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GAME SUMMARIES

TIGERS LODGE WIN OVER BEAVERS, 5-3

(6/3/13)  The North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team lodged a first-round P.I.A.A. Playoff win over DuBois, 5-3, to advance to the round-of-eight in the P.I.A.A. State Softball AAAA Playoffs on Monday afternoon at Brockway High School.  Pitcher Sami Beining went the distance for the Tigers, allowing six hits while striking out one and walking one.

The Tigers scored first when first baseman Logann Woodley reached on an error and scored on a long, two-out RBI double by catcher Bonnie Pierson. NA added a run in the third inning when shortstop Christine Scherer reached on an error and advanced to second on a single by third baseman Mary Funderlich.  An RBI single by designated player Casey Ginocchi brought Scherer around to score and give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage.

The Beavers got one back in the bottom of the third when Samantha Snyder reached on an error and moved to second on a single by Kristina Torretti.  When the ball was misplayed in the outfield, Snyder came home with DuBois’ first run.

North Allegheny responded in the top of the fourth when with two outs, center fielder Laura Cotter singled.  A single by Woodley put runners on first and second, and a double to left-center field by Scherer drove in both runners to make it a 4-1 game.  NA added an insurance run in the fifth when Funderlich walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch.  With two outs, right fielder Anna Sardon hit a single to right field to drive in Funderlich and give NA a 5-1 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Beavers made it interesting by parlaying a Cheyenne McKee single, a ground rule double by Sierra McKee, and a Casey Wilcox single into two runs to tighten things at 5-3.  A Snyder single in the bottom of the seventh was all that DuBois could muster the rest of the way, and North Allegheny had the win

The win moves the Tigers’ record to 18-5 and puts them into the Western Semi-Final Round against Canon-McMillan on Thursday at Fairhaven Park.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5   DuBOIS - 3

WP - Sami Beining (11-3)    LP - Samantha Kirk

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LADY TIGERS FALL TO CANON-McMILLAN TO TAKE SILVER

(5/30/13)  The North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team put forth a solid effort against defending AAAA Champions Canon-McMillan, but came up short in a 5-2 game played on Thursday evening at California University.  Giorgiana Zeremenko had four RBI, including three on a fourth inning home run, as the Big Macs successfully defended their WPIAL title from a year ago. Shortstop Christine Scherer collected two of the Tigers' four hits and was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

North Allegheny struck first in the bottom of the first inning when center fielder Laura Cotter led off with a double to deep left field.  Following a swinging strike out of first baseman Logann Woodley, Cotter advanced to third when the ball eluded the catcher and the Macs were forced to make a play at first to retire Woodley.  Shortstop Christine Scherer singled to drive in Cotter to give the Tigers a 1-0 early advantage.

That score stood until the top of the fourth, when with two outs Canon-McMillan parlayed a single, a hit batsman, and a the game’s key blow, a three-run home run to left field which barely cleared the fence by catcher Giorgiana Zeremenko to give the Macs a 3-1 lead.  Canon-McMillan added two in the top of the sixth, but NA answered with a run to cut the lead to the eventual final score.  The Tigers scored when Cotter reached on an error, Woodley singled to shortstop, and Scherer singled to load the bases with no one out.  Catcher Bonnie Pierson then hit a fly ball to deep left field that came close to going out, but was caught at the fence by left fielder Tara Fowler.  Cotter scored on the sacrifice fly, but a fielder’s choice and a fly out allowed Canon-McMillan to escape without further damage.

For North Allegheny, pitcher Sami Beining scattered eight hits while striking out three and walking one in a seven-inning performance.  Although the Tigers couldn’t quite catch the Macs, they played a competitive game throughout and earned the W.P.I.A.L. Runner-Up Trophy and the silver medals for their season-long efforts.

The Tigers will next see action on Monday as the P.I.A.A. Playoffs open with NA facing Dubois at Brockway High School at 3:00 pm.  Check the NA Athletic Website for all the latest information as it becomes available.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
CANON McMILLAN - 5   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2

WP - Alayna Astuto     LP - Sami Beining (10-3)

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LADY TIGERS ROLL OVER PETERS TOWNSHIP, MOVE ON TO TITLE GAME

(5/22/13) The North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team advanced to the W.P.I.A.L. AAAA  Championship Game with a 7-4 victory over the Peters Township Indians at Fairhaven Park on Wednesday afternoon.  Sami Beining earned her tenth win of the season in a complete game performance in which she scattered eight hits while striking out six.  The Tiger offense supported Beining with a twelve-hit attack that produced seven runs, including five in the top of the sixth inning.

The Tigers threatened early, loading the bases in the top of the first inning, but could not get a run across the plate. The game remained scoreless until the top of the third, when NA scored its first run on a single by shortstop Christine Scherer and a two-out RBI double by third baseman Mary Funderlich.  The 1-0 score lasted until the top of the fifth inning, when the Tigers added another run on a walk by center fielder Laura Cotter, a sacrifice bunt by first baseman Logann Woodley, followed by Scherer reaching on an error and moving Cotter to third. Catcher Bonnie Pierson followed with a sacrifice fly to increase the score to 2-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Indians took their first and only lead of the afternoon, when with two outs and no one on base, they combined two singles, a hit batter, and a bases-clearing double by Lindsay McKnight to take a 3-2 lead after five.

