Tigers split with Bethel Park to open the season

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by: Slow-Pitch Softball Contributor

In the 2024 season home opener, North Allegheny split with Bethel Park in Slow-Pitch Softball at Marshall Middle School. The Blackhawks defeated the Tigers 19-3 in Game One of the doubleheader. In Game Two, the Tigers emerged victorious with a score of 7-6. 

North Allegheny started the game on defense, with senior Emily Sobehart on the mound. Bethel Park took an early lead in the top of the 1st inning. Despite solid defensive plays from the Tigers, including catches by Olivia Klaich (junior) and Amara Daugherty (sophomore), Bethel Park’s offense managed to score two runs. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Klaich, Lily Daugherty (sophomore), Anna Kovacic (junior), and Claudia Kushon (junior) all singled, but the inning ended 2-0 Bethel Park.

The second inning was marked by effective defense from both sides. Kushon, A. Daugherty, and Kovacic made outs, holding the Blackhawks scoreless. The Tigers continued to face challenges in the bottom of the inning, failing to bring runners home despite singles from Emily Marangoni (senior) and Mady Daugherty (senior).

In the top of the 3rd inning, Bethel Park extended their lead to 5-0. Kushon made the first out at shortstop, and Marangoni ended the inning with a double play, making the out at first and throwing to Emily Clark (junior) at 3rd. Despite a promising rally in the bottom of the 3rd, with key singles by Sienna Pizzica (senior), Hannah Anderson (senior), Clark, Kovacic and a double from L. Daugherty, the Tigers could only score 2 runs, bringing the score to 5-2.

The game continued to tilt in Bethel Park’s favor in the top of the 4th inning, where they added another run, making it 6-2. North Allegheny fought back in the bottom of the 4th with a double by Marangoni and an RBI single from A. Daugherty, narrowing the gap to 6-3. However, Bethel Park’s dominance became more apparent as they scored 3 more runs in the top of the 5th inning, increasing their lead to 9-3.

Despite some promising moments in the bottom of the 5th, where the Tigers loaded the bases with singles by L. Daugherty, Marangoni, and a walk to Kovacic, they were unable to capitalize. Bethel Park’s offense continued to add runs, ending the game with a 19-3 lead in the top of the 6th inning. In the bottom of the 6th, despite walks and solid attempts, the Tigers could not close the gap, resulting in a victory for the Blackhawks.

In a thrilling second game of the matchup, North Allegheny edged out Bethel Park with a narrow 7-6 victory. The game began with the Tigers showcasing a strong offensive start.  L. Daugherty’s single and Kovacic’s triple, followed by RBIs from Kushon and Marangoni, put the Tigers ahead 2-0. In the bottom of the first inning, senior Marangoni was on the pitcher’s mound. Kushon connected with Sobehart at 1st for an out. The inning ended 2-1 Tigers.

The top of the 2nd inning saw North Allegheny extend their lead to 4-1 with a double from Pizzica and singles by A. Daugherty  and Clark. The Tiger defense showcased resilience in the bottom of the 2nd with a key double play by L. Daugherty, Kushon and Sobehart, keeping the score at 4-1.

The Tigers continued their offensive pressure in the top of the 3rd inning with Kovacic hitting a triple and additional RBIs from Marangoni’s and Sobehart’s singles and M. Daugherty’s double, making it 7-1. However, Bethel Park surged back in the bottom of the 3rd with aggressive hitting and strong defensive plays, closing the gap to 7-6. A. Daugherty, M. Daugherty and Kushon made nice grabs to get to three outs.

The game remained tight through the 4th inning, with both teams unable to score, despite Clark’s double and Anderson’s single. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Kovacic made a throw to L. Daugherty for an out at 2nd, and Klaich and A. Daugherty made crucial catches in the outfield. In the 5th inning, Kushon, M. Daugherty, and Sobehart had singles, but no runs were scored. On defense, Pizzica made a crucial out at home, keeping the score 7-6.

The drama intensified in the final innings. In the top of the 6th, the Tigers could not add to their lead, while Bethel Park’s defense held firm. The bottom of the 6th featured impressive defensive plays by L. Daugherty, Kushon, Sobehart, and Kovacic, with a double play and a crucial catch in right field.

In the 7th inning, the Tigers faced strong resistance from the Blackhawks but managed to maintain their lead. In the bottom of the 7th, the Tigers closed out the game with strong defensive plays from A. Daugherty, L. Daugherty, and Kushon, sealing a 7-6 victory.

The game was a testament to the Tigers’ resilience and strategic play, securing a narrow win against a determined Bethel Park. North Allegheny starts the season 1-1. The Tigers will be in action next Sunday when they head to West Allegheny to face the Indians at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.