Girls athlete of the week

The Post-Gazette’s top female performer for the past seven days

Last week: Duffill led the Colts softball team to two victories. On April 9 against Ambridge, Duffill was 4 for 4 with three home runs, a triple and six RBIs in a 16-0 victory. The following day against North Catholic, she was 2 for 3 with a home run, a double, a run scored and two RBIs.

Check this out: Duffill, a sophomore catcher, has hit three home runs in a game twice this season. The other time was against Pine-Richland. She broke into Chartiers Valley’s starting lineup last season as a freshman cleanup hitter and posted a .484 batting average with eight home run ms and 35 RBIs. The Colts advanced to the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals before losing to eventual runner-up Montour. In the first six games this season, Duffill had a .591 average (13 of 22), 10 runs scored, 17 RBIs and eight home runs.

When did you start playing softball, and who introduced you to the sport?

I started playing softball when I was 5 years old because my brother [ Aidan Krieg] was playing baseball. I wasn’t very good at the beginning. I’ve put in a lot of effort over the years to become a good player.

How tough was it to start as a freshman?

Coming into the season, I didn’t expect to even play. I was surprised to be in the starting lineup. Fortunately, the seniors on that team really helped me. They were just amazing.

Where did you get all this power?

I worked very hard during the offseason to improve my swing. I’ve also done a lot of work in the weight room. I certainly wasn’t expecting to hit this many home runs.

Is this year’s team better than last year’s team?

We can be better. We’re hungry to win. That’s what drives us.

Do you play any other sports?

I played tennis for the first time in the fall. It was a lot of fun. It helped to keep me in shape for softball season.

Are you planning to continue your athletic career in college?

Yes, but I can’t start talking to coaches until Sept. 1. I have been to summer camps at Pitt and Robert Morris and I like the coaches at both schools.

If you could attend any sporting event, what would it be?

I would love to attend the NCAA [ Division I softball] championships in Oklahoma City. I watch as many games on ESPN as I can. Those girls have so much energy. Watching them helps me with my game.

Is there an athlete you look up to as a role model?

Paige Halstead, a former UCLA catcher, and Cory Berliner, a former pitcher at Pitt.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I broke my front tooth four times [ none in game competition]. I just glue it back on.