Sewickley Academy softball builds momentum in playoff season

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Sewickley Academy’s time in the WPIAL softball playoffs ended May 19 against No. 5 Jefferson-Morgan in the Class A quarterfinal round.

The fourth-seeded Panthers lost a 5-0 decision to finish 11-6 overall. Sewickley had advanced to the quarterfinals by routing No. 13 Monessen, 15-0, in the first round.

“The team showed incredible resilience and competitiveness, advancing as far as any SA softball team has,” coach Bob Sirko. “Against Jeff-Morgan, we had our chances with runners on third twice early in the game. If we had capitalized on those opportunities, it could have been a different outcome. Despite the result, the team fought hard and proved they belonged in the playoffs.

“This team built something special this year, and while changes are ahead, the program has momentum moving forward. The expectation is to continue competing at a high level, and this group has proven they are more than capable.”

Senior outfielder Marie Bigi doubled and drove in two runs against Monessen then went 2 for 3 against Jefferson-Morgan.

“Marie was outstanding, hitting .600 (in the playoffs) and delivering key defensive plays, including throwing a runner out at the plate,” Sirko said. “She played exactly as we’ve come to expect — consistent, clutch and a leader on the field.”

Sirko’s daughter Quincy, a senior infielder, went 3 for 4 with a double against the Greyhounds and knocked in three runs. Junior infielder Sanaa Grant smacked a two-run homer.

“Coaching Quincy throughout her high school career was truly rewarding,” said Bob Sirko. “As a coach, I was impressed with her approach and the results she delivered on the field. As a father, I was proud of the way she led the team as a captain the last two years with character, kindness and a commitment to her teammates. Having this success this year was special, especially knowing the effort and dedication she put into keeping the program strong.

“I’ve coached for many years, and I’ve always approached the role with fairness. I treated her with the same respect as I would any other athlete, and because of that, we never argued or had conflicts about the game. The memory of this experience is something we can share forever.”

Quincy Sirko and Bigi both hit over .500 during the regular season and led the club in several offensive categories.

“Losing Marie and Quincy, two senior captains, won’t be easy,” said Sewickley’s veteran field boss. “Their leadership and presence will be missed. However, with Sanaa Grant returning as captain for her senior year and showing her impact in the playoffs with a home run, we already have a strong foundation for next season.”

Charlotte Andrews, a right-handed freshman pitcher, tossed a four-inning one-hitter and struck out seven in her team’s first-round victory. Andrews logged five shutouts in 2025 and meshed well with freshman catcher Gabby Edmunds in their first season as batterymates, according to their coach.

“Charlotte and Gabby found great chemistry together in the playoffs,” Sirko said. “While Charlotte showed strong pitching skills, credit must go to Gabby as well, catching every pitch and performing offensively. They have the potential to be a strong battery for years to come.”

Sewickley’s starting lineup in postseason consisted of sophomore Keira Church (SS), Sirko (3B), Grant (2B), Edmunds (C), Bigi (CF), Andrews (P), sophomores Sophie Crichton (1B) and Layla Miller (LF) and junior V.J. Jeevan (RF).

Along with Bigi, the Panthers’ leading hitters in their two playoff games were Sirko (.500), Edmunds (.400) and Church (.333), who had a .714 on-base percentage.

Bigi plans to attend Penn State in the fall and Quincy is hoping to get a tryout as a walk-on candidate on the Carnegie Mellon softball team.

Andrews struck out 19 batters in 11 playoff innings, issued five walks and allowed two earned runs for a 1.27 ERA.

The Panthers won nine of their first 10 games this season and finished tied for second in Section 1-A with South Side with a 7-3 record.

Sewickley scored 159 runs in 2025, or 9.3 per game.

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