It may have appeared to some that the Tigers may have been at “the end of their rope,” but they were “knot” to be denied.  A five-run inning was ignited by a single from left fielder Rachel Pecanis, followed by a bunt single by right fielder Anna Sardon and a sacrifice bunt by pinch hitter Liz Scherer.  NA then erupted for three consecutive doubles by Cotter, Woodley, and Christine Scherer and singles by Pierson and Funderrlich to give the Tigers a 7-3 lead in the top of the sixth.

A leadoff home run by Peters Township’s Carly Konopka in the bottom of the sixth narrowed the margin to three, but Beining allowed only one more hit, a harmless single in the seventh, to close out the win.

North Allegheny will face the winner of the Canon McMillan – Hempfield game (postponed until Thursday due to rain) at California State University at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 30^th for the W.P.I.A.L. AAAA Championship.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 7   PETERS  TOWNSHIP - 4

WP - Sami Beining (10-2)  LP - Kellyn Perich

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LADY TIGERS SHOOT DOWN McKEESPORT, ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS

(5/20/13) The North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team advanced to the W.P.I.A.L. Semi-Final Round with a hard fought 7-5 victory over a solid McKeesport Tiger team at Hampton Park on Monday afternoon.  Sami Beining went the distance in a 10-strikeout, 8-hit performance to earn the win.

After McKeesport tallied a single run in the top of the first inning, NA roared back with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the first to take a 4-1 advantage.  Leadoff batter center fielder Laura Cotter reached on an error, followed by a walk to first baseman Logann Woodley and a single by shortstop Christine Scherer.  Catcher Bonnie Pierson then hit a bases-clearing triple to right-center field to put NA up 3-1.  Following two ground outs in which courtesy runner Hannah Downing had to remain at third, left fielder Rachel Pecanis ripped a triple to the gap to score Downing with run number four.

The ever-resilient McKeesport team scored once in the third and twice in the fourth to knot the score at four.  That score remained until the NA Tigers plated three runs in the bottom of the sixth.  Pinch hitter / outfielder Mackenzie Gostomski led off the inning with a well-placed bunt, beating the hurried McKeesport throw to be safe at first.  Second baseman Emily Hogan then singled to push Gostomski to third.  When Cotter once again reached on an error, Gostomski scored from third and Cotter advanced to second on the play at the plate. Shortstop Christine Scherer then pounded a double to right-center field to score both Hogan and Cotter to make the score 7-4 in favor of North Allegheny.

McKeesport kept it interesting with a leadoff home run to deep left field by Mai Gooden, but Beining responded by inducing two fly-outs, and, after a single, a game-ending strikeout to lock up the win.  The Tigers will face Peters Township in the semi-final round at a site and time to be determined.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 7   McKEESPORT - 5

WP - Sami Beining (9-2)  LP - Jess Beitler

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TIGERS TAME WILDCATS, 12-2

(5/9/13) In the final regular-season game for two Section Champions, the North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball Team got the better of the Latrobe Wildcats, 12-2, behind a three-hit pitching performance by Madi Beining and a sixteen-hit offensive attack.  Beining struck out four and did not walk a batter in the six-inning game in which the ten-run rule came into effect.

For the Tigers, leading the offensive surge was catcher Bonnie Pierson, who had a four-for-five day at the plate with four RBIs.  Also gathering multiple hits for NA were first baseman Logann Woodley (three-for-five); shortstop Christine Scherer (three-for-five); center fielder Laura Cotter (two-for-four);and third baseman Mary Funderlich (two-for-four).  Additional RBI’s for the Tigers came from Scherer with three, Woodley with two, and one each for Funderlich, designated player Casey Ginocchi, and Beining.    For Latrobe, shortstop Kaity Finley had a two-for-three day and scored both Wildcat runs. All sixteen Tigers saw action in the game, as did fourteen players from Latrobe as both teams prepared for the upcoming W.P.I.A.L. Playoffs. 

With the win, NA finishes the regular season with a 15-4 record.  The Tigers earned the number three seed in the W.P.I.A.L Quad-A bracket and will face the winner of the Baldwin / McKeesport game.  North Allegheny’s playoff opener, having secured a BYE in round one, will be played on Tuesday, May 21^st, at a site and time to be determined.  Continue to access the North Allegheny Athletic Website for further details as they become available.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 12   LATROBE - 2

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HEMPFIELD TAMES TIGERS BATS, 4-0

(5/8/13) The North Allegheny Tiger Varsity Softball Team lost its second consecutive game on Wednesday evening at NASH Field, falling to the Hempfield Spartans, 4-0.  Hempfield scored two unearned runs in the second inning when two Tiger miscues allowed a rally to continue.  The other two Hempfield runs came in the top of the sixth on a two-run home run by the Spartans’ Taylor Bartlow.  North Allegheny could muster only three hits against Hempfield pitcher Hope Pehrson, who earned the shutout victory.

