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It's state playoff time, and seven Phillyburbs' teams made the cut. See how they fared in first-round action of the 2026 PIAA Softball Championships.
Myah Schwalm was nearly perfect in the circle for Tri-Valley, holding the typically high-scoring Pioneers to two hits and an unearned run. Although Tri-Valley had four errors, it only led to one run crossing the plate for the Pioneers. The Pioneers took the first lead of the game when they scored in the first inning, but the Bulldogs scored twice in the bottom of the inning to erase the deficit.
The sophomore pitched a gem, giving up two hits, no walks and an unearned run in a complete-game victory. At the plate, she was 2-for-3 and scored two runs.
She had two hits, including a double, drove in two runs and scored twice.
The freshman gave up three hits and two runs while striking out four in 3 ⅔ innings of relief.
The Pioneers (16-7) concluded their season with their fourth straight District One Class 1A championship. The team will graduate mainstays Addison Landis (Susquehanna University) and Lydia Ehst (Eastern University field hockey). Landis recorded her 100th career hit in early April. Most of the team, though, will be returning, including sophomore Taelyn Landis, who led the team in hits and RBIs, junior Riley Gahaman, who led in runs and stolen bases, and pitchers Avery Kutnzer and Bella Taylor. Taylor, a freshman, posted a 3.95 ERA and struck out 75 batters in 51 innings while Kutzner, a sophomore, had a 3.32 ERA and walked only 13 batters in 61 innings.
If this games looks familiar, that's because Bristol and Philadelphia Academy Charter played each other in last year's first round game – which Bristol also won in three innings, by a score of 15-0. In three innings, the Warriors racked up 14 hits, 5 walks and 15 runs, while holding PAC to a lone hit. The game was competitive for the first two innings, with neither team scoring a run. But things changed in a hurry when the Warriors piled up 15 runs in the third to take the win.
The senior gave up one hit through three scoreless innings.
Hitting leadoff, Bell went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs.
The catcher drove in three runs.
The sophomore was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
The Warriors (21-1) will face District 11 champions Schuylkill Valley (18-7) in the quarterfinals. Schuylkill Valley defeated District 3 champion Brandywine Heights 3-1 in the first round.
See the Photos: Bristol softball defeated New Hope-Solebury for District One 2A title
One year after being eliminated in the first round by Nazareth, the Jems got their revenge with a dominant win over the Philadelphia Catholic League squad. Unlike last season’s 3-0 game, this year’s contest featured 20 hits and 19 runs. Both teams scored a run in the first inning, and the game remained tied at 3-3 after four innings. But in the fifth, the Jems erupted for eight runs in a wild inning that included three walks, a passed ball, a wild pitch and two batters hit by a pitch. After a bases-loaded walk, Kenzie Peters hit a two-run single, Katie Stanton hit an RBI-single, and Markella Hadgimallis doubled to drive in two more runs.
The freshman went 3-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, three stolen bases and a triple.
The freshman drew three walks and drove in two runs.
She scored three runs.
The Jems will play District 2 champions Mid-Valley in the quarterfinals. Mid-Valley defeated Warrior Run 2-0 in the first round.
While the Golden Bears had three hits compared to Abington Height’s four, the Comets managed to turn those hits into six runs. The Comets took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning, and added four more in the fifth and sixth innings.
The junior Syracuse commit gave up three hits and one walk while striking out 16 in a complete-game shutout. At the plate, she was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBIs.
She hit a two-run home run and scored twice.
She had two of the Golden Bear’s three hits.
The Golden Bears (17-7) were SOL Freedom Division co-champions after a successful season. Most of their starting lineup will return next season, with the exception of seniors Melissa Torpey and Hailey Kramer (PSU Abington basketball). Most notably, Delaney Stout will return for her senior year in the circle, after posting a 1.05 ERA this season. Stout struck out 134 batters this season, surpassing 500 for her career. Top hitters Claire Walton, Taylor Pagano and Brooklyn Kavanagh will also return.
It was Kathryn Jones’ night.
The senior, who had been starting at third base for the past month, was chosen to start in the circle as Souderton began its state championship quest. Jones hadn’t pitched a lot this season, as Souderton regularly rotated several pitchers. But when she got the call, she stepped up – and delivered a historic performance for the Indians.
Jones set herself up for success in the first inning when she hit an RBI-triple to give Souderton a 1-0 lead. That run would end up as the winning run, thanks to Jones’ performance in the circle. Jones pitched a complete-game no-hitter, striking out 13 and allowing only three walks through seven innings. Emmaus’ starting pitcher had a performance good enough to win on most nights – but not on Kathryn Jones’ night.
