Powerful lineup boosts Sewickley Academy softball to top tier of section standings

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 11:01 AM

The Sewickley Academy softball team, minus one short blip, has been hitting the cover off the ball in 2025.

The Panthers racked up an 8-1 record in the first half of the season, averaging a staggering 12.2 runs per game — second best in the WPIAL — and hitting a robust .444 as a team.

“I’m really happy for the girls,” Sewickley coach Bob Sirko said. “Last year was tough with the losses, but we stayed patient, focused on improving and never lost faith. With no seniors last year, we knew we had everyone coming back and combined with three new impactful players — two from our middle school program and one new student — we have jelled into a small but tight team.”

Sirko was asked if he expected the Panthers to be such a good-hitting club this season.

“We knew we could be,” he said. “The girls have been great at taking instruction, adjusting and paying attention to detail. I was able to talk one of my old coaching friends, Ron Frynkewicsz, who coached with me at Center, out of retirement and he has been able to focus on our hitters. Having his wealth of experience on the staff has been impactful. The coaching staff has been dedicated and together; I can’t thank them enough.”

After defeating Serra Catholic by a modest 4-1 score in their season opener, the Panthers rung up lopsided victories against Carlynton (16-0), Shady Side Academy (15-0), Rochester (17-2), Bishop Canevin (13-1) and Cornell (15-0), then edged South Side (12-11).

Sewickley’s only loss was an unforeseen 19-0 decision against Union, which assumed sole possession of first place in Section 1-A with the win. The Scotties were the leading offensive team in the WPIAL with a 13.2 runs-per-game average.

The Panthers rebounded from that stinging defeat with an 18-0 section win April 17 at Rochester to go to 5-1 in league play.

Sewickley has been led at the plate by the hard-hitting trio of senior Marie Bigi (C/OF), freshman Gabby Edmunds and senior Quincy Sirko (3B/P). Bigi was batting at a torrid .680 clip; Sirko and Edmunds weren’t far behind at .654 and .615.

“All three are over .600, which is why we are averaging over 10 runs a game,” said their coach. “Marie has gotten continually better each year. We have her batting fifth because she doesn’t just hit the ball, she hammers it.

“Gabby is only a freshman but has the best pure swing on the team. She is like a double machine and in the four slot she rarely disappoints.”

Bigi anchors the outfield in center field, Edmunds has assumed the catcher’s position, and Sirko starts at third base.

“Quincy has had the highest batting average the last few years,” said her dad, QV’s field boss. “With all our power in our lineup this year, I was able to move Quincy up to the two slot to take advantage of her speed and bunting.

“She continues to be solid while showing power by hitting a grand slam and multiple extra base hits.”

Bigi and Edmunds led the club in slugging at 1.000%; Bigi also held a team-best .724 on-base percentage.

Edmunds was No. 1 in RBIs with 18 and doubles (8). Sirko was the leader in runs (19); Bigi and Sirko were tied in the hits department with 17 apiece.

Other leading players in the lineup include junior second baseman Sanaa Grant with a .412 batting average, freshman pitcher Charlotte Andrews (.368), sophomore shortstop Keira Church (.360) and junior outfielder V.J. Jeevan (.348).

The Panthers had amassed 62 stolen bases as Bigi and Grant shared the team lead with 10 apiece; Sirko and sophomore first baseman Sophie Crichton each had nine. Crichton is a transfer from Upper St. Clair.

“In any given game, we have had major contributions from different players,” coach Sirko said. “Sanaa Grant had a huge three-run homer versus South Side, Keke Church went 3 for 3 with two triples versus Rochester and Sophie Crichton added some important RBIs.

“Our captains have done a great job setting the tone. The team is very close and has each other’s backs.”

Andrews is the Panthers’ workhorse in the pitcher’s circle with the left-handed throwing Crichton the top reliever.

“Having a pitcher like Charlotte has really made a major difference for us this year,” coach Sirko said. “She has been dominant with 74 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings; that is a 16.3 average in a seven-inning game. This has allowed us to be more patient on offense.

“Sophie also has pitched extremely well in relief, showing great competitiveness and earning a huge win at South Side.”

The Panthers’ starting lineup normally consists of batterymates Andrews and Edmunds, Crichton (1B), Grant (2B), Church (SS) and Sirko (3B) in the infield with sophomore Layla Miller (LF), Bigi (CF) and Jeevan (RF) in the outfield.

Laurie Lau, Willow Simmons and Persaya Williams are reserves.

Tags: Sewickley Academy