The Tigers would like to give special thanks to the Junior Varsity and Junior High teams for their attendance, and congratulate them on their seasons.

The loss drops North Allegheny’s overall record to 14-4, with the final regular-season game to be played on Thursday afternoon at Latrobe in a 4:00 start.  Playoff pairings will be announced on Thursday. Check the NA Athletic Website for all the latest information.
 

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
HEMPFIELD - 4   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 0

WP -  Hope Pehrson  LP - Madi Beining (6-2)

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LADY TIGERS FALL TO BRIDGERS

(5/7/13) The North Allegheny Tiger Varsity Softball Team dropped a 4-2, 9-inning decision to the Ambridge Bridgers in a game at NASH Field on Tuesday evening in another battle of Section champions. NA took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but the Bridgers came back to knot the game at one in the top half of inning number four.  The game remained tied 1-1 through seven innings.  Ambridge took a 2-1 lead in the top of the eighth on an inside-the park home run by Heather Mueller, but the Tigers rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth when a misplayed ball in left field led to the Tigers run.

In the eighth, the Bridgers struck for two unearned runs, and NA was unable to score in their half of the inning, making the final 4-2 Ambridge.  It was a frustrating night for the Tigers, who committed four errors in the contest and stranded thirteen runners in the extra inning game.

Madi Beining took her first loss of the season in relief of Sami Beining, while Kelly Haslett picked up the victory.  The loss puts NA’s record at 14-3 on the season.  The Tigers get back into action on Wednesday evening when they host the Hempfield Spartans in a 7:00 game.
 

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
AMBRIDGE - 4   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2

WP -  Kelly Haslett  LP - Madi Beining (6-1)

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SPARTAN EFFORT BY LADY TIGERS

(5/6/13) The North Allegheny Tigers traveled to Fairhaven Park on Monday evening to take on the host Montour Spartans in a battle of playoff-bound teams.  Behind the seven-hit shutout pitching of Madi Beining, the Tigers prevailed, 3-0.  Beining struck out six and did not walk a batter to extend her record to 6-0 on the season.

The game remained scoreless through three innings as both teams threatened but could not score.  Montour put back-to-back singles together to open the game, but catcher Bonnie Pierson eliminated both with strong throws to deny attempted steals.  The Tigers, meanwhile, stranded four runners through the first three innings  (nine overall on the evening) before finally lighting the scoreboard in the top of the fourth.  Third baseman Mary Funderlich led off with a single and was sacrificed to second by designated player Liz Scherer. Logann Woodley followed with a single to put runners at first and third, and left fielder Rachel Pecanis walked to load the bases. After a fielder’s choice forced Funderlich at home, center fielder Laura Cotter responded with a double just inside the first base line to plate both first baseman Erica Jelinek, running for Woodley, and Pecanis.

North Allegheny put run number three on the board in the top of the fifth when shortstop Christine Scherer opened with a single.  Catcher Bonnie Pierson worked a walk, and Funderlich singled to load the bases. Scherer was erased on a force out at the plate, but a Jelinek line drive that was caught by the Spartan’s shortstop sent Pierson home with run number three when an errant throw in an attempt to double Pierson off third went astray.

Beining settled in to allow only two two-out singles in innings four through seven to secure the victory, aided by errorless Tiger defense throughout the contest.  The win raises North Allegheny’s season record to 14-2.  Next up for the Tigers are the Ambridge Bridgers, who will visit NASH Field on Tuesday evening in a 7:00 game.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3   MONTOUR - 0

WP - Madi Beining (6-0)  LP - Rachel Donovan

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NORTH ALLEGHENY WINS BATTLE OF TIGERS

(5/4/13) On Saturday afternoon at NASH Field The North Allegheny Tigers hosted the McKeesport Tigers in a contest between two AAAA Section Champions, and the Section Three North Allegheny Tigers prevailed over their Section Two namesakes, 3-0, behind the four-hit shutout pitching performance of Sami Beining, who had three strikeouts and no walks, and an eight-hit attack by the North Allegheny offense.   Additionally, NA played outstanding defense including a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play in inning one and several other solid plays in both the infield and outfield.

North Allegheny scored single runs in innings one, two, and three, but the game remained tight throughout.  The Tigers’ offense was paced by center fielder Laura Cotter in a two-for three performance with a run scored, and third baseman Mary Funderlich, who also had a two-for-three day with a run scored and an RBI. Shortstop Christine Scherer and first baseman Erica Jelinek each added an RBI to the total, with Hannah Downing scoring the remaining NA run.

The first North Allegheny run came on a leadoff double by Cotter, and an RBI single by Scherer.  Run number two was crafted by a Funderlich single, followed by a single by designated player Casey Ginocchi, and an RBI single by Jelinek.  The scoring was completed in the third on a one-out triple by catcher Bonnie Pierson.  Downing ran for Pierson, and scored on an RBI single by Funderlich.

