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Lady Panthers in the Meadville Tribune 

  March 30, 2024

Softball

Timely hitting

Pratt’s sixth-inning single lifts Saegertown over Conneaut 4-2

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

SAEGERTOWN — With two outs and a tied game in the sixth inning, Saegertown sophomore Maddy Pratt belted a two RBI single to right field and vaulted the Panthers into the driver’s seat late.

Saegertown went on to defeat Conneaut 4-2 in the non-region matchup at Bertram Park on Friday. In the top of the seventh inning, Saegertown senior Mikaila Obenrader struck out two Conneaut batters and forced a third into a groundout to ensure the Panthers’ victory.

Pratt’s single brought Obenrader and Rhiannon Paris home. Paris singled and Obenrader drilled a double to the wall, about two feet short of a home run. Pratt walked to the plate with two runners in scoring position.

“That’s one of the most difficult parts of this game — timely hitting. I am very impressed each time it seems she (Pratt) is up with a lot of pressure she is able to calm herself and we always stress look for your pitch or something you can use to produce,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Krider said. “She was patient, waited and found something she could use.”

The two-run sixth inning was just one of two innings in the game that produced a run. It was mostly a

pitcher’s duel between Obenrader and Conneaut senior Kylie Shrock.

Conneaut left a runner stranded at second base in the top of the second and the third. In the fourth inning, an Emily Vennare single brought Lainie Harrington home for the first score of the game. Shrock then scored on a fielder’s choice to give Conneaut a 2-0 lead and some momentum into the bottom half of the inning.

That momentum was swiftly extinguished. Paris drew a walk before Obenrader sent a ball over the fence for a tworun home run. Her deep shot tied the game at 2. From there, Conneaut had zero hits in the final three innings. Obenrader, a division I commit to Canisius University, finished the game with 14 strikeouts and zero walks.

“I told the girls that this is probably the best pitcher we’ll see all year,” Conneaut head coach Jason Onderko said. “We were able to put the ball in play when we needed to and we were able to steal some bases when we wanted to and advance runners and so on. But there are always things to work on and continue to improve on.”

Conneaut got hits from Harrington, Vennare and Jill Mihoci. In the circle, Shrock had six strikeouts and one walk.

Overall, it was an encouraging game for Onderko.

“We were pretty pleased with the effort we had with everybody. We are an extremely young team now,” Onderko said. “We only carried essentially

two returning starters today from last year’s team, but we were overall pretty well pleased with everything we saw today.”

Conneaut is scheduled to play a Region 5 game at General McLane on Tuesday.

Saegertown was led by Obenrader who was 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Paris also scored two runs and Pratt had two RBIs.

The Panthers are scheduled to play at rival Cambridge Springs on Tuesday.

“It is early and our first game. We definitely have some things we have to work on to make us better as we move throughout the season,” Krider said. “I loved the chatter. The girls have high energy right now and that’s one of the hardest things is maintain that momentum as we move through a long and a cold start to the season. We had good energy, good chatter and I think we composed ourselves well.”

March 30, 2024

Softball

Softball preview: Area teams vie for regular season, postseason success

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Local softball teams return a lot of talent this spring as teams battle for the right to hoist a District 10 trophy on Memorial Day.

Seventeen all-region selections, a District 10 champion, a Division I commit and numerous talented players will battle for the Region 2 and Region 5 titles, as well as a district title and beyond.

Meadville

The Meadville softball program has steadily improved with head coach Renee Ashton leading the Bulldogs. Last season saw Meadville qualify for the District 10 playoffs, with Conneaut beating the Bulldogs in the opening round.

“Last year was definitely a step forward for the MASH softball program. We are excited to continue the growth and progress we have been working hard to achieve,” Ashton said. “The next step is to keep building and developing an elite team. Our goals are always to work hard to perfect our strengths and strengthen our weaknesses.

