Hempfield Wins Second Straight WPIAL Softball Title

Posted on:

The Hempfield softball team captured its second consecutive WPIAL title with a 2-0 victory over the Baldwin Highlanders on Friday at Cal-U’s Lilly Field. It’s the Spartans fourth overall WPIAL crown.

Hempfield starter Morgan Ryan, a Notre Dame recruit, tossed a complete-game four-hit shutout to earn the victory. Ryan didn’t need much run support, but the Spartans offense produced a run in the third inning to take a 1-0 lead when senior shortstop Alexa Pastor singled and later scored on an RBI single by Jenna Osikowicz.

The Spartans added on to the lead in the sixth inning when Madi Stoner blasted a solo homer for a 2-0 lead. Baldwin threatened in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded but left the bases filled when Ryan struck out Carly Santillo to end the inning.

Hempfield improves to 23-2 on the season and will try for a second straight state title. Baldwin falls to 13-4 overall and will take on McDowell in the PIAA playoffs o Monday. The Spartans will play Latrobe on Monday.