The victory puts North Allegheny’s overall record at 13-2, while McKeesport drops to 16-4.  North Allegheny will travel to Fairhaven Park to take on the Montour Spartans on Monday evening in a scheduled 6:30 start.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3   McKEESPORT - 0

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BULLDOGS NIP TIGERS, 2-1

(5/2/13) Perennial contender Poland Seminary High School from Poland, Ohio, visited North Allegheny on Thursday evening and ended the North Allegheny Tigers’ eleven-game winning streak by pulling out a hard-fought 2-1 victory at NASH Field.  The winning run came in the top of the seventh inning when Poland scored on a sacrifice fly.  Tigers’ center fielder Laura Cotter rifled an excellent throw to home plate, but the Bulldogs’ base runner was called safe on an extremely close play.

After a scoreless four innings, in which both North Allegheny’s Sami Beining and Poland’s Katie Serich matched pitch-for-pitch, the Bulldogs scored the first run of the game on a double, a sacrifice bunt, and a roller that found its way into right field to make the score 1-0.  The Tigers answered in the bottom of the sixth on a single by shortstop Christine Scherer, who led the Tigers’ offensive attack with a three-for-three performance, a double by third baseman Mary Funderlich to deep right center, narrowly missing the home run as the ball hit the fence on its way down, and a clutch single by pinch hitter Casey Ginocchi that scored Scherer.

Despite the loss, North Allegheny benefited from playing a solid game against the strong Poland team.  The Tigers will next see action when they host the McKeesport Tigers in a Saturday afternoon contest, with the first pitch slated for 3:00 PM.  North Allegheny now stands at 12-2 on the season, having completed Section 3AAAA play with an 11-1 mark to earn the Section title.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
POLAND - 2   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1

WP - Kasie Serich  LP - Sami Beining (7-2)

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TIGERS TOP TRIBE TO TAKE TITLE

(5/1/13) On Wednesday evening at NASH Field, the North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball team defeated a determined North Hills team, 4-3, highlighted by a three-run bottom-of- the- seventh rally to overcome a two-run deficit.

After North Hills took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, NA came back to tie the game in the bottom of the second when freshman designated player Liz Scherer singled and was able to score from third base on a wild pitch to even the game at one.

The Indians built the lead to 3-1 with single runs in innings three and five.  One North Hills threat was stopped when right fielder Anna Sardon threw out a North Hills batter at first base for out number three as a run was crossing the plate.

After a scoreless sixth and top of the seventh, the Tigers came back to rally for the win when shortstop Christine Scherer led off with a single.  Scherer was run for by Sarah Clogan, who raced around to score run number two on a double by catcher Bonnie Pierson.  Following two North Hills errors, Hannah Downing, running for Pierson, scored on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Rachel Pecanis to knot the score at three.  Liz Scherer, who had reached on one of the North Hills errors, wound up at third base, and scored on a wild pitch to end the game.

North Hills gave a valiant effort throughout the game but came up just short at the end.  For the Tigers, the tandem of Madi Beining and Sami Beining shared the pitching duties, with Sami Beining picking up the win in a scoreless two-inning relief effort.

The victory secured the Section 3-AAAA title for the Tigers, who completed section play with an 11-1 record.  Overall, NA stands at 12-1 and will next see action against Poland, Ohio, in a home game on Thursday evening, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 PM.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4   NORTH HILLS - 3

WP - Sami Beining (7-1)  LP - Krista Ledergerber

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NA GRABS SHARE OF SECTION CROWN ON PIERSON GRAND SLAM

(4/30/13) A grand slam by Bonnie Pierson in the third inning was all the Tigers needed as North Allegheny locked up a share of the Section 3-AAAA title with a 4-0 win over the Pine-Richland Rams on Tuesday afternoon. Pierson provided more than enough run support for junior pitcher Sami Beining who silenced the Rams with a complete game, one-hit shutout. Tuesday's game, originally scheduled at Pine-Richland, was played at North Allegheny because the Rams' field was not ready for play.

The decisive inning of the game began with two quick outs recorded by Pine-Richland starter Izzy Tortorice to start the top of the third. Sophomore Laura Cotter collected NA’s first hit of the day with a single and was followed by Anna Sardon who drew a walk. Junior Christine Scherer kept the inning going with a single to load the bases for Pierson. The Tigers leader in home runs and RBI’s added to her season totals by belting the first pitch she saw over the right-center field fence and the mighty blast put NA ahead, 4-0. Pierson finished the day with a 2-for-3 performance, adding a double in the seventh inning. For her efforts, Pierson was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

Despite taking the loss, Tortorice pitched well for Pine-Richland, allowing only three more hits following the Pierson grand slam in a complete game effort. However, when it came to stellar pitching, the Rams couldn’t touch Sami Beining. Pine-Richland went hitless until a harmless two out single in the sixth inning by Hannah McNulty broke up Beining’s no-hit bid. Beining closed the game with a 1-2-3 seventh inning, striking out two of the final three batters she faced.