“We now have an experienced and a talented core that can definitely go far in our Region, and the ultimate goal is to win the D-10 championship.”

Last year’s team belted 28 home runs. Kendall Mealy, a returning junior, led the way with six. She also led the team in batting average (.484), hits (31), runs (27), RBI (23) and triples (2).

In the circle, Rylee Kregel returns as the ace after striking out 80 batters last year. Kregel, Lila Kightlinger and Grace Curtiss should split time pitching.

“The experience these players have is going to help with their confidence going into big games. They have worked their way up to this level of play and they are seeing the big picture more clearly,” Ashton said. “Rylee, Grace and Lila, along with junior catcher Teagan Reichel, are going to have a huge role in our success this year.

“All of these players are also dangerous at the plate. Kendall and sophomore Addyson Kregel are phenomenal middle infielder and hitters. They work together so well and will come up with the big plays and hits in the big moments.”

Meadville will compete for a Region 5 title with Conneaut, Cathedral Prep, General McLane,

Warren, Erie and McDowell. The Bulldogs lost their season opener in an overtime loss to Cochranton, but beat Hickory 13-0 in their home-opener on Thursday.

Conneaut

No team lost more firepower to graduation than Conneaut did. The Eagles graduated two all-state players in Brooke Wise and Linda Shepard, as well as all-region selection Kaley Cook.

Conneaut was 13-7 last season and lost in the District 10 semifinal game to Cathedral Prep, 2-1. The Eagles won a playoff game last year and the season before. Despite all the success, the Eagles return just a handful of starters.

“Losing Brooke Wise and Linda Shepard will be hard to replace their production at the plate, work ethic toward the sport, and in the circle, but we have a nice core group of starters from last year’s team and a bunch of young talented ladies ready to prove themselves,” Conneaut head coach Jason Onderko said. “Kylie Shrock and Jaidyn Jordan are returning seniors from our starting lineup that will be stepping up in the leadership role, as well as our returning junior catcher Lainie Harrington.”

Harrington was a first-team all-region catcher as a sophomore. Schrock was an all-region designated player. Also on the all-region second-team was Jordan, at outfield.

“Our varsity and JV team has had a lot of success over the last few years, and we view this year as a reloading year,” Onderko said. “With the amount of talent we have coming up, we view this season as being competitive within ourselves and against our opponents. We want the girls to come in everyday and ‘Learn from it, grow from it and do something about it.’” Top returning batters are Jordan, Shrock and Harrington. Jordan had a .485 average with 16 hits and 13 runs. Shrock and Harrington added nine and eight hits, respectively.

In the circle, Onderko expects Shrock and Jordan to lead the way.

“Seniors Kylie and Jaidyn are expected to see a lot of time in the circle this year as well as our sophomore Kaylin Faust,” Onderko said. “Our top offensive players coming back from last year are Kylie, Jaidyn, Lainie and we expect to see big strides from Jillian Mihoci, Courtney and Emily Vennare, and Hailey Gilliland.”

Young players that could make an impact this season are Riley Miller, Bailey Absten, Abby Potts, BreAnne Dendis, Carmen Bowman and Charlee Sharp.

Conneaut opened the season with a 4-2 loss at Saegertown on Friday. The Eagles are scheduled to enter region play next week.

Cambridge Springs

Cambridge Springs won a District 10 Class 1A championship last season. Eight seniors are gone from that squad, but this year’s Blue Devils are young and talented.

Last year’s team motto was ‘Live by 10.’ This year, Cambridge Springs head coach Angie Mumford aims to have her team unleash.

”Unleash. Unleash everything. Unleash our fear, unleash anything that’s holding you back,” Mumford said. “Play all out by unleashing that fear.”

Helping to unleash it all will be senior outfielder and returning all-region Kylee Miller.

”Kylee Miller is our leader,” Mumford said. “She is our center fielder, she’s started there all these years. We’re excited for her senior season and she is definitely our leader.”

