Pa. softball season in review

This was going to be the season for Spenser Gray and Quakertown as the senior had spent her first three years helping to build up the program. Then the unthinkable happened to the UNC-Charlotte recruit. She got hurt during the first game.

She returned to the lineup May 5, and it was like she never left, batting .593 with an on-base percentage of .710 and going 12 for 12 on the base paths. The senior middle infielder played both second and shortstop, helping to turn eight double plays in a total of 11 games.

For her resilience and contributions to the Quaker's share of a Suburban One League Continental Conference title as well as district playoff win, Gray is the Inquirer's comeback player of the year.

Most improved. Last season, Sarah Dowalo spent the majority of the season pitching for junior varsity. This year, she was the ace of the Neshaminy roster going 9-2 on the mound as a starter and allowing just 12 earned runs on the season for an ERA of 1.28. The Villanova recruit - a sophomore - added velocity to her fastball, and her pitches looked to have more movement, which frustrated batters. That made Dowalo the Inquirer's most improved player.

Rookie of the year. Sam Lindsay at Spring-Ford. Jenna Khantzian for Council Rock North. The duo of Diane Torregrossa and Lindsey Hunt at Garnet Valley. Devon Miller at Bishop Shanahan.

There were plenty of freshmen who have their respective teams excited about the future but none stepped up more than Olivia Kunitsky at Avon Grove. And for her remarkable season with the Red Devils, the catcher is rookie of the year.

The biggest question mark heading into the season was who was going to catch for Oregon recruit Maggie Balint. The decision wasn't made until late February when Kunitsky demonstrated that she had what it took. She caught on quickly, rarely making mistakes in a season full of high pressure situations.

Coach of the year. With a 2-4 start to the year and a 12-8 record to end the regular season, not many expected West Chester East to make a postseason run. But instead, Bobby Swier's squad went on tear as the 19 seed in the District 1 Class AAAA tournament, beating Hatboro-Horsham, Neshaminy and Spring-Ford, all ranked higher than the Vikings. West Chester East finished third in the district and advanced to the PIAA state quarterfinals. For helping his team get hot at the right time, Swier is the coach of the year.