North Allegheny improves to 11-1 overall and 10-1 in section play. Pine-Richland, who has already clinched a playoff spot, falls to 8-4 overall and 7-4 in section play. The Tigers can capture sole possession of the Section 3 crown with a victory over North Hills on Wednesday night. The home contest is slated for 7:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4   PINE-RICHLAND - 0

WP - Sami Beining (6-1)  LP - Izzy Tortorice

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TIGERS OUTDUEL TITANS, LEAP INTO FIRST PLACE IN SECTION

(4/25/13) On Thursday afternoon at NASH Field, the host North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team defeated the Shaler Area Titans behind a fourteen-hit attack and the clutch pitching of both junior Sami Beining and freshman Madi Beining in an exciting game that featured big innings and big hits for both teams in the spirited contest.

Shaler drew first blood via a home run by pitcher Brianna Dobson in the second inning, but the Tigers roared back in the bottom of the third when sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter, who tallied four hits on the day, hit a one-out single. Sophomore right fielder Anna Sardon moved Cotter to second on a sacrifice bunt, and junior shortstop Christine Scherer came through with an RBI double to even the score.  Senior catcher Bonnie Pierson worked a walk, and junior third baseman Mary Funderlich, who had three hits on the afternoon, ripped a double to drive in both Scherer and sophomore courtesy runner / third baseman Hannah Downing to give NA a 3-1 lead. A single by junior designated player Casey Ginocchi plated Funderlich, and the Tigers led 4-1 after three.

The Tigers added a single run in the bottom of the fourth on a single by senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis, a sacrifice by sophomore second baseman Emily Hogan, and a double by Cotter to drive Pecanis home.  Shaler, however, put its own big inning together in the top of the fifth, an inning culminated by a grand slam home run by third baseman Rachael Nyman to knot the score at five.  NA was not to be denied on this day, however, and came right back in the bottom of the fifth to score two times.  A Funderlich single followed by a long single by Ginocchi allowed Funderlich to race all the way around to score.  With junior infielder / pinch runner Sarah Clogan running for Ginocchi, freshman infielder / pinch hitter Liz Scherer executed a perfect sacrifice to push Clogan to second, and a Pecanis single drove Clogan across the plate.

The Tigers put it away in the bottom of the sixth with three vital insurance runs.  Cotter led off with a single, and Sardon sacrificed Cotter to second. A Christine Scherer single drove in Cotter, with sophomore outfielder Mackenzie Gostomski running for Scherer.  A fielder’s choice on Pierson, who was again run for by Downing, erased Gostomski at second on a very close judgment call.  Funderlich then followed with another double, and Downing sprinted all the way around to score her second run of the day. A clutch two-out single by Clogan scored Funderlich to raise the score to 10-5.

Madi Beining pitched a one-two-three seventh inning in her third inning of solid relief work to nail down the win.  With the victory, the Tigers raised their Section 3-AAAA record to 9-1 and their overall record to 10-1.  The team will next see action when they travel to Pine-Richland on Monday afternoon to take on the Rams in a 4:00 start.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 10   SHALER - 5

WP - Madi Beining (5-0)  LP - Brianna Dobson

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TIGERS ROLL OVER TORNADO, 12-3

(4/23/13) The North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball Team traveled to Butler on Tuesday afternoon and exploded for twelve runs on twenty hits to come back with a 12-3 victory.  Junior pitcher Sami Beining went the distance for NA to earn the victory in a solid start.

NA struck quickly, scoring five runs in the first inning, two in the second, and three in the third to hold a 10-2 lead after three innings of play.  Butler added a run in the fifth, and the Tigers tallied their final two in the seventh to complete the day’s scoring.

Offensively, junior third baseman Mary Funderlich led the way with a four-for-five day at the plate with three RBIs.  Funderlich also started a big double play to quell a Butler threat by making a diving grab of an infield pop and doubling a Butler runner off of second base.  Other Tigers with multiple hits were sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter, three-for-five with an RBI and two runs scored; junior shortstop Christine Scherer with three-for- five and three runs scored; senior catcher Bonnie Pierson with three-for-four and two RBIs; and senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis, who went three-for-four with an RBI and a run scored.  In the contest, nine different Tigers hit safely, including sophomore right fielder Anna Sardon, who also scored twice; sophomore designated player Mackenzie Gostomski, who had a hit and an RBI, sophomore first baseman Logann Woodley, with a hit and an RBI; and sophomore second baseman Emily Hogan.  Additionally, junior designated player Casey Ginocchi drove in two runs for NA.

With the win, the Tigers raise their Section 3AAAA record to 8-1 and their overall record to 9-1.  Up next for the team is a home contest vs. the Shaler Area Titans on Wednesday evening with a scheduled start time of 7:00 PM.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 12   BUTLER - 3

WP - Sami Beining (5-1)  LP - Emily McDonald

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TIGERS CHILL TROJANS WITH FLURRY OF OFFENSE, 8-3

(4/21/13) On a blustery Saturday afternoon at NASH Field, the North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team celebrated Senior Day by defeating the McDowell Trojans, 8-3, behind the offensive display of senior catcher Bonnie Pierson and the solid pitching performance of freshman Madi Beining.  Pierson was three-for-three plus a walk, and her two doubles and long home run into the left field bleachers accounted for seven of the eight Tiger RBIs.  Beining notched her fourth win without a defeat in a nine strikeout / three walk outing.