In the circle, sophomore Kayla Crawford will be the ace after splitting time with Hailee Rodgers last season. Sophomore catcher Morgan Dunton also returns with another year of varsity softball under her belt.

“We’ve changed a lot of positions because we graduated eight from last year’s team,” Mumford said. “We had a number of girls who worked hard this offseason and they’re stepping into those new roles.”

Sophomore Jaydan Simmons returns at third base and Jayden Newell will be the full-time shortstop after splitting time last season.

“Triniti Caldwell, Sydney Zilhaver and Payton Leandro are all going to play key positions for us,” Mumford said. “Quinn Eaglen is also going to step into one of those key roles.”

“Our goal this season is to peak at the right time. We know that we are young, but we’re young and talented,” Mumford said. “If we can put it all together and peak at the right time, good things are going to happen.”

Maplewood

Maplewood ended last season 11-5 overall and was in contention for a region title. It’s a big improvement from 7-8 in 2022 and five wins in 2021. To make the leap to a region title, the Tigers will have to do so with a new head coach.

Jeremy Post is in for Brad Crawford and Post is set to lead the Tigers.

“I’m a Maplewood Alumnus. I have a great deal of pride for our school and the Maplewood community, and I love this sport,” Post said. “I started out coaching in Little League, then a few years coaching travel softball teams, and I have been on staff with MHS Softball for three seasons prior to this season.”

Post, having seen the Tigers improvement over the past couple years, wants to see his team continue to improve.

“I expect that our team will continue the progress that we’ve seen in the past few seasons. Winning a region championship has been our goal for a few years. That is still our goal,” Post said. “The team has improved each of the past couple years. We have to stay focused and work hard. We can’t assume that we’re just going to be better without putting in the work.”

The only senior gone is McKenna Crawford, a first-team all-region outfielder. The rest of the starting lineup is slated to return, including junior pitcher Rhinn Post. Post is entering her third season starting in the circle.

“Rhinn continues to develop nicely. We’re looking forward to another great season from her,” Post said. “Freshman Jorja Holeva is coming in looking strong, as well as some others.”

Offensively, the team should be balanced, according to Post.

“There are several that seem to have put in the work during the off-season to take a big step offensively. The whole collective seems to be solid. We’ve been focusing on offense,” Post said. “There are few more consistent than Jocelynn Lane. She’s been very dependable in the batter’s box.

“Izzy Somerville really showed us last season that she has what it takes in the outfield. Madyson Banik continues to be a strong member of our team and Sheila Despenes should have a great season. She’s a great leader on and off the field.”

Maplewood opened the season with a 12-1 win against Eisenhower on Wednesday. The Tigers will battle Cambridge Springs, Cochranton, Saegertown, Iroquois, Rocky Grove, Youngsville and Eisenhower for the Region 2 crown.

Saegertown

The Saegertown Panthers suffered a disappointing first-round exit in last season’s District 10 playoffs, but return an experienced group of starters this season.

Last year’s loss was tough to swallow, but the team is focused on improving and learning from it, head coach Jenn Krider said.

“While it definitely was a hard hit at the time, our focus is always learning from our mistakes and moving forward. We stress that as the season progresses we need to become better and more consistent with executing the little things, controlling our response to failure and the ability to remain focused,” Krider said. “It is about maintaining our urgency throughout a long and unpredictable season, constantly improving and peaking at the right time.”

Helping the Panthers peak at the right time is returning ace Mikaila Obenrader. Obenrader, a Division I commit to Canisius University, delivered 192 strikeouts last season and 11 earned runs.

Obenrader also posted the team’s best batting average (.434). She led the team in RBIs (20), home runs (4), triples (4) and doubles (4). Also returning offensively is Rylie Braymer, who led the team in hits with 20 and had 24 runs a year ago.

“Every year we set our expectations for performance at a high level. We have a core group of very talented and experienced players who have been a part of a history making season with this program,” Krider said. “We expect this experience and confidence to motivate and set the tone for each practice and game.”

