[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5653-H5654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LAMPETER-STRASBURG SOFTBALL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of the Lampeter-Strasburg High School women's softball team located in 
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that recently reached the pinnacle of 
its sport by winning the State championship. I am especially proud, Mr. 
Speaker, of this win because this is the school in my home school 
district where my family and I reside.
  The Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers beat West Allegheny on Thursday, June 
14, to claim its first-ever PIAA 5A softball State championship. After 
losing by a slim margin 2 years ago, the Pioneers overcame adversity 
and returned to the State finals this year to win 6-2. The team's 14-3 
win over Donegal--which won last year's 5A State championship title--in 
the Lancaster-Lebanon section 3 playoff is further evidence of its 
success during the postseason.
  I spoke to Coach Gene Charles last night by phone. He credited the 
victory to the team's clutch hitting and key defensive stops later in 
the game. Coach Charles has coached at Lampeter-Strasburg for more than 
20 years, building an extensive network of active alumni who frequently 
travel to games with his family.
  We are lucky to have leaders and mentors in our district like Coach 
Charles who inspire our student athletes to strive for success and to 
learn from failure.
  Junior Brynne Baker also pitched a noteworthy game, holding the 
opposing team to just one earned run. In her postgame interview, Baker 
said this was a huge win for the team, especially the graduating 
seniors, and a proud moment for the Lancaster-based community.
  Congratulations to all the players, coaches, their families, and all 
those who made this championship for Lampeter-Strasburg possible. Your 
community is proud of you and will continue rooting for you season 
after season.

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