Stacey Rhoades

Stacey Rhoades, South Park / Calvin Littlejohn, Butler
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STACEY RHOADES
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WHO IS SHE?A 5-foot-5 senior pitcher on the Eagles' softball team, Rhoades has not allowed a run in more than a month.

THE PAST WEEK: Rhoades pitched a two-hitter and struck out 10 in a 5-0 victory Monday against Seton-LaSalle.She struck out three and pitched a perfect game Saturday in a 2-0 victory against Seneca Valley.

SEASON: Rhoades is 14-2 with 130 strikeouts.South Park has a 15-2 record and is the Post-Gazette's No. 1 WPIAL Class AA team.

CAREER: Rhoades has been on the varsity squad since her freshman year and became the No. 1 pitcher last season.She is 30-5 the past two seasons.

AMONG THE BEST: Rhoades has 13 shutouts in a row.According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, she is tied for 10th on the all-time list for consecutive shutouts.
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"I don't think there's pressure because of the streak," Rhoades said."It's not like a hitting streak where you don't want to talk about it, or a no-hitter where you don't say anything because you might jinx it.We talk about it and it's fun to have something like this to keep you going, and it gives you a little more motivation."

Rhoades has allowed only four runs this season.The last time she gave up a run was April 7 when South Park lost to Sto-Rox, 2-1, in 10 innings.

COMING UP 'SHORT': Although Rhoades has enjoyed great success as a pitcher, her favorite position is shortstop.She played mostly shortstop before getting to high school.

"I wanted to pitch just because you're constantly with the ball and you're constantly in the game," Rhoades said."But I really think I'm a better shortstop than a pitcher.I think I like shortstop more, too."

Rhoades has signed with Slippery Rock University and will most likely play the infield or outfield for the Rockets."But I told the coaches there that I'd still like to pitch some, whether it's as the third-string pitcher or even batting practice," she said.

ARTS AND CRAFTS: Rhoades also was on South Park's volleyball team.When asked if she had any hobbies outside of sports, she said, "You probably think I'm weird, but I have a passion for art.I do a lot with ceramics and pottery in school."

When asked why that would make her weird, Rhoades said: "Just because a lot of people my age don't do that.