Photo by Mike Longo Jr.
Montour Spartans Jana Hess gets ready to rip a hit in a recent victory over Ambridge.By Mike Longo Jr.
As the regular season winds down, the top four teams in each section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs. Ties for playoff spots between two or more teams will be broken by head-to-head competition. Should that format not break the deadlock, all tied teams will enter the playoffs.
All section softball match-ups must be completed by May 11, as Mother Nature, conflicts in scheduling and prom season are posing a daunting task for some schools. Nuisance, for the most part, Mother Nature and her bevy of rain that has blanketed the local diamonds, is continually forcing cancellations.
WPIAL post-season is set to get underway May 16 concluding with all title games being held on June 1 and 2 at California University of Pennsylvania.
Securing a spot in the post-season tournament play, locally, include the Montour Spartans in Class 4A; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chargers and Carlynton Cougars in Class 2A; and Bishop Canevin Crusaders, Class A.
Montour recently re-entered the WPIAL Class 4A area rankings checking in at No. 5. They were previously ranked as high as No. 2. The Spartans are a well-balanced team that relies on the leadership of these five Seniors: Ashley DeShon, Angelina LaMarca, Breanna Pies, Kylie Ross and Payton Wiernik. Juniors Mia Arndt, Kaitlyn Molitoris and Aurie Polo also bring a lot to the team’s leadership.
In the makeup of the rest of their starting lineup, the Spartans have a plethora of talented sophomores and freshmen bench help to choose from. Montour is hoping for a deep run into the post-season as an attempt to regain their early-season momentum.
OLSH, on the flip side, was recently knocked off the top five ranking, however, that doesn't make them a force to be dealt with in the playoffs. Delaney Walsh, Kaylee Fabiano and Cassidy Fabiano are the only three seniors on the roster. Juniors Juliett e Vybrial, Alyssa Minton, Justena Giles and Grace DiGiacomo complement their senior counterparts.
The remainder of the Chargers roster is 7 other players deep, with three sophomores and four freshmen.
Everyones goal entering the playoffs is go deep and win a championship. The field of 17 teams is set in Class 2A joining OLSH will be the Carlynton Cougars. They too, have the sites dialed in and are ready for playoff action.
Rounding out our area coverage teams will be the Bishop Canevin Crusaders. Representing Class A which has a field of 12 spots, with the Crusaders fortunate enough to secure on of them. They as well are looking towards the post-season with hopes, dreams and goals.
Each of our area teams always hit the field with grit and determination. Always putting forth the best efforts and battling to the last out.
Good luck, ladies!