NA tallied its first three runs in the first inning when sophomore right fielder Anna Sardon and junior shortstop Christine Scherer each reached on errors and Pierson blasted a 1-1 pitch into the left field bleachers to make it a 3-0 game.   In   the second, NA scored another trio of runs when sophomore second baseman Emily Hogan singled and sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter drew a walk.  After a successful Sardon sacrifice, and a walk to Scherer, Pierson then hit a bases-clearing double to raise the score to 6-0.

The Tigers added a single run in the third when sophomore first baseman Logann Woodley earned a leadoff walk.  Sophomore outfielder Mackenzie Gostomski ran for Woodley and was sacrificed to second base by Hogan.  When Cotter got on base on an error, Gostomski raced around to score run number seven.  NA’s final run came in the fourth inning when Sardon led off with a double and with one out, Pierson hit another double to drive Sardon home with run number eight.

In the top of the seventh, McDowell was able to score three times on three hits and two walks, but Beining got two fly outs to end the contest and send the Tigers to the senior celebration with the 8-3 victory.  The win raises the Tigers’ overall record to 8-1 while remaining 7-1 in Section 3AAAA play.  NA will next see action when they travel to Butler on Tuesday afternoon to play the Golden Tornado in a 3:45 start.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 8   McDOWELL - 3

WP - Madi Beining (4-0)  LP - Mackenzie Hewitt (5-2)

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TIGERS REPEL RAIDERS, 4-1

(4/17/13) The North Allegheny Varsity Softball team traveled to Seneca Valley on Wednesday afternoon and turned back the Raiders by the score of 4-1 behind timely hitting and the four-hit complete game performance of junior pitcher Sami Beining.  Beining struck out five and did not walk a batter to pick up the victory.

North Allegheny opened the scoring early when sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter led of the game with a single.  Cotter was sacrificed to second on an excellent sacrifice bunt by freshman designated player Liz Scherer, who nearly beat out the play for a single.  Senior catcher Bonnie Pierson reached on an error, allowing Cotter to score the game’s first run.  The Tigers added run number two in the second when sophomore first baseman Erica Jelinek rolled a single between short and third.  Sophomore second baseman Emily Hogan reached on a fielder’s choice, and advanced to second on a single by sophomore right fielder Anna Sardon.  Hogan then came around to score on Cotter’s second single of the afternoon.

NA added run number three in the fourth inning on a two-out single by Sardon, Cotter reaching on an error, and Liz Scherer hitting a hard grounder through the second baseman to plate Sardon.  In the fourth, junior third baseman Mary Funderlich, who had a three-for-four performance on the day, hit a one-out single.  Funderlich was advanced to second on a sacrifice by senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis, and came around to score an important insurance run on a double ripped into the left-center field gap by junior pinch hitter Casey Ginocchi.

Seneca Valley tallied its only run in the bottom of the seventh on one-out singles by Sarah Blagg and Ashley Kappeler and a wild pitch.  Beining then came back to strike out the final Raider batter to earn the win.

With the win, the Tigers improve their overall and Section 3AAAA records to 7-1 and assure themselves of a spot in the W.P.I.A.L. Playoffs in May.  North Allegheny will travel to Butler on Friday afternoon to take on the Golden Tornado in a scheduled 3:45 start.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4   SENECA VALLEY - 1

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FOXES DEN-IED BY LADY TIGERS, 10-0

(4/15/13) Senior catcher Bonnie Pierson’s three-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning invoked the mercy rule and capped off the Lady Tigers 10-0 victory over the Fox Chapel Foxes on Monday night. It was the second time within the span of a week that North Allegheny mercy-ruled the Foxes. Behind an 11-hit attack, and helped along by five Fox Chapel errors, the Tigers cruised to their sixth section win of the season.

A Pierson fly ball in the first inning helped give NA the early lead as FC’s leftfielder dropped the ball for an error, allowing Liz Scherer and Christine Scherer to quickly scamper home for a 2-0 advantage. In the second inning, an error and passed ball by the Foxes helped the Tigers score two more runs, to go along with a Laura Cotter RBI single and a Christine Scherer RBI double which brought the score to 6-0. Cotter collected another RBI in the third inning on a fielder’s choice grounder to short, and the NA lead swelled to 7-0. The Tigers lead remained at seven until Pierson’s three-run shot over the right-centerfield fence, her second of the season, sent the Foxes home in walk-off fashion. For closing out the victory with the long ball, and her tremendous work defensively behind the plate, Pierson was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

While the Tigers built a hefty lead in the first three innings, the Foxes lineup was left befuddled by the pitching of Sami and Maddi Beining. Junior Sami Beining struck out five of the first six batters she faced and blanked Fox Chapel for three innings. Younger sister and freshman Madi Beining was equally as effective, striking out five batters in her three innings of scoreless work. Their counterpart, Fox Chapel’s Isabella Bungo suffered her second loss to the Tigers this year, allowing 10 runs (three earned) with one strikeout and no walks in five innings.

