Franklin Regional’s loaded lineup producing in early-season wins

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Averaging close to 10 runs a game doesn’t interest Jim Armstrong as much as you might expect.

The Franklin Regional softball coach would rather see his team have zero errors and get out of jams.

The bats, it seems, are always going to be there.

“I just want us to play good, clean games,” Armstrong said. “If we do that and make the plays we should make, we’ll be fine. We’re still figuring some things out.”

The Panthers (6-2) stretched their early season winning streak to five with a 4-3 win over Latrobe to move to 3-0 in Section 2-5A.

Adrianna Martz, a security net behind star Toryn Fulton in the lineup at the No. 4 spot, delivered the go-ahead RBI after Latrobe intentionally walked South Florida commit Fulton for a second time — she walked in all four at-bats in the victory.

Ciara Camacho, a Kent State commit, went 4 for 4 with two doubles, while C.C. Copeland made a terrific double-play, catching a pop-up bunt and firing to first to help keep Latrobe back late.

Freshman Mia Martz pitched a complete game for the win.

The Panthers defeated Kiski Area, 12-2, in five innings in the previous game.

In the latter game, Fulton and Camacho displayed their talents again as Fulton doubled, homered, scored three runs, had three RBIs and stole five bases.

Camacho tripled, scored twice and drove in four runs.

As good as Fulton and Camacho are, Armstrong said the Panthers are developing a supporting cast.

“Adriana Martz and C.C. Copeland have been strong all year for us,” Armstrong said. “Our top six have all come up big. Sometimes, we count on them, too.”

Copeland has been a steady No. 2 hitter behind Camacho, a catcher who also has played second base and right field. Martz bats cleanup.

Freshman Isabella Salas has taken to varsity softball as the No. 5 hitter, while sophomores Ava Rhoten and Alexandria Speranza, and junior Olivia Cowell have supported the lower part of the order.

“Our 4, 5 and 6 hitters have been doing their thing,” Armstrong said. “That goes down to the No. 9 batter too.

“We’re young. We start two juniors, three sophomores and a freshman.”

The Panthers have shown the ability to rally. They trailed against McKeesport and Kiski Area before posting wins.

“When you think it’s over, it’s not over with us,” Camacho said. “We have our moments. It’s about getting base hits, one at a time.”

Said Fulton: “We’re making progress and figuring things out so we get an idea of what works best. Most of the girls have stepped up hit-wise.”

The pitching has shown signs of improvement, as well. Three pitchers have at least one win in junior Chloe Lancaster, sophomore Madison Hill and the younger Martz.

Freshman Peyton Carder and Salas have also seen time in the circle.

Armstrong credits new pitching coach Maddie Uschock, a former Hempfield standout, for the boost in arm efficiency.

“She really relates to the girls,” Armstrong said. “She really works with them.”

Ushock has an eye to the future. She said she has several younger girls preparing to make the jump to the varsity level.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional