Soon after accepting a scholarship offer from Robert Morris University, Shaler senior Chelsea Siar started recruiting another player for Colonials women's softball coach Craig Coleman.

"Chelsea committed [to Robert Morris] during the summer," Mt. Lebanon senior Geena Badolato said. "She kept telling me that I would eventually pick Robert Morris. She had my decision made for me. I just didn't know it until a month ago."

Siar and Badolato are among three players from the WPIAL who signed letters of intent earlier this month to continue their athletic and academic careers at Robert Morris. The third is Connellsville second baseman Cassie Show. All three were members of the Post-Gazette's 2009 All-Area Softball Team.

"Geena and I have been playing travel ball together every summer since we were 12," Siar said. "I thought it would be great if we both picked the same college. We plan to room together at Robert Morris."

Siar has been a starter in the Titans infield since her freshman year.

"Chelsea played second base for us as a freshman and had a .327 average," Shaler coach Skip Palmer said. "We moved her to shortstop the following year and she hit six home runs. Last year, Chelsea had a .369 average and two home runs."

Siar enters her senior year as possibly the best shortstop in the WPIAL.

"Chelsea is a free-swinging power hitter," Coleman said. "She's been hitting home runs since she was 10 or 11 years old. She always hits the ball on a line [drive]. She also is very versatile. She can play any of the four infield positions."

Coleman prefers athletes who can play multiple positions.

"We have a bunch of girls on our roster who can play multiple positions. The more flexibility you have, the better chance you have to start. My goal is to find our best 10 hitters and place girls where I need them."

Badolato has been Mt. Lebanon's pitching ace since her freshman year.

"Geena has pitched every inning of every game, except for one, since her freshman year," Mt. Lebanon coach Nicole Fajtak said. "We pulled her early in one game because we still had another game to play that day."

Badolato posted a 15-1 record last season, which included 11 shutouts. She had a 0.30 ERA and struck out 166 while allowing only 34 hits. Her only setback, coincidentally, was a 1-0 loss to Shaler in the WPIAL Class AAAA semifinals.

"Geena is the class of WPIAL pitchers in 2010," Coleman said. "She has good movement on all of her pitches. She can also hit and play defense well. She's the complete package. She has a big upside."

Both Siar and Badolato have a chance to play as freshmen.

"I'm not afraid to play freshmen," Coleman said. "I started five freshman in one game last season. Chelsea's flexibility gives her a good chance of seeing playing time as a freshman.

"We usually carry three pitchers, but will have four during Geena's first year."

Siar said she was also looking at Pitt and Penn State among other schools.

"I really liked coach Coleman and felt a bond with the local players [currently on Robert Morris' roster]," Siar said. "And the campus is only 30 minutes from home. That means my family can see all my home games."

Siar is considering education for a major field of study, which is no surprise, because her father, Bob Siar Jr., is a teacher at Fox Chapel Area High School.

"I'm very proud of Chelsea," Palmer said. "She works so hard. She has a great work ethic and is also a good student. I was hoping she would get a scholarship. She deserves it."

Badolato was also considering offers from Dickinson and the University of Rochester.

"My sister Leah was my catcher when I was a freshman," Badolato said. "She's a junior playing at Westminster College.

"Robert Morris is the perfect fit for me. I want to go into business and Robert Morris has a good business program."

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