North Allegheny improves to 6-1 overall and in Section 3-AAAA. Fox Chapel falls to 1-7 overall and 1-6 in section play. The Lady Tigers host the Hampton Talbots in a non-section game this evening, which gets underway at 7:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 10   FOX CHAPEL - 0

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LADY TIGERS STORM NORTH HILLS, 13-0

(4/10/13) Following a 45-minute rain/lightning delay at the start of the contest, the North Allegheny Varsity Softball Team came on to defeat the North Hills Indians 13-0 at McIntyre Field on Wednesday afternoon.  Junior pitcher Sami Beining struck out eight and walked only one in a complete game five-hit performance to earn the shutout.  Junior third baseman Mary Funderlich led the way for the Tiger offense with a four-for-four performance featuring four RBIs and two runs scored.  Sophomore third baseman / courtesy runner Hannah Downing also scored three times for NA as the runner for senior catcher Bonnie Pierson, who stroked three hits in the game. Overall, the North Allegheny Tigers tallied fifteen hits in the game.

The Tigers brought out the extra-base hits in the game, with doubles from freshman designated player Liz Scherer, Pierson, and Funderlich with two. Sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter added a triple for NA to drive in two runs. 

Other NA players with multiple RBIs were Liz Scherer with two and senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis, who also had two in a two-for-five day at the plate. Junior second baseman Emily Hogan also had a perfect day at the plate with two walks and two hits, including a perfectly executed squeeze bunt in the third inning.

The Tiger defense also did its part, playing errorless ball behind Beining to contribute to the shutout.  Solid plays were turned in by the infield and the outfield under less-than-perfect conditions.  NA made it safely home just before the second round of storms hit, victory in hand.

With the win, North Allegheny completes the first half of section play with an overall and Section 3AAAA record of 5-1.  The Tigers next see action on Friday afternoon at Butler in a 3:45 start at the Butler High School field.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 13   NORTH HILLS - 0

WP - Sami Beining (3-0)  LP - Lindsay Wittig

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LADY TIGERS TAME FOXES, 14-0

(4/9/13) The North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball Team traveled to Fox Chapel on Tuesday afternoon and returned home with a 14-0 victory behind the complete game two-hit shutout performance by freshman pitcher Madi Beining, who picked up her second victory of the season without a defeat.  In her performance, Beining struck out eight while walking only one Fox Chapel hitter.

The Tigers struck early and often, scoring three runs in the first inning, four in the second, three in the third, and four the fourth.  The game ended after five innings due to the ten-run rule.  NA brought out the long ball, with home runs coming from senior catcher Bonnie Pierson, whose three-run blast in the first inning, with freshman designated player Elizabeth Scherer and junior shortstop Christine Scherer on base, set the tone for the day; sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter, who homered with sophomore third baseman Hannah Downing on base; and junior designated player Casey Ginocchi, who back-to-backed with Cotter in inning number three.

On the day, the Tigers tallied 17 hits, led by Cotter’s 3 for 5 performance with 5 runs batted in, and Pierson’s 3 for 4 with four runs batted in.  Also collecting multiple hits for NA were Ginocchi (2 for 2), Christine Scherer (2 for 2), senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis (2 for 4), and sophomore right fielder Mackenzie Gostomski (2 for 2).  All sixteen North Allegheny players contributed to the win in a solid team effort, with eleven different players scoring for the Tigers.

The win raises North Allegheny’s overall and Section 3-AAAA record to 4-1.  The Tigers will travel to North Hills’ McIntyre Field on Wednesday afternoon to take on the Indians, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:00 PM.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 14   FOX CHAPEL - 0

WP - Madi Beining (2-0)  LP - Isabella Bungo

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FUNDERLICH SAC FLY LIFTS NA TO WALK-OFF WIN OVER RAMS

by Dave Floyd

(4/8/13) Behind the arm of junior pitcher Sami Beining and the bat of junior third baseman Mary Funderlich, the North Allegheny softball team defeated Pine-Richland 2-1 on Monday evening at NASH Field. Beining struck out eight Pine-Richland batters and Funderlich hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning to propel the Lady Tigers to the key Section 3-AAAA victory over the Rams.

After Beining pitched her way out of a first-and-third situation in the top of the first inning, North Allegheny took an early lead in the bottom of the frame with a two-out rally. Junior catcher Christine Scherer smacked a single and then advanced to second when senior designated player Bonnie Pierson reached on an error by the second baseman. Funderlich then recorded an RBI single to open the scoring.

The Lady Tigers attempted to add to their lead in the second inning when they loaded the bases with two outs, but they were unable to push any of those runners across. Pine-Richland then drew even in the next half inning when senior catcher Alyssa Clark drove in junior centerfielder Maura Kelly from first with a two-out double.

From there, Beining and Rams senior pitcher Izzy Tortorice blanked the opposing offenses until the bottom of the seventh. Following a lineout to lead off the inning, Christine Scherer singled and Pierson doubled to the wall in right center. That set the stage for Funderlich’s clutch sacrifice fly.