In her first appearance in the circle in a month, Jones delivered a no-hitter through seven innings. She also drove in Souderton’s first run with a triple.
She had two hits – the only player in the game with more than one.
The junior gave Souderton an insurance run with an RBI-single in the sixth.
The pitcher gave up eight hits, no walks and one earned run through six innings.
Souderton will face District 3 champion Central Dauphin in the quarterfinals. Central Dauphin, the 6A defending state champions, defeated North Penn 3-1 in the first round.
The Knights had the toughest draw in the Class 6A bracket: facing defending champions Central Dauphin in the first round.
The District 3 titleists were 23-1 entering today’s game behind standout sophomore pitcher Autumn Andreoli, who was the winning pitcher in last year’s PIAA Class 6A championship game. Andreoli was stellar again today, giving up four hits, two walks and one earned run while striking out 12 in the complete game win.
Knights’ star pitcher Felicia Connolly was also solid in the circle, giving up seven hits and two walks while striking out eight. The Rams scored two runs in the third inning and added another in the fourth. The Knights scored a run in the seventh inning, but were limited to a lone run by Andreoli.
She gave up four hits, two walks and one run while striking out 12 to secure the win.
She was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, one stolen base and one run scored.
The sophomore was 2-for-2 and scored the Knights’ run.
The senior doubled and drove in the Knights’ run.
After a stellar season, the Knights (21-4) will graduate two-year starting Felicia Connolly (Villanova), four-year starter and gold-glove third baseman Tallie Smink (Shippensburg), outfielder Cailin Halfpenny (Jefferson) and utility player Brandi Groarke (East Stroudsburg). They will return junior Gabby Battavio and an impressive group of sophomores, including Alana Battavio, Alana Drummond and Gabriella Brigidi. As for pitching? The Knights always have someone waiting in the wings, so stay tuned for next spring!
Chambersburg scored five runs in the fifth and sixth innings for a comeback win and a heartbreaking loss for Pennsbury. While the Lancers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Pennsbury scored four runs in the third inning to go up 4-1. While the Falcons tallied 10 hits, compared to the Lancers’ seven, Chambersburg’s two unearned runs in the first and third innings turned out to be crucial.
Her sacriice fly in the sixth inning tied the game.
Her two-out, two-run single in the sixth gave the Lancers a 7-5 lead.
She was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
She had two hits, including a double, scored twice and drove in a run.
She had two hits, drew a walk and drove in a run.
The freshman gave up seven hits and struck out six in six innings; at the plate, she was 2-for-3 with one RBI.
The Falcons (23-6) had a stellar season, advancing to the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2022. They defeated North Penn twice – once during the regular season, and again in the fifth-place district playback game – something few teams have done over the past decade. They will be losing some firepower from the lineup, graduating senior sluggers Liv Czerniak (West Chester), Bella Morales (Southern Connecticut State), Jenna Thompson (Purdue) and Jaylynn Rodweller (Alvernia). However, the Falcons have found their pitcher for the next three years in freshman Paige Fidishun. Other promising underclassmen include Ryen Rittersbach, Aubrey Bedell, Gia Riannello, and Kaelyn Crocker.
See the Photos: Pennsbury, Chambersburg softball in PIAA first round
*All games Thursday, June 4.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County teams play first round in PIAA softball championships
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Class 1A: (11-1) Tri-Valley 7, (1-1) DockMennonite1
Myah Schwalm was nearly perfect in the circle for Tri-Valley, holding the typically high-scoring Pioneers to two hits and an unearned run. Although Tri-Valley had four errors, it only led to one run crossing the plate for the Pioneers. The Pioneers took the first lead of the game when they scored in the first inning, but the Bulldogs scored twice in the bottom of the inning to erase the deficit.
Top Performances:
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Myah Schwalm, Tri-Valley
The sophomore pitched a gem, giving up two hits, no walks and an unearned run in a complete-game victory. At the plate, she was 2-for-3 and scored two runs.
Liv Witmer, Tri-Valley
She had two hits, including a double, drove in two runs and scored twice.
Bella Taylor, Dock Mennonite
The freshman gave up three hits and two runs while striking out four in 3 ⅔ innings of relief.
What’s Next for Dock Mennonite:
The Pioneers (16-7) concluded their season with their fourth straight District One Class 1A championship. The team will graduate mainstays Addison Landis (Susquehanna University) and Lydia Ehst (Eastern University field hockey). Landis recorded her 100th career hit in early April. Most of the team, though, will be returning, including sophomore Taelyn Landis, who led the team in hits and RBIs, junior Riley Gahaman, who led in runs and stolen bases, and pitchers Avery Kutnzer and Bella Taylor. Taylor, a freshman, posted a 3.95 ERA and struck out 75 batters in 51 innings while Kutzner, a sophomore, had a 3.32 ERA and walked only 13 batters in 61 innings.
Class 2A: (1-1) Bristol 15, (12-1) Philadelphia Academy Charter 0
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If this games looks familiar, that's because Bristol and Philadelphia Academy Charter played each other in last year's first round game – which Bristol also won in three innings, by a score of 15-0. In three innings, the Warriors racked up 14 hits, 5 walks and 15 runs, while holding PAC to a lone hit. The game was competitive for the first two innings, with neither team scoring a run. But things changed in a hurry when the Warriors piled up 15 runs in the third to take the win.
Top Performances:
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Brianna Slack, Bristol
The senior gave up one hit through three scoreless innings.
Amirah Bell, Bristol
Hitting leadoff, Bell went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs.
Grace Boyle, Bristol
The catcher drove in three runs.
Bella Nieves, Bristol
The sophomore was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
What’s Next for Bristol?
The Warriors (21-1) will face District 11 champions Schuylkill Valley (18-7) in the quarterfinals. Schuylkill Valley defeated District 3 champion Brandywine Heights 3-1 in the first round.
See the Photos: Bristol softball defeated New Hope-Solebury for District One 2A title
Class 3A: 1-1 Villa Joseph Marie 13, 12-1 Nazareth Academy 6
One year after being eliminated in the first round by Nazareth, the Jems got their revenge with a dominant win over the Philadelphia Catholic League squad. Unlike last season’s 3-0 game, this year’s contest featured 20 hits and 19 runs. Both teams scored a run in the first inning, and the game remained tied at 3-3 after four innings. But in the fifth, the Jems erupted for eight runs in a wild inning that included three walks, a passed ball, a wild pitch and two batters hit by a pitch. After a bases-loaded walk, Kenzie Peters hit a two-run single, Katie Stanton hit an RBI-single, and Markella Hadgimallis doubled to drive in two more runs.
Top Performances:
Suzie Adams, Villa Joseph Marie
The freshman went 3-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, three stolen bases and a triple.
Katie Stanton, Villa Joseph Marie
The freshman drew three walks and drove in two runs.
Anya Frabizzio, Villa Joseph Marie
She scored three runs.
What's Next for Villa Joseph Marie:
The Jems will play District 2 champions Mid-Valley in the quarterfinals. Mid-Valley defeated Warrior Run 2-0 in the first round.
Class 5A: (2-1) Abington Heights 6, (1-4) Upper Moreland 0
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While the Golden Bears had three hits compared to Abington Height’s four, the Comets managed to turn those hits into six runs. The Comets took a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning, and added four more in the fifth and sixth innings.
Top Performances:
Adrianna Conrad, Abington Heights
The junior Syracuse commit gave up three hits and one walk while striking out 16 in a complete-game shutout. At the plate, she was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBIs.
Eva Kane, Abington Heights
She hit a two-run home run and scored twice.
Claire Walton, Upper Moreland
She had two of the Golden Bear’s three hits.
What's Next for Upper Moreland?
The Golden Bears (17-7) were SOL Freedom Division co-champions after a successful season. Most of their starting lineup will return next season, with the exception of seniors Melissa Torpey and Hailey Kramer (PSU Abington basketball). Most notably, Delaney Stout will return for her senior year in the circle, after posting a 1.05 ERA this season. Stout struck out 134 batters this season, surpassing 500 for her career. Top hitters Claire Walton, Taylor Pagano and Brooklyn Kavanagh will also return.
Class 6A: (1-2) Souderton 2, (11-2) Emmaus 0
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It was Kathryn Jones’ night.
The senior, who had been starting at third base for the past month, was chosen to start in the circle as Souderton began its state championship quest. Jones hadn’t pitched a lot this season, as Souderton regularly rotated several pitchers. But when she got the call, she stepped up – and delivered a historic performance for the Indians.
Jones set herself up for success in the first inning when she hit an RBI-triple to give Souderton a 1-0 lead. That run would end up as the winning run, thanks to Jones’ performance in the circle. Jones pitched a complete-game no-hitter, striking out 13 and allowing only three walks through seven innings. Emmaus’ starting pitcher had a performance good enough to win on most nights – but not on Kathryn Jones’ night.
