CHERRY TWP — Whether it's setting the table for Moniteau's softball team or setting the pace for the girls track squad, Gabby Stewart has excelled during the spring sports season.

Only a freshman, Stewart had already seen her share of action on the softball diamond, picking up the sport competitively six years ago. She is a rookie on the track, but not performing like it.

At last Thursday's Redbank Valley Invitational, she broke the school record in the 100-meter dash with an effort of 12.6 seconds, topping the previous standard of 12.8 set in 1993. She also tied the school record in the 200 with a finish of 26.5.

“That came as a great shock to me,” Stewart said of her performance in the two events. “I didn't know I was capable of that.”

When spring practices began, it didn't take long for Warriors' coach Sue Scialabba to find a spot for Stewart.

“My parents urged me to join the track team,” said Stewart. “After the first couple of practices, once the coaches saw my speed, they knew I should be a sprinter.”

“We knew that she was going to be on the softball team,” said Scialabba, “but joining the track team came out of the blue. For a freshman, to do what she has done, it's pretty impressive.

“She has talent, but also works hard,” she added. “She has her priorities in order and remains focused.”

Stewart, a Marion Township resident, is also part of Moniteau's 4x100 relay team that is just .12 seconds from another school record. The foursome also includes Stephanie McCall, Kelsey Ripley and Brittany Boring.

“I want us to get that record,” said Stewart. “We are so close.”

Less than two months ago, Stewart was a newcomer to the high school track scene. But her success this spring has her thinking big when it comes to the District 9 Class AA Championship Meet, scheduled for Friday at Brookville High School.

“I want to make states in both the 100 and 200,” she said. “I've fallen in love with track. I now love it as much as I do softball.”

Stewart's performance on the softball field also has been very strong. As the Warriors' leadoff hitter, she is batting .424 with 27 runs scored and 13 RBI. The Warriors defeated Keystone Wednesday to move to 18-0.

Stewart usually plays in the outfield, but also serves as a backup to starting catcher Kristina DeMatteis.

“We had a pretty good idea before the season that she was going to be in a starting role,” said Moniteau coach Dan Beebe. “She's done a great job setting the table for us.”

The Warriors' lineup is loaded with talent, evidenced by the team's .502 batting average.

“I feel if I start things off for us, my teammates will take care of the rest,” said Stewart.

It took Stewart a while to adjust to all the things on her plate this spring.

“Four hours of practice every weekday (between the two sports), coming home and eating dinner at 8 p.m. and then doing homework, it was a bit overwhelming at the start,” she admitted. “But once I got used to the schedule, it became easier. I plan on playing both sports for the next three years.”