Also returning with a batting average above .300 is Maggie Triola, Maddy Pratt, Rhia Paris and Alyssa Arblaster. Pratt, a sophomore, is expected to play a big role offensively and defensively, Krider said.

Saegertown is a Class 2A team, but competes in Region 2 with mostly 1A teams, including Cambridge Springs, Cochranton, Eisenhower, Youngsville, Rocky Grove, Iroquois and Maplewood (2A).

Cochranton

Cochranton softball played for a District 10 championship in 2022, but suffered a first-round exit last season. What do the Cardinals need to do this season to return to a D-10 title appearance? According to head coach Mark McGuire, they need to play their own brand of softball.

“We need to play Cochranton softball, to put it in a nutshell,” McGuire said. “Play our game, no one else’s.”

The Cardinals will lean on senior Brooklyn Needler in the circle, but Mc-Guire has a couple of arms he can utilize this season.

Needler struck out 74 batters and allowed 41 earned runs last season in 89 innings of action. Junior Dani Hoffman fanned 51 batters in 27 innings. Claire Mc-Cartney and Jadin Frayer, a sophomore and a freshman, will also see time pitching.

Offensively, McGuire will look to Hoffman and Needler to lead the team. Hoffman has the highest returning batting average (.333) while Needler had 14 hits a season ago. Other players Mc-Guire expects to step up are Peyton Miller, McCartney and Addi Custead.

Young players playing big roles this season are Mara Swartz at third base, Reagann McClain at second base and Custead at shortstop.

As for goals this season, McGuire put it simply.

“We plan on playing on Memorial Day Monday,” AKA, play for a D-10 championship.

Cochranton opened the season with an 8-7 overtime win against Meadville. Frayer had a home run in her freshman debut and Needler earned the win in the circle.

April 4, 2024

Softball

Boys and Girls athletes of the week: Luc Soerensen, Meadville volleyball & Mikaila Obenrader, Saegertown softball

Meadville sophomore outside hitter Luc Soerensen tallied 17 kills and six digs for the Bulldogs in a 3-1 win against Saegertown last week.

Saegertown senior Mikaila Obenrader was 3-for-3 in a 4-2 win last week with one home run, two runs and two RBIs. In the circle, Obenrader struck out 14 batters and gave up one earned run.

SAEGERTOWN VS. ROCKY GROVE

Rocky Grove (1) Jacoby 3-0-0-0, Cratty 2-0-0-0, Rice 3-1-1-0, Mawhinney 3-0-0-0, Montgomery 3-0-0-0, Cresswell 2-0-0-0, Cresswell 2-0-0-0, Tucker. 2-0-0-0, Taylor 1-0-0-0, Kennedy 1-0-0-0. Totals 22-1-1-0.

Saegertown (4) (AB-R-H-BI) Braymer 4-1-1-1, Arblaster 3-1-2-0, Paris 4-1-2-0, Obenrader 3-1-0-2,Pratt 3-0-1-0, Triola 3-0-1-1, Mook 3-0-1-0, Halsey 2-0-0-0, McGill 2-0-0-0, Brauen 1-1-0-0. Totals 28-4-9-4.

Rocky Grove 000 000 1 — 1 1 1 

Saegertown 310 000 x — 4 9 2 

BATTING PITCHING 

RG— Cresswell 6-9-4-4-0-2;

S— Obenrader 7-1-11-1-17-0.

April 4, 2024

Softball

Boys and Girls athletes of the week: Luc Soerensen, Meadville volleyball & Mikaila Obenrader, Saegertown softball

Meadville sophomore outside hitter Luc Soerensen tallied 17 kills and six digs for the Bulldogs in a 3-1 win against Saegertown last week.

Saegertown senior Mikaila Obenrader was 3-for-3 in a 4-2 win last week with one home run, two runs and two RBIs. In the circle, Obenrader struck out 14 batters and gave up one earned run.

