Young Penn Hills softball roster adjusting to intensity of varsity action

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11:01 AM

The Penn Hills softball team has many new faces looking to fill key roles. The Indians know that, with such a significant personnel transition, some growing pains should be expected.

First-year Penn Hills coach Michelle Stiller would like to see their long-term plan pay dividends by the end of the year.

The Indians are off to a 2-5 start and are 0-2 in Section 1-5A play.

“Honestly, mostly everyone is new except for our pitcher,” Stiller said. “I think it’s been productive for the first few weeks. We’ve been learning defensive possessions, and getting the bats going was big for us.”

Freshman Keira Kaefer has stepped in behind the plate. Addison Helsel is another freshman who has seen time in center field.

Sophomore Brooklyn Best has started at shortstop, while fellow sophomore London Seymore plays first base.

“They’ve been adjusting to the intensity of the varsity level,” Stiller said. “We’re incorporating working on their mental toughness and ability to stay calm when things aren’t going our way. We have a ‘double R’ play, which is recovery and restart.”

Penn Hills has defeated Carrick and McKeesport this season. Isabella DeCarlo pitched well for the Indians against the Tigers.

DeCarlo struck out eight batters in the win over McKeesport.

“She’s been the best leader for our team,” Stiller said. “She pitched through difficult games and kept her team up. She’s an incredible captain and leader. She can throw different pitches and hit the spots she needs to hit.”

Penn Hills hopes to be competitive in section games. The Indians allowed 15 or more runs during their first two section losses.

The schedule wasn’t going to provide a break for Penn Hills either. The Indians were faced with playing Shaler on April 7. The Titans played in the state championship game two years ago and have top-end talent.

Results from the game with Shaler were too late for this edition. The Indians still have a few nonsection games remaining, including one with rival Woodland Hills, to help boost confidence.

“The nonsection games will take some of the pressure off of the intense section we are in,” Stiller said. “We want to regain confidence and see how good we are when we play together. We look forward to every game.”

Tags: Penn Hills