Sister Act Is About Opposites Contrasting Styles Go Beyond The Mound

The knees on Monica Hall’s Lakeland uniform are littered with holes.

Most have come from the numerous times the senior has found herself in the dirt while diving off the mound to keep a no-hitter alive - and, occasionally, from stumbling around second base.

“My feet got out of control, it has to be one of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to me,” Hall said.

That incident occurred last year in Bonners Ferry when Hall hit a blast that a Badgers outfielder couldn’t control. While rounding second on what looked like a sure home run, the occasionally ungraceful Hall fell. Despite the embarrassment, she got up and rounded all the bases to score.

Therein lies Hall’s strength: She’s a no-nonsense player who doesn’t mind taking a bruise for the team.

And then there is her sister.

Tiffany Hall’s uniform brings to mind a laundry detergent commercial. If Monica was the before picture, her younger sister would be the after. Even at practice, the sophomore wears a touch of make-up and her hair is neatly pulled back in a ponytail through her hat. It’s enough to drive an older sister crazy.

“I wouldn’t call her prissy, but she has to have everything neat,” Monica said. “If we’re going somewhere she has to have make-up on and have her hair done just right, but I just want to go.”

Despite their personality differences, the two have combined on the mound this year to become the Hawks’ driving force to repeat as State A-2 champions. Monica has already thrown three consecutive no-hitters and Tiffany has one. The duo pitched back-to-back perfect games in an April 19 doubleheader at Priest River. Monica’s perfection came on the heels of no-hitters against Post Falls and Bonners Ferry.

“The batters just started giving up,” Tiffany said of the perfect game that she pitched despite a hurt shoulder that made it almost too painful to bat. “It wasn’t even funny; they’d come up to the plate and not even try to swing.”

Demoralizing the opposition has become Tiffany’s calling card. She has struck out 56 batters while walking just 12 and compiling a 6-2 record. In fact, Tiffany has been Lakeland’s workhorse this season while Monica recovered early in the season from a thumb injury that occurred in last season’s state championship victory over Moscow.

“I slipped in the mud and felt like I jammed my thumb, but when I woke up the next morning and went to the doctor he said it was a textbook ligament tear,” Monica said.

Tiffany came in for Monica in relief and ended up setting down the last five batters to clinch the championship. Tiffany said that she was glad to answer the call when Lakeland coach Danielle Bean needed her.

“It’s a great situation because if one sees the other doing well it’s motivation to step up their own game,” Bean said.

Monica has almost completely recovered, but still has a screw in her thumb to remind her of the injury. It doesn’t appear to have any lingering effects, though, as Monica has a 5-0 record with 42 strikeouts. The injury hasn’t effected Monica’s hitting either, as she is batting over .500, including hitting for the cycle against Bonners Ferry.

The two take different approaches on the mound. Monica is a fireballer while Tiffany picks her spots and has an outstanding change-up.

“Tiffany can be choosy when I’m calling for a pitch and she’ll shake me off if it isn’t right,” said catcher Angie Tweedy. “With Monica, though, she tells me to put the glove down and she’ll throw at it.”

While Tiffany has proven her grit on the mound, Monica continues to be the team leader and has even brought a classic baseball tradition to the Hawks - superstition.

“Mrs. Bean wants me to patch the ripped knees on my uniform pants, but I can’t because it’s good luck,” Monica said.

If the Hawks repeat as state champions, Lakeland should retire those pants. In a couple of years, the school can also retire a clean white uniform shirt to complete the outfit.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo