Valley View Cougars Win Back-to-Back 4A State Championships 13-8

Update: The Valley View Cougars have secured their place as 4A state champions once again, following a 13-8 victory at Penn State University on Friday. The Archbald softball team outperformed the Blackhawk High School Cougars from Beaver County.

Initially trailing 5-1 at the bottom of the fourth inning, the Valley View Cougars made a remarkable comeback with 9 runs in the subsequent inning, taking the lead.

Update: Abington Heights saw its impressive 20-game winning streak come to an end at the state championship on Thursday.

The Comets, crowned District II 5A champions, managed a single hit in their 10-0 loss. Shaler Area’s grand slam in the fifth inning was pivotal in securing the Titans’ triumph.

In another match, Holy Cross faced defeat with a 7-3 loss to Union Area after a rain-induced delay.

Pine Grove of Schuylkill County claimed victory over Sharon with a 7-1 scoreline, earning the Class 3A championship.

In the realm of state baseball championships, Southern Columbia clinched the Class 2A title with a commanding 9-2 win against Mercyhurst Prep.

Prior story: Three softball teams from Lackawanna County, namely Abington Heights, Holy Cross, and Valley View, set their sights on Penn State this week, each aiming to bring home a state championship.

Coaches and players from these schools emphasize the opportunity to demonstrate the region’s talent, with all three teams having won their respective class’s PIAA Division II titles.

“I think the coaching and the players that we have in the Lackawanna League … are just unmatched. I mean, we go out, and we talk all the time about it, that we are better as teams because of the level of play that we experience on a regular basis,” said Holy Cross Coach Joe Ross. “It’s like a big family with softball in the Lackawanna League.”

Mid Valley, another school, narrowly missed a chance for a state championship game, falling in the semifinals to Pine Grove Area, the defending state champions from Schuylkill County.

Many of the athletes destined for Nittany Lion Softball Park began their journeys on local fields, playing T-ball and coach pitch.

“We all know each other. We’re all friends with each other, we all played together,” said Eva Kane, second baseman for Abington Heights. “It’s so much fun that we all get to experience it.”

As the teams practiced on Tuesday, the players ran through defensive drills, worked on bunts, and fielded pop flies, all under the warm sun, hoping to see gold by the end of the week.

Valley View

Valley View is no stranger to this stage, having experienced the anticipation and excitement of a state championship before.

Set to play Blackhawk from Beaver County, the team is eager to secure consecutive 4A state titles.

“It feels like not even real, because we did the same thing last year,” shared senior pitcher Abbi Call, who is committed to Clemson University. “Just being able to do it again, especially with this group of girls, it just means a lot.”

With a record of 23-3, the Cougars focused their practice on responding to bunts and other key plays. Head coach Mia Wascura, in her third year, emphasizes the importance of consistent practice.

“We practice it, we know it, it becomes muscle memory,” she stated. “We make adjustments, we play, and we move on to the next day.”

Team members attribute their success to strong camaraderie.

“I just think our team’s special, because we were always together,” senior Nevaeh Evans, the first baseman, remarked. “We play together, we’re every single day practicing games… we’re special as a team together.”

Pre-game traditions include a pool party, believed to bring good luck after last year’s success, along with ample rest.

“It’s something you prepare for for so long. There’s no better feeling than winning it,” senior centerfielder Zoie Krupovich expressed.

The team is also enthusiastic about watching their local rivals compete.

“They’re working just as hard to get there as well. I’m really proud of Abington, Holy Cross for making it there, and for the first time in their history ever,” Zoie added.

Holy Cross

With a 21-3 record, the Crusaders returned to fundamentals in preparation for Thursday’s game. The team, formed in 2007 through a merger, is making its debut in the state championship.

Coach Joe Ross, with a decade of experience, highlights the players’ resilience.

“They really just come and play, and they respond to adversity well,” Ross commented.

Senior pitcher Ava Schmidt, who is committed to Moravian University, has been a key figure for the Crusaders this season.

“It’s really exciting. I don’t think any of us expected to get this far,” Schmidt said. “We thought we were going to have a good season, but no one expected to get all the way here, so it’s really exciting.”

The team is set to challenge Union Area of Lawrence County on Thursday at 4 p.m. for the Class 1A title, with enduring friendships remaining a highlight.

“We had a lot of ups and downs, but we’re just a really strong team,” said Peyton Graboske, who will play for Bloomsburg University. “We’re like all best friends.”

Abington Heights

Abington Heights, with a record of 24-1, faces Shaler of Allegheny County at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The team hopes to return to Clarks Summit for graduation that evening, with gold medals in tow.

Junior pitcher Adrianna Condrad, committed to Syracuse University, expresses confidence in her team.

“I don’t think as a pitcher I could ask for a better team to have,” she commented. “There’s not many errors this year, and that just shows as a team they really have my back whenever I’m on the mound.”

Isabella DeRiggi, playing shortstop, highlights the team’s commitment.

“Everyone really sincerely wants each other to do good, and we always just pick each other up,” said DeRiggi. “No matter what happens, we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Abington Heights coach John Kelly, in his 26th year, praises the team’s unity.

“This group is really tight. They really care about each other, and they want to do well for not only themselves but for the team,” Kelly stated.

He looks forward to inspiring future players.

“It’s good for them to see our girls, and to see the excitement, and what softball could bring,” Kelly said. “It’s a great sport. I love this game, and I’m just happy for our girls, and hopefully it filters down to the younger girls that they want to be part of it someday.”

Other games

Beyond Lackawanna County, other teams in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania are also vying for championships.

Pine Grove Area’s softball team will face Sharon for the 3A championship on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

In baseball, Southern Columbia is set to play against Mercyhurst Prep for the 2A championship on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.