Girls athlete of the week

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

The past week: Smerick hit a pair of two-run homers against North Hills to help the River Hawks to a 7-4 victory against the Indians in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals.

Check this out: Smerick, a sophomore right fielder, is the leadoff hitter for Armstrong and has been a catalyst for the offense throughout the season. She finished the semifinals against North Hills going 2 for 3 with the 2 homers, a walk, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

How did you get into softball? Both of my older brothers played baseball when they were younger and I was at every game, every tournament. I loved it so much I started when I was about 8 and took it from there.

Your coach (Doug Flanders) says you’re almost obsessive when it comes to hitting. I say that hard work pays off and I love going in there and taking the hard work and the time I put into it to be successful in the field.

What does going to the state championship mean for you?

It means everything. I’ve looked forward to this my whole life. It’s an amazing feeling and I can’t wait because I’m so excited.

How has the journey been to go from No. 7 seed in the WPIAL playoffs to the state finals? It’s been rough. We’ve never really had a season like this before and with COVID and everything, obviously and coming out and doing our best. This team works harder than any team I’ve played on before and it really shows.

How hard was it to lose your freshman year? It was really brutal. I was so excited to come in for my freshman debut and it just got swept away just like that. It was so unexpected, but I knew we would bounce back stronger.

Do you have anything planned for the road trip to Penn State? We’re renting a coach bus and just go out there and take it home. Take home a win.

Any plans to stop at The Creamery? We might have to. On the way home. After a win.

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Hmmm. That’s a tough one. Mint chocolate chip. Definitely.

What’s at the top of your Netflix queue? Probably a crime documentary.

Why crime docs? They’re so interesting and it’s weird how different people’s minds work. It’s very interesting.

Do you play any other sports? I’m a cheerleader. That’s a surprise to some people.

How do you go from cheerleading to softball? I love them both. I started both when I was young and I stuck with it and it’s my two sports.