April 8, 2024

Softball

Cambridge softball beats Saegertown in 10 innings

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

SAEGERTOWN — Cambridge Springs beat Saegertown 6-3 in 10 innings at Bertram Park on Saturday in a Region 2 battle.

In the top of the 10th inning, Kylee Miller was intentionally walked. A single from Jayden Newell loaded the bases with no outs before a Triniti Caldwell single scored Jada Murawski from third base to break the tie. Morgan Dunton followed with a double to add two runs and push the Devils ahead 6-3.

Cambridge pitcher Kayla Crawford forced Saegertown to go three up, three down, in the bottom for a Cambridge win. Crawford had 16 strikeouts and no earned runs in the win.

Miller, Dunton and Caldwell each had two hits in the win. Cambridge is 2-0 and is scheduled to host Iroquois on Tuesday.

For Saegertown, Mikaila Obenrader fanned 22 batters and had four earned runs. Maddy Pratt was 2-for-5. Kacie Mook hit a triple and Obenrader walked on base four times.

The Panthers are 1-1 and are scheduled to host Rocky Grove on Tuesday.

CAMBRIDGE - SAEGERTOWN

Cambridge Springs (6) (AB-R-H-BI) Miller 3-2-2-1, Newell 3-1-1-0, Caldwell 5-0-2-1, Dunton 5-0-2-2, Simmons 4-1-0-0, Eaglen 4-0-1-0, Cunningham 4-1-0-0, Crawford 5-0-0-0, Leandro 2-0-0-0, Murawski 2-1-0-0. Totals 37-6-8-4. 

Saegertown (11) (AB-R-H-BI) Braymer 5-0-0-0, Arblaster 5-0-0-0, Paris 5-1-1-0, Obenrader 1-1-0-0, Triola 4-0-1-0, Pratt 5-0-2-1, Halsey 5-0-0-0, Mook 4-0-1-1, Brauen 3-1-0-0, McGill 1-0-0-0. Totals 38-3-5-2. 

C. Springs 001 100 100 3 — 6 8 5 

Saegertown 010 002 000 0 — 3 5 1 

BATTING

2B: CS — Miller, Dunton.

3B S — Mook.

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) CS — Crawford 10-5-3-0-16-5; S — Obenrader 10-8-5-3-22-4.

April 10, 2024

Softball

Saegertown downs Rocky Grove

SAEGERTOWN — Saegertown beat Rocky Grove 4-1 in a Region 2 softball matchup at Bertram Park on Tuesday.

Mikaila Obenrader fanned 17 batters and allowed one hit. She also had two RBIs. Rylie Braymer had one home run while Alyssa Arblaster was 2-for-3.

Saegertown is 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the region. The Panthers are scheduled to play at Iroquois on Thursday.

April 17, 2024

Softball

COCHRANTON — The Saegertown softball team (31) defeated Cochranton (3-1) 11-1 in a Region 2 matchup.

The Saegertown offense scored four runs in the second inning, and never looked back. Cochranton was unable to generate much on offense and its defense gave up five errors. Those five errors resulted in seven of the 11 runs scored being unearned.

The Saegertown offense was led by Kacie Mook and Maggie Triola. Mook went 2-for-4 at the plate, driving in three runs. Mook hit a solo home run in the top of the fourth. Triola went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring three runs and knocking in two.

The Saegertown offense was backed by Mikaila Obenrader. In the circle, Obenrader threw all seven innings, giving up one run on two hits while striking out 17.

The Cochranton offense was led by Dani Hoffman and Jaiden Frayer. Hoffmann went 2-for-3 at the dish, with Frayer knocking in the only run.

Cochranton is scheduled to face Rocky Grove today at home at 4 p.m. Saegertown is scheduled to play at home as well today, against Iroquois at 4:30 p.m.

April 19, 2024

Softball

Panthers defend home

SAEGERTOWN — Saegertown dispatched Eisenhower 11-6 in a Region 2 game at Bertram Park on Thursday.

Senior Mikaila Obenrader struck out 18 of the 21 batters she faced and allowed no earned runs. At the plate, she hit a home run. Maggie Triola, Rhiannon Paris, Natalie Halsey, Leah McGill and Mackenzie Brauen each had multiple hits.

Saegertown is 4-1 overall and 3-1 in region action. The Panthers are scheduled to play at Youngsville on Saturday.

April 22, 2024

Softball

Panthers blank Tigers

SAEGERTOWN — Saegertown defeated Maplewood 8-0 in a Region 2 softball game at Bertram Park on Saturday.

Senior Mikaila Obenrader homered and struck out 15 in a full-game effort in the circle. Maddy Pratt was 4-for-4 and Alyssa Arblaster was 2-for-4.

Maplewood’s Sheila Despenes earned the team’s lone hit.

Maplewood is 4-2 in the region and 5-2 overall. Saegertown is 4-1 in the region and 5-1 overall. Maplewood is scheduled to host Eisenhower on Tuesday while Saegertown will play at Iroquois today.

April 24, 2024

Softball

Saegertown beats Youngsville

SAEGERTOWN — The Saegertown softball team (7-1) beat Youngsville (1-7) by a score of 16-6 on Tuesday in a Region 2 matchup.

The Saegertown offense was led by Leah McGill and Kacie Mook. McGill went 2-for-3 at the plate, with three RBIs. McGill also scored two runs. Mook went 2-for-3 at the plate as well, scoring two RBIs.

Mikaila Obenrader pitched three innings, getting nine strikeouts and not allowing a single hit.

Saegertown is scheduled to travel to Cambridge Springs on Thursday at 4 p.m. for their next game.

April 26, 2024

Softball

Intense battle

Cambridge Springs emerges victorious from pitcher’s duel vs. Saegertown

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS — Thursday’s showdown between Cambridge Springs and Saegertown featured two of the top pitchers in the area. The matchup didn’t disappoint, as Cambridge won the Region 2 pitcher’s duel 1-0 at home.

Besides a couple of errors and a Saegertown single in the second and fifth innings, each frame was three up, three down until the sixth.

In the top of the sixth with the score still knotted at double zeros, the pressure continued to build. Saegertown’s Mackenzie Brauen walked on base to open the inning before an out on a hard liner to right field.

Cambridge Springs pitcher Kayla Crawford caught a bunt attempt in the air and fired the ball to first base for a double play. Her quick reaction time closed the inning for the Blue Devils and swung momentum in their favor.

That momentum stayed on Cambridge’s side. Senior Kylee Miller hit a hard line drive to right field that hit the top half of the fence. Her near-homer was good for a double. Jaydan Newell’s sacrifice bunt advanced Miller to third before Triniti Caldwell hit an RBI single to shallow right for the first and only score of the game.

“Kylee hits one off the fence. Then Jaydan Newell bunts and advanced her, we get her to third,” Cambridge Springs head coach Angie Mumford. “Triniti Caldwell came up with a clutch hit to right. You can’t ask for it to play out any better than that.”

In the top of the seventh with the Panthers needing a run to stay alive, the first at bat was a line out on a hard-hit ball that went directly to the second baseman. Maddy Pratt reached first on an error and Kacie Mook singled to put a runner in scoring position.

It wasn’t enough offense for Saegertown, as Crawford struck out the final batter to put the game on ice.

“Kayla had a great day on the mound. Her battery mate, Morgan Dunton, those two make an amazing team together,” Mumford said. “The defense made plays tonight. We made the plays we didn’t make the other night and we cleaned things up.”

Crawford finished with eight strike outs and one walk. Cambridge’s defense had no errors and was in the right place at the right time.