Top Performances:
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Kathryn Jones, Souderton
In her first appearance in the circle in a month, Jones delivered a no-hitter through seven innings. She also drove in Souderton’s first run with a triple.
Ava Detwiler, Souderton
She had two hits – the only player in the game with more than one.
Emma Messmer, Souderton
The junior gave Souderton an insurance run with an RBI-single in the sixth.
Mari Eiswerth, Emmaus
The pitcher gave up eight hits, no walks and one earned run through six innings.
What’s Next for Souderton:
Souderton will face District 3 champion Central Dauphin in the quarterfinals. Central Dauphin, the 6A defending state champions, defeated North Penn 3-1 in the first round.
Class 6A: (3-1) Central Dauphin 3, (1-6) North Penn 1
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The Knights had the toughest draw in the Class 6A bracket: facing defending champions Central Dauphin in the first round.
The District 3 titleists were 23-1 entering today’s game behind standout sophomore pitcher Autumn Andreoli, who was the winning pitcher in last year’s PIAA Class 6A championship game. Andreoli was stellar again today, giving up four hits, two walks and one earned run while striking out 12 in the complete game win.
Knights’ star pitcher Felicia Connolly was also solid in the circle, giving up seven hits and two walks while striking out eight. The Rams scored two runs in the third inning and added another in the fourth. The Knights scored a run in the seventh inning, but were limited to a lone run by Andreoli.
Top Performances:
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Autumn Andreoli, Central Dauphin
She gave up four hits, two walks and one run while striking out 12 to secure the win.
Isabel Rodriguez, Central Dauphin
She was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, one stolen base and one run scored.
Gabriella Brigidi, North Penn
The sophomore was 2-for-2 and scored the Knights’ run.
Brandi Groarke, North Penn
The senior doubled and drove in the Knights’ run.
What's Next for North Penn?
After a stellar season, the Knights (21-4) will graduate two-year starting Felicia Connolly (Villanova), four-year starter and gold-glove third baseman Tallie Smink (Shippensburg), outfielder Cailin Halfpenny (Jefferson) and utility player Brandi Groarke (East Stroudsburg). They will return junior Gabby Battavio and an impressive group of sophomores, including Alana Battavio, Alana Drummond and Gabriella Brigidi. As for pitching? The Knights always have someone waiting in the wings, so stay tuned for next spring!
Class 6A: (3-2) Chambersburg 7, (1-5) Pennsbury 5
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Chambersburg scored five runs in the fifth and sixth innings for a comeback win and a heartbreaking loss for Pennsbury. While the Lancers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Pennsbury scored four runs in the third inning to go up 4-1. While the Falcons tallied 10 hits, compared to the Lancers’ seven, Chambersburg’s two unearned runs in the first and third innings turned out to be crucial.
Top Performances:
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Erissa Varner, Chambersburg
Her sacriice fly in the sixth inning tied the game.
Addison Gsell, Chambersburg
Her two-out, two-run single in the sixth gave the Lancers a 7-5 lead.
Marley Onomastico, Chambersburg
She was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
Jenna Thompson, Pennsbury
She had two hits, including a double, scored twice and drove in a run.
Syd Kandravi, Pennsbury
She had two hits, drew a walk and drove in a run.
Paige Fidishun, Pennsbury
The freshman gave up seven hits and struck out six in six innings; at the plate, she was 2-for-3 with one RBI.
What's Next for Pennsbury?
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The Falcons (23-6) had a stellar season, advancing to the PIAA playoffs for the first time since 2022. They defeated North Penn twice – once during the regular season, and again in the fifth-place district playback game – something few teams have done over the past decade. They will be losing some firepower from the lineup, graduating senior sluggers Liv Czerniak (West Chester), Bella Morales (Southern Connecticut State), Jenna Thompson (Purdue) and Jaylynn Rodweller (Alvernia). However, the Falcons have found their pitcher for the next three years in freshman Paige Fidishun. Other promising underclassmen include Ryen Rittersbach, Aubrey Bedell, Gia Riannello, and Kaelyn Crocker.
See the Photos: Pennsbury, Chambersburg softball in PIAA first round
The PIAA softball quarterfinal matchups:
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*All games Thursday, June 4.
Class 6A
- 1-2 Souderton vs. 3-1 Central Dauphin, 3 p.m. at Exeter Township.
Class 3A
- 1-1 Villa Joseph Marie vs. 2-1 Mid-Valley, 2 p.m. at Parkland.
Class 2A
- 1-1Bristol vs. 11-1 Schuylkill Haven, 4 p.m. at Parkland,
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County teams play first round in PIAA softball championships
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