KRISTEN ZELENKA

SCHOOL: Trinity.

WHO IS SHE? One of the top softball pitchers in the WPIAL.

PAST WEEK: Zelenka, a junior, allowed one hit and struck out 11 Tuesday in an 8-0 victory against Bethel Park, a Class AAAA Section 4 rival. She also pitched a no-hitter against Upper St. Clair and a two-hitter against Peters Township last week.

SEASON: A 5-foot-7 right-hander, Zelenka is 8-0 with 61 strikeouts this season. She has four consecutive shutouts and five overall, and has allowed only five earned runs. The Hillers are 8-0 overall and 4-0 in section.

CAREER: This is Zelenka's third varsity season and second as a starting pitcher. She was a right fielder and backup pitcher as a freshman.

FINE-TUNING: Trinity coach Linda Rebish bats Zelenka third and said she is "extremely good" with the glove."

Zelenka said that new Hillers pitching coach Erica Riggle, a former Robert Morris pitcher and a student teacher in the Trinity district, has been instrumental in her development.

"She has helped with my mechanics and with my mental approach and focus," Zelenka said.

FUTURE: Zelenka also plays volleyball at Trinity, but insists that softball will be her collegiate sport. She has a 3.9 grade point average and plans to pursue a career in an English-related field or one dealing with children. "And definitely coaching."

By Rick Shrum

JOSH HERBERT

SCHOOL: North Allegheny.

WHO IS HE? A 5-foot-6, 155-pound junior right winger on the hockey team.

PAST WEEK: Herbert scored four goals in the Pennsylvania Cup Class AAA title game Saturday, leading North Allegheny to a 6-3 victory against Holy Ghost Prep. That wrapped up a stellar playoff run for Herbert, who scored seven goals in three postseason games, helping the Tigers to their first hockey state championship.

SMALL WONDER: Normally one of the smallest players on the ice, Herbert said his size doesn't have an adverse effect on his play. "It doesn't bother me at all," he said. "To be honest, I am one of the bigger hitters out there. Other people might look at it as a disadvantage, but I never do."

IN TUNE: Herbert plays the guitar, drums and piano and sings in a band called Brunch Sounds Good. He described their sound as jazz-infused rock.

"Music is what I do every day," he said. "It is something I love."

THE FUTURE: Because of his interest in hockey, art and music, Herbert is looking for a unique combination in a college.

"I don't know exactly yet where I am going to apply," Herbert said. "But hockey, music and drawing are all important to me and I'd love to find a place where I could participate in all of them. I can't see myself giving up any of them."

Colin Dunlap