For Saegertown, the Panthers couldn’t get a hit when they needed it most. They had a runner on third base in the fifth inning, but couldn’t get her home. Three defensive errors and not enough offense proved to be too much. “Mikaila thew well, she always does. We are trying to learn from our earlier games this season. They had timely bunting,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “You’ll see that now as we all get better in the second half of the season. Bunting is a huge part of the game and it will help move runners. Next thing you know a little mistake or a base hit and that’s when you’re going to score runs.

“Executing the little things was the difference in today’s game for us.”

Obenrader struck out eight in six innings of action. Mook was 2-for-2 while fellow senior Maggie Triola had the team’s third hit.

Saegertown is 6-2 in region play and 7-2 overall. The Panthers are scheduled to play at Maplewood on Tuesday for another region contest. Both of the team’s region losses are to Cambridge Springs.

“What we talked about today was you lose and you learn. We learned a lot today about us today and things we need to work on, things we need to clean up,” Bowes said. “Things we will focus on and get better as we play softball the next couple weeks.”

Cambridge moved to 6-2 in Region 2 and 7-2 overall. The Blue Devils are slated to host Youngsville on Tuesday.

May 1, 2024

Softball

Panthers the bigger cat in 6-1 win against Tigers

By Trevor Teubner

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

GUYS MILLS — Saegertown’s softball team defeated Maplewood in a Region 2 matchup on Tuesday. Saegertown pulled the 6-1 win out after back-to-back three run innings.

The game started out as a pitchers duel, with neither team’s offense being able to find runs. Mikaila Obenrader and Rhinn Post started in the circle for Saegertown and Maplewood, respectively. Obenrader threw all seven innings, giving up two hits and striking out 19 of the 26 batters faced. Post went for five innings, tallying nine strikeouts and allowing seven hits.

“Mikaila (Obenrader) threw a good game,” said Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes. “Her ability to learn and adapt as she is throwing is impressive. She did a great job of adjusting throughout the game.”

In the top of the fifth inning, Saegertown struck on back-to-back home runs. After getting a few runners on base, Kacie Mook hit a high fly to center field, giving Saegertown a 2-0 lead. Obenrader smacked the second pitch in her plate appearance into left field to extend the lead to 3-0. Saegertown rode that lead for the rest of the game.

“I think it’s maintaining composure,” said Bowes. “As you go through some at bats and putting some balls in play just not getting the result you want. Maintaining that patience and focus to pick pitches that you can be productive with is key.”

Mook, Obenrader and Alyssa Arblaster led the Panthers’ offense. Mook was 1-for-4 at the plate while driving in two. Obenrader went 2-for-4 at the plate, scoring two runs and knocking in two. Arblaster went 2-for-3 and scored two runs while walking twice.

Jillian Shoemaker led the Maplewood offense, going 1-for-2 at the plate in a night when the Tigers offense was limited.

“When you face great pitching like that it’s tough,” said Maplewood head coach Jeremy Post. “We came in and battled hard. We just couldn’t get the runs in and that was the story of the game.”

The score wasn’t too indicative of the overall game however, as the pitching staff for the Tigers did good work to keep Maplewood in the game, not giving up any runs until the top of the fifth.

“It was a pretty good battle pitching,” said Post. “Their batters worked us. Our starter, she was pushing 120 pitches, and that was when I decided to make the change.”

Jorja Holeva came in relief, and pitched the last two innings totaling five strikeouts and one earned run.

“We’re going to regroup and refocus,” said Post. “Start trying to generate some more offense. When you come in and battle in a close game, closer than the score showed, we know that we’re capable of scoring runs, we just have to put it together.”

Saegertown maintains second place in Region 2 with an 8-2 record, with Maplewood in fourth place with a record of 6-4. Saegertown is scheduled to travel to Rocky Grove on Thursday at 4 p.m. Maplewood is scheduled to travel on Thursday as well, heading to Youngsville at 4 p.m.

