Westmoreland County Community College softball has risen to the national spotlight over the last two years with the help of two Norwin High School graduates.

Nikki Lindberg and Kari Margliotti have aided the WCCC softball program in compiling a 48-16 record over the last two seasons.

These two have guided WCCC to back-to-back trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association Softball World Series. They also have been the cornerstone of WCCC's softball program.

Lindberg led the way in the circle as she was named to the NJCAA first team All-American Division III team as a pitcher.

She registered 158 strikeouts in 111 innings as she led the nation once again in strikeouts per inning at 1.42.

Lindberg also batted a hefty .542 with 54 hits, including 13 doubles and six triples, with 36 RBIs and 31 runs scored, which placed her 11th in overall hitting.

The Norwin graduate finished her WCCC career 28-11 on the mound with a 1.50 ERA and 347 strikeouts in 226 innings pitched, along with a .480 batting average at the plate.

She also captured second team All-American status last season. Lindberg was named the Region XX and District H most valuable player this year, along with being placed on the World Series All-Tournament Team.

Margliotti has had a outstanding career at shortstop for the Wolfpack. She batted .465 with 47 hits and 25 RBIs, which had her ranked 35th in overall hitting in the NJCAA this year.

She was one of the purest hitters WCCC has had, as she was consistently in the top of the national hitting statistics week after week. Margliotti finished her career with a .505 batting average and more than 50 RBIs.

She was selected to the All-Region team along with being named to the 2008 World Series All-Tournament Team. Margliotti also was a member of the 2007 NJCAA All-American Team.

Both players were named to the NJCAA Pre-Season All-American Team. These honors capped an outstanding season for WCCC, which finished third at the NJCAA Division III Softball Championships with an overall record of 19-12.

Both players are planning to attend Slippery Rock University in the fall.

-- Submitted by Richard Holler