The "battery" powering the Lady 'Lopes

&emsp;&emsp;Softball is a sport that develops through teamwork, and most importantly, the relationship between the pitcher and catcher.&emsp;&emsp;The two positions combined, referred to as the "battery," is the most accomplished at Avonworth in senior pitcher Alivia Lantzy, and senior catcher Rylee Gray.&emsp;&emsp;They are at the core of the team's drive for a third consecutive WPIAL title, and a shot at a second state championship.&emsp;&emsp;Effective communication is the key to success for the battery, and without good communication, it can be hard to get into a rhythm.&emsp;&emsp;At the catcher position, Gray is considered the quarterback of the defense, and that's where everytinng is set in motion.&emsp;&emsp;The one thing that has changed is generally the pitches are number coded, and called in to the catcher from outside the dugout.&emsp;&emsp;"My coach actually calls them, and I just get them to her [Alivia] on the mound,"said Gray. "I think our commnnication is key, especially if we get into trouble. We always have that communication, we're really good friends, so if we're struggling, she [Alivia] knows that I have her back. I'm always there for her, and I always try to frame the pitches well."&emsp;&emsp;From the pitcher's prospective, Lantzy said, "She [Rylee] can judge my pitches to see if they are working or not. She can tell if I should work with the pitches, and to see if I should throw them more often in that game."&emsp;&emsp;An open line of communication is important in maintaining control on the mound, in order to succeed in the game plan. Trust also is an important element in the pitcher - catcher relationship, and that develops through many hours of practice and looking over different game situations together.&emsp;&emsp;"We've been friends since middle school," said Gray. "When our season ends, we're involved in travel ball. Because of that, we know a lot of players, and we get to see what type of pitches that they have trouble hitting." &emsp;&emsp;In preparation for teams, studying opposing hitters, and coming together with strategies to keep hitters off balance leads to enhanced performance on the field.&emsp;&emsp;This pitcher - catcher duo is, without a doubt, the leader on this Lady 'Lopes team.&emsp;&emsp;Lantzy was 21-2 on the mound last year, with a 1.21 ERA and 204 strike-outs. The state's 3A Pitcher Of The Year, and UNC Pembroke recruit batted .485, with six home runs, and 32 RBI.&emsp;&emsp;Gray, an an all-state catcher last year, and a Francis Marion University recruit, batted .468, with 37 hits, 47 RBI, and 13 home runs.&emsp;&emsp;Other key players are senior all-state outfielder Leah Kuban (Kenyon recruit), junior all-state selection at third base Emma Obersteiner, and all-section shortstop junior Sydney Savatt (Division 1 Rider commit). &emsp;&emsp; &emsp;&emsp;