May 9, 2024

Softball

Saegertown’s Obenrader earns 800th strikeout

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

SAEGERTOWN — Saegertown senior pitcher Mikaila Obenrader registered her 800th career strikeout during Tuesday’s 10-0 win in six innings against Iroquois on senior night.

Obenrader delivered 16 strikeouts with one walk and two hits against the Braves. She also homered and scored two runs in the Region 2 win.

Alyssa Arblaster and Rhiannon Paris were each 2-for-4 at the plate. Arblaster, Kacie Mook, Maddy Pratt and Obenrader each scored two runs.

Saegertown is 9-2 in region play and 10-2 overall. The Panthers are scheduled to host Cochranton today for another region game.

Obenrader, a Canisius College commit, is up to 801 career strikeouts and 54 earned runs. At the dish, she has 14 career homers and, six triples, 23 doubles and 87 RBIs.

May 11, 2024

Softball

Early scoring

Panthers’ team effort overcomes Cochranton’s late rally in 10-3 win

By Trevor Teubner

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

SAEGERTOWN — Saegertown defeated Cochranton 10-3 in Friday’s Region 2 softball game. Saegertown grabbed an early lead and despite a late rally from Cochranton, the lead was too big for the Cardinals to overcome.

In the first inning, Cochranton grabbed a lead off of a single. Saegertown responded with a three-run inning to take the lead. After three innings, Saegertown led 8-1.

“Overall it was a great team win,” said Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes. “It was good to see us string some hits together when we needed it. I was also very pleased with our discipline at the plate.”

Alyssa Arblaster and Mikaila Obenrader led the Panthers’ offense. Arblaster went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring three runs and knocking in two. Obenrader also drove in two runs.

Saegertown tallied a total of ten walks throughout the game. Despite seeing multiple pitchers, Saegertown remained focused on the plate, enabling them to stay ahead of the pace.

Obenrader got the start in the circle for the Panthers and pitched all seven innings. Obenrader struck out 12 and walked two while allowing seven hits and three runs. Despite Cochranton’s late surge, Obenrader struck out the final two batters with runners on first and second to end the game.

“Even though we faced four different pitchers in this game, each one with unique ways of throwing and pitch speeds, we were able to learn and adapt quickly,” said Bowes. “That helped us keep our foot on the gas the whole game.”

Cochranton stayed in the game even with the huge deficit, as the offense came alive in the last two innings, scoring two runs.

Dani Hoffman got the start for the Cardinals in the circle, and threw for two innings, striking out one and walking three. Cochranton brought in Claire McCartney and Jaidin Frayer for relief.

The Achilles’ heel for Cochranton in this game was its defense. Errors on defense allowed Saegertown to continue innings and extend its lead. Those runs made it too difficult for the Cardinals to come back.

“You can’t make some mistakes that we made against a good team,” said Cochranton head coach Mark McGuire. “Offensively, we played well and we put the ball in play.”

Hoffman and McCartney led the Cardinals offense. Hoffmann went 2-for-4 at the plate, driving in two runs. Hoffman also hit the only extra base hit for Cochranton, a double. McCartney went 2-for-4 at the plate as well, scoring three runs.

“She’s (Obenrader) a very good pitcher,” said McGuire. “To do what we did against her was very good, our offense played well.”

Saegertown holds a 10-2 record in Region 2 and a 11-2 record overall. The Panthers are scheduled to travel to Eisenhower on Tuesday at 4 p.m. for their second-to-last regular season game.

The Cards are 9-4 in Region 2 and 10-4 overall. Cochranton is scheduled to host Maplewood on Tuesday at 4 p.m. in their last region game of the year

May 15, 2024

Softball

Obenrader’s perfect game leads Panthers to win

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

RUSSELL — Mikaila Obenrader tossed a no-hitter for Saegertown in the Panthers’ 10-0 Region 2 win at Eisenhower on Tuesday.

Obenrader struck out 14 batