9 hours Ago By Tom Fox
It was a milestone week for Lake-Lehman junior pitcher Hannah Chipego. She recorded her 500th strikeout and 100th hit against Berwick. She also broke the school record for strikeouts in a career set by Cherub Honeywell back in the early 1990’s.
For the week, Chipego was 3-0 with one perfect game and 36 strikeouts. At the plate, she was 8 for 14 with six RBIs, seven runs scored, two doubles and a home run. Talk about the milestones that you reached this week.
What do they mean to you: Ever since I was little, my goal was to always hit 500 strikeouts before I graduated. I watched Abbey Hogan growing up get her 500th in her senior year, and I always looked up to her. It’s been like my childhood dream to hit 500 strikeouts.
As for the 100 hits, I didn’t even know I was close to that. It was a big surprise to me. But I am proud of myself because I’ve come a long way.
Did you know you were close to the 500 strikeouts: I actually have been keeping track all year. I didn’t talk about it to anyone. I just kept it to myself.
When that last girl was up and I knew that would be my 500th strikeout, I kept telling myself, ‘Hannah, you have to zone in. Right here it is, and you are hitting it right now.’ It means a lot to me.
Did you know that you were closing in on a school record: Honestly, I had no clue. It was pretty cool. I am pretty close to the Honeywells, and to be up there with one of the best, Cherub Honeywell, who was a great pitcher, it’s so special to me.
I respect all of the Honeywells so much. It seems like Lake-Lehman is starting to find its stride here over the last few games: We’ve worked very hard this year. Jordyn Shorts had an absolute phenomenal game against Holy Redeemer.
I think we started off slow at the beginning of the year, but I think, as we continue through this season, we are starting to lock in and zone in. We are just ready to compete. What would it mean to win a district title this year: It would be exciting because that’s one of our biggest goals, and it’s been one of my main goals.
I wanted to win a district title with Kirsten (Finarelli) because it’s her senior year. I don’t want her to leave without getting something that she’s wanted for so long. Year: Junior.
Age: 17. Hometown: Noxen. Hobbies outside of school: I like to fish, ride my quad and play pickleball.
When did you start playing pickleball and what do you like about it: I started to play over the summer last year. It’s fun, and I love to compete against others. When I am playing a match, I get so competitive.
How would you describe yourself: Outgoing. Favorite food: Mashed potatoes. Dream vacation: Cancun.
Favorite school subject: Gym. Your team is coming over for dinner and you are the chef. What are you making: Probably a good steak, mashed potatoes and baked beans.
Dream prom date: Tom Holland or Luke Bryan. Favorite TV show: Gossip Girl. Favorite movie: “The Sandlot.
” Favorite song: “Hells Bells,” AC/DC Favorite restaurant: Texas Roadhouse. Funniest teammate: Kaitlyn Brudnicki and Kirsten Finarelli. What superpower would you pick: Teleportation.
Any pregame rituals: I always drink orange juice. Role models: My mom, Nicole, and Jennie Finch. I grew up watching my mom play, and she’s helped me become the player that I am.
Jennie Finch, she was one of my favorite softball players. You can pitch against anyone, who would you pick: Kirsten Finarelli. I’ve pitched against her before, but it’s never been like a real game.
I just think it would just be so fun. Future plans: Hannah will attend James Madison University to continue her academic and athletic career. She is leaning toward early education.
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