and has great skills.
“I am 100 percent confident that Liana's pitching will give us the opportunity to make noise in the playoffs. She and Halle are great leaders for our team.”
Morreale has mastered several pitches, but said her best is her change-up. She was able to get a full season in last year with her travel team, Ohio Elite Select, which was vital since the high school season was lost.
Her decision came down to a trio of Division II schools — ODU, Indiana (Pa.) University and Clarion University.
“I visited ODU (in Columbus, Ohio) and it felt like home,” said Morreale. “I felt welcomed by everybody, not just the coaches and players, but even people on campus.
“One of my goals is to start as a freshman.”
If she accomplishes that, it could come at any number of positions.
“We recruited Liana as a utility player,” replied ODU coach Marcella Vanlandingham in an emailed interview. “Our goal is to have her add depth on the mound for us and become a pitcher that can give us valuable innings throughout her career.
“In addition to pitching, I think she will compete for some opportunities in the outfield as well.”
Vanlandingham replied that while Morreale doesn't have the “prototypical pitcher's frame of long arms and legs”, she sees other qualities that can lead to success.
“When she throws, she makes it look easy and effortless, meaning she is very efficient and gets the most out of her smaller frame.”
Morreale also has very good speed and figures to be North's leadoff hitter this spring. She plans to major in business and is anxious to add ODU to her softball family.
“I'm looking forward to being part of the team, helping it win and making friendships that will last forever,” she said.
Book, who should bat in the No. 3 or 4 spot in North's batting order, knows her ability to play multiple positions will be an asset at Allegheny, a Division III school.
“I'm fine with playing anywhere they need me,” she said. “I always had the goal of playing in college, but it was during my freshman year when I got serious about it. I started lifting weights and did other activities to make myself better ... things that would put me in a position where I could play at the next level.”
Book plans to enroll in Allegheny's physician's assistant program.
With their college destinations secured, Morreale and Book want to make the most of their final season of high school softball.
“I'm so excited,” exclaimed Morreale. “I think missing out on last year has made us 10 times more excited to get back out on the field."
