Penn-Trafford Softball Clinches Spot In First PIAA Championship Game

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For the first time in program history, the Penn-Trafford softball team will be playing for a state championship.

The Warriors, who entered the Class 5A PIAA tournament as the No. 3 seed, survived District 3 runner-up, Donegal, 5-4 at Mt. Aloysius College on Tuesday afternoon.

Penn-Trafford flirted with danger throughout the game, but was able to escape multiple times. In the fifth inning, Donegal had bases loaded and no outs, but junior Morgan Hilty was able to get out of the jam unscathed.

Freshman Mia Smith came on in relief to record the final six outs, including striking out Donegal’s best hitter to end the game.

The Warriors offense had an answer for Donegal all day long. In the bottom of the first inning, senior Morgan Nedley tied the score 2-2 on a bunt single.

Junior Jess Lichota gave Penn-Trafford its first lead of the game in the second inning with a double off the fence and scored later on a wild pitch.

After seeing Donegal regain a 4-3 lead, senior Emma Armstrong delivered what would be the game-winning two RBI single in the fourth inning.

With the win, Penn-Trafford improves to 22-2 on the season. The Warriors will battle District 3 third place team, Lampeter Strasburg in the Class 5A PIAA Championship Game at 4 p.m. on Friday at Penn State University’s Beard Field.