Seton Hill passes trial run for WPIAL softball finals

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, May 24, 2018 | 5:27 PM

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Bill Monstrola peered out onto the softball field at Seton Hill on Monday, grinned and shrugged his shoulders.

“We like what we have here,” the Seton Hill softball coach said. “We didn't think we'd have any problems hosting.”

Seton Hill for the first time will host the WPIAL softball championship games May 30-31. On Monday, the league tested the logistics and lay of the land of the site — the flow of vehicles and people, concessions, media setup, and in-game details of a typical playoff gameday — when Yough and Indiana played in Class 4A, and Latrobe took on Peters Township in 6A.

A second playoff doubleheader was played Wednesday at Seton Hill. Elizabeth Forward defeated Yough, and Hempfield rallied past Norwin in semifinal games.

So how did the “trial run” go?

Coaches, players and fans seemed to enjoy the venue, which at least for this year replaces Cal (Pa.) as the district's host site.

“It was so much better,” Latrobe senior shortstop Karley Kovatch said of Seton Hill's artificial turf field.

Seton Hill also will host consolation games next Tuesday.

“We don't want this to be a one-year deal,” Monstrola said. “We were told by the WPIAL we can bid on (the finals) every year. They seem to like it here.”

Seton Hill did not reach out to Cal (Pa.) for any advice.

“Didn't need to,” Monstrola said. “We're used to this.”

Monstrola, who oversaw game management Monday, said Seton Hill is used to hosting playoff-type events. Aside from the obvious college games, the field also hosts travel softball and 10-under baseball tournaments during the summer, which include larger crowds.

There were temporary bleachers set up down the third-base side above a sleek rock wall.

Those seats were filled easily, but Monstrola said additional seating will be brought in.

People set up chairs down the first-base side, which does not have bleachers because of a hillside.

“All comments that came to me from fans that were there and our administrator on site were that it was a really great venue,” said Latrobe athletic director Mark Mears, a member of the WPIAL softball committee. “I know our coach was also impressed.

“I think Mr. (Tim) O'Malley and the WPIAL selected a great spot for the championships.”

Parking was not an issue Monday, although Monstrola said several lower lots, closer to the baseball and lacrosse fields, were not used.

In the summer, a cover is removed from the outfield fencing to allow fans to watch from picnic tables.

The cover was back on for the WPIAL playoffs, Monstrola said, so players have a better line of sight from the batter's box.

Aside from sweltering on-field temperatures under a pounding sun Monday, the teams appreciated the field.

“It's hot on your feet … that's what the girls were saying,” Yough coach Dutch Harvey said.

“It's a beautiful facility. You don't get the crazy bounces. We're pretty happy with it.”

While a press box is in the works for next year, Monstrola said, media for this year's finals will be set up behind the plate, like at Cal (Pa.). Concessions are just behind the media, to the left of the backstop.

Warm-up hitting cages and pitching areas also are behind the backstop.

“Teams won't have to wander all over the place trying to find a place to practice,” Monstrola said.

Like Cal, Seton Hill also can use the WPIAL invasion as a recruiting visit for potential recruits.

Seton Hill's softball team went 23-17 this season and reached the NCAA Atlantic Regional.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.