Softball News

by: Bob Orkwis

With the early spring weather causing postponements for both Hempfield and North Allegheny, both teams were finally able to play their Section 1-6A opener in Wexford.

Hempfield defeated North Allegheny 10-0 behind a strong pitching performance from Julia Varhola.

Varhola, a senior James Madison recruit, struck out eight of the first nine Tigers batters she faced, and finished with 12 strikeouts while allowing just one hit to pick up the victory.

After a scoreless first inning, the Spartans plated a pair of runs in the second, courtesy of a no out two-run triple by Emily Bozek.

Sophomore starting pitcher Cailyn Wateska was able to bear down for the Tigers, as she stranded Bozek at third.

Hempfield loaded the bases in the fourth inning and plated an unearned run, but again Wateska held strong, leaving the bases loaded.

North Allegheny got its only hit of the game with one out in the bottom of the fourth, when Leah Carlson reached on a bunt single.

Hempfield built the lead to 5-0 in the fifth. Jaelyn Luft doubled and scored on a Lauren Howard triple. Howard, who is headed to Virginia, then scored on a groundout.

The Spartans doubled their lead in the top of the sixth inning.

Faith Orczeck led off with a double and scored on Hailey Uhrinek’s pinch hit single. After a walk, Marist recruit Claire Mitchell drove in a pair with a base hit. She would score on Luft’s single and Luft made it 10-0 when she scored on Howard’s sacrifice fly.

North Allegheny (0-2, 0-1) went down in order in the bottom of the sixth, and Hempfield (3-1, 1-0) had a 10-0 road win in six innings.

Senior third baseman Erin Fadgen, one of just two 12^th graders on the Tigers roster this season, was chosen as the Wright Automotive Player of the Game. Fadgen was honored for her solid defensive play at the hot corner, handling five chances, several of high quality, flawlessly.

Seneca Valley is set to visit North Allegheny tomorrow night for another section tilt beginning at 7PM. That game, weather and field conditions permitting, will be broadcast on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Softball Summary vs. Mt. Lebanon, 5-2-25

Score By Innings	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
Hempfield	0	2	0	1	2	5	X	10	10	0
North Allegheny	0	0	0	0	0	0	X	0	1	4

WP - Julia Varhola
LP - Cailyn Wateska