Competitive fire burns bright for defending WPIAL softball champion Shaler

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 11:01 AM

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Tom Sorce is happy to see the healthy competition within the Shaler softball program after the Titans ran off eight straight wins en route to the program’s fourth WPIAL Class 5A championship last season.

Shaler saw its season come to an end in the first round of the state playoffs with a 4-3 loss to Twin Valley. Following an 18-5 season, Sorce believes this group will be hungry to try to return to the PIAA final.

The team Shaler beat in the district championship game, Penn-Trafford, went on to win the state championship.

“It’s highly competitive here,” Sorce said. “There are some freshmen who are going to compete with older kids for playing time. Everyone is still trying to understand their roles. Everyone knows that there will be a role for them to play for the good of the team.”

The Titans’ ambitions are to try to repeat as champions. Sorce believes that they have enough on the roster to try to compete for trophies.

“It’s tough to not expect to try and accomplish what we accomplished last year,” Sorce said. “That’s our No. 1 goal. I think we have a chance to be competitive.”

Bria Bosiljevac returns in the circle to give Shaler a formidable pitching presence. Bosiljevac has committed to play at Indiana.

The Titans return senior infielder Jayla Antomachi, who also is a track standout. Shaler also brings back three-time letter winner Alyssa Schaffold (catcher/infielder) and Haley Machajewski (outfielder/second base).

Freshmen Giada Colamarino (infield), Mya Wuke (outfield) and Peton Nichols (infield) will compete for roles.

“We are going to be a better hitting team this year,” Sorce said. “Our defense is always going to be strong. We’re going to be a better hitting team and have more kids that can drive the ball. Every kid in the lineup can hit the ball.”

Sorce is hoping to keep pushing the Shaler program forward. The Titans have been encouraged by what they’ve seen by several early scrimmages to start this season.

“The kids are working their tails off,” Sorce said. “They aren’t sitting back and living off what we did last year.”

Tags: Shaler