Funderlich finished the contest with three total hits, those two big RBI and a couple of solid plays at the hot corner. That was enough to give her the nod as the Wright Automotive Player of the Game. Beining pitched all seven innings, giving up just the one earned run on seven hits and walking no one. Christine Scherer, Pierson and senior left fielder Rachel Pecanis each added a pair of hits for the Lady Tigers.

Both North Allegheny’s overall and section record improved to 3-1 on the young season with Monday’s win. The Lady Tigers are next in action tomorrow afternoon when they travel to Fox Chapel for another Section 3-AAAA matchup. First pitch with the Foxes is set for 3:30 p.m.
 

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 2   PINE-RICHLAND - 1

WP - Sami Beining (2-1)  LP - Izzy Tortorice

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LADY TIGERS REBOUND AGAINST  RAIDERS

(4/6/13) The North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball Team rebounded from a tough loss on Friday to defeat the Seneca Valley Raiders on Saturday afternoon at NASH Softball Field by a final score of 4-3.  Junior pitcher Sami Beining pitched a complete game for the Tigers, allowing five hits while striking out five and walking three.

Offensively, NA was paced by sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter, who went two-for-three, plus a walk, scoring a run and driving in a run. Cotter was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game by the North Allegheny Sports Network. Along with Cotter, junior catcher Christine Scherer also drove in a run for the Tigers in a one-for-three performance.

For Seneca Valley, pitcher Nicki Matz took the loss despite giving up only one earned run, while striking out three and walking three.  The Raiders were led offensively by Alexis Sisko, who went two-for-four with a run scored.

The Tigers did all of their scoring damage in the bottom of the second. Sophomore first baseman Logann Woodley led off the inning with a walk.  Junior Sarah Clogan ran for Woodley, and following two strikeouts, sophomore shortstop Anna Sardon singled Clogan to second. Cotter then followed with a single to score Clogan, when freshman second baseman Liz Scherer reached on an error, Sardon came around to score run number two, and on an ensuing error on the play, Cotter also scored.  Christine Scherer then reached on an error and Liz Scherer scored the Tigers’ fourth and game-winning run.  After the Raiders scored single runs in each of the first three innings, Beining settled in to face only one batter over the minimum the rest of the way.

The win raises North Allegheny’s overall and Section 3-AAAA record to 2-1.  The Tigers will next see action on Monday when they host the Pine-Richland Rams in a Section 3-AAAA contest at NASH Field with a 7:00 PM start.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4   SENECA VALLEY - 3

WP - Sami Beining (1-1)  LP - Nicki Matz

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TITANS THRASH TIGERS, 10-0

(4/5/13) The Shaler Area Titans combined effective pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense to topple North Allegheny from the ranks of the unbeaten in a 10-0, six-inning victory at Hilltop Field in Shaler.  North Allegheny could muster just two singles in the contest, and never posed a serious scoring threat as their record fell to 1-1 in both Section3AAAA and overall play.  Junior pitcher Sami Beining took the loss in the circle, allowing eight hits and nine runs (only three of which were earned) in 3 2/3 innings innings of work, with two walks and two strikeouts.  Freshman pitcher Madi Beining entered the contest in the fourth inning and was touched for one run in the sixth to bring about the final 10-0 margin. Madi Beining had no walks and one strikeout. 

For Shaler Area, winning pitcher Brianna Dobson gave up one hit to freshman designated player Elizabeth Scherer in the first inning and one hit to sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter in the third inning while striking out one and walking one.   Shaler scored two runs in the first inning, seven in the break-it-open fourth inning, and one in the sixth and final inning and was in command throughout the contest.
 
The Tigers will try to bounce back as they host Seneca Valley at 1:00 PM on Saturday in a key section contest to be played at NASH Softball Field.

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
SHALER - 10   NORTH ALLEGHENY - 0 (6 Innings)

WP - Brianna Dobson  LP - Sami Beining (0-1)

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TIGERS SURVIVE TORNADO IN SEASON OPENER

(4/4/13) The North Allegheny Tigers Varsity Softball Team defeated a determined Butler team on Thursday night at the NASH Softball Field, earning a 4-3 victory in eight innings.  Freshman Madi Beining picked up her first varsity win by pitching the last four innings in relief of her sister, junior Sami Beining, who held the Tornado scoreless through four.  Madi Beining pitched solidly as well, allowing only one earned run in her stint in the circle.  Two Tiger errors in the fifth inning contributed to two of Butler's three runs.  The Tigers finally put the game away on a two-out line drive single to left field by junior shortstop Christine Scherer, who went three for four in the game, to drive in the game winner.

For North Allegheny, sophomore center fielder Laura Cotter contributed not only a double at the plate, but also saved at least two runs on two outstanding catches in deep center field.  Freshman designated player Liz Scherer also added a key double for the Tigers which was the big hit in NA's two-run fourth inning.
 
The game was the season opener for the Tigers, who are 1-0 in both overall and Section 3-AAAA play.  The team will travel to Shaler Area on Friday to take on the Titans in a 3:30 start.
 

GAME SUMMARY (Unofficial)
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4   BUTLER - 3 (8 Innings)

WP - Madi Beining (1-0)   LP - Hope Wonderling (0-1)

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Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director Bob
 Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org