The statistics say that Waynesburg Central High School senior Lauren Minor had an impressive 8-0 record with 76 strikeouts in 56 innings heading into the Raiders' game against Ringgold Thursday.

But to hear Minor tell it, her name shouldn't be listed alone among the WPIAL leaders in statistical categories. That's because Minor's considerable talent is supplemented by working with catcher Alyson Johnson and Waynesburg assistant coach Ed Cross.

"I think on days when we have great communication are the days I pitch the best," Minor said. "It's really been a combined effort between me and my catcher and Ed. The days we're on, those are the days I have 12 strikeouts and my ERA is lower.

"Alyson is the biggest thing. We have our pitcher-catcher bonding time before the games. We're usually separate from the team so we can get a feel for what pitches are working and what pitches aren't."

Minor, who went 10-4 with 106 strikeouts last season, is a big reason why Waynesburg was 9-1 and in first place in Section 4-AAA heading into Thursday's game. She had one no-hitter (April 1 against Elizabeth Forward), two four-hitters and a three-hitter among her strong performances.

"She's got four different pitches she uses, and she knows how to locate them," Raiders coach Lou Giachetti said. "Give a lot of credit to Ed Cross. He calls the pitches and everything. When those two are on the same page, they're pretty effective. We're pretty proud of her; she's done really well."

Minor will play at Waynesburg University starting next year. Her sister, Autumn, will be a senior there next season. Lauren Minor said she is excited to join her sister at college, but said that wasn't the primary reason for choosing where to matriculate.

"First and foremost, I chose Waynesburg for the academic side of it, and softball just happened to be a plus, really," Minor said.

But before she helps the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets, Minor wants to win some more with the Waynesburg Raiders. The Raiders have quite the team, one that has a chance to match its 2005 team as WPIAL champions.

They had won five in a row before Thursday by an aggregate score of 34-1.

"We couldn't be more happy for the girls and the way things are going," said Giachetti, who is in his ninth season as coach. "I think our pitching and defense have been amazing. We've given up three earned runs the whole year, and a total of only of nine runs in 10 games. I'm pretty pleased with that, and defensively I think we can play with anybody. I have three good pitchers."

Sophomore Emily Bosworth and junior Courtney Orndoff are the other pitchers, and they also are key parts of the Raiders' lineup.

Bosworth, who usually plays third base, leads the team in batting average (.559) and RBIs (16) and is tied for the team lead with three home runs.

As a team, Waynesburg has eight home runs -- already five more than Giachetti said he has had from any team in a complete season during his 11 years on the Waynesburg staff.

"It's definitely funny because now it's not that big a deal when someone hits a home run anymore," Minor said. "Seems like there's one or two a game."

Johnson has three of those home runs, and one each have come from Breanna Morris and Orndoff. Morris, a freshman leadoff hitter, also was batting .364, second on the team heading into the Ringgold game.

Junior Rachel Rohanna, the PIAA golf champion, plays second base. Her partner in the middle infield is junior shortstop Kaylie Barger.

Senior leadership also comes from first baseman Nikki Coleman, left fielder Molly Henderson and Ashley Wilkinson, who serves as the designated player for some games.

Waynesburg held a one-game lead over Elizabeth Forward in the section through Wednesday. Those two teams will play tomorrow and Tuesday in games that will go a long way toward deciding the section title.

"The kids are confident, but they're not overconfident," Giachetti said. "I called them methodical the other day. It seems like they know what they've got to do, and they go out do it."