Softball

Southmoreland’s Jess Matheny pitches against Greensburg Salem on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Greensburg Salem High School.

Southmoreland softball team charges out of gate

April 1, 2021

If Southmoreland needed an early-season hint as to its softball team’s chances in Class 3A of the WPIAL, it may have gotten it this week with victories over Class 4A schools in its first two games.

St. Joseph third baseman Kalyda O’Connor prepares for a ground ball during a game against Highlands on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Senior duo excited to lead young St. Joseph softball squad into battle

Seniors Kelsey DuVall and Kassandra O’Hara own varsity starting experience, and that experience, along with their leadership, is being called upon to help guide a group of eight freshman on a roster of 11 for the St. Joseph softball team this spring.

Penn-Trafford’s Sarah Yamrick bats against Hempfield on March 23, 2021 at Penn Trafford High School.

Penn-Trafford softball eyeing another PIAA championship

March 31, 2021

If the coronavirus didn’t shut down last season, there was a good chance Penn-Trafford softball would be looking at a three-peat.

Junior Emily Wilhelm is Springdale’s leadoff hitter.

Springdale softball looks to build on success of breakthrough season

There was a great deal of excitement surrounding the Springdale softball team after a rather youthful group posted 13 wins in 17 games and made the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A playoffs in 2019.

High school roundup for March 30, 2021: Beaver’s Payton List fans 15 in no-hitter

Payton List pitched a gem Tuesday afternoon, throwing a complete-game no-hitter with 15 strikeouts to lead Beaver (1-0, 1-0) to a 5-0 Section 3-4A victory over New Castle (0-3, 0-1). Anna Blum went 3 for 3 with four stolen bases for the Bobcats.

Norwin pitcher Angelina Pepe delivers against Belle Vernon on March 17, 2021, at Norwin High School.

Talented Norwin softball squad still figuring out where pieces fit

March 30, 2021

This installment of the Norwin softball team has coach Brian Mesich scratching his head — and scratching his lineup card often with an eraser.

Southmoreland’s Emily Eutsey rounds second base against Greensburg Salem on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Greensburg Salem High School.

High school roundup for March 29, 2021: Avonworth’s McAleer no-hits Freedom

Sean McAleer threw a five-inning no hitter, striking out eight, to lead Avonworth to a 10-0 nonsection baseball win over Freedom (0-2) on Monday afternoon. Jon Bodnar had two hits and drove in three runs for the Antelopes (1-0). Jonah Summers also had two hits.

Mt. Pleasant pitcher Mary Smithnosky drives a ball back to home plate on a run during a practice drill with teammates Thursday, March 12, 2020 at softball practice at Mt. Pleasant Area High School.

Loaded Mt. Pleasant softball focused on winning titles

March 29, 2021

Mt. Pleasant softball is not mincing words when it comes to its end game this season.

West Greene’s Kiley Meek hits an extra base hit against Union during the WPIAL Class A softball championship Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Peterwood Park.

2021 WPIAL Class A softball preseason breakdown

After a year away from the diamond, softball players from across Western Pennsylvania are itching to get back in the field of play.

Shaler softball coach Tom Sorce said his team will rely on its offense this season.

Hard-hitting lineup to lead the way for Shaler softball

March 28, 2021

Tom Sorce cackled at the idea of using a designated player to hit for Shaler pitcher Bethany Rodman.

Gateway catcher Emma Kennedy is the lone senior on the team.

Gateway softball seeing where pieces fit after canceled season

Gateway’s softball team has taken a basic approach to the 2021 season, homing in directly on the game’s fundamentals.

Maddie Hess fields the ball during Quaker Valley softball practice in 2019.

With small roster, Quaker Valley softball to rely on versatility

The Quaker Valley softball team will be young in 2021, but the Quakers aren’t going to let that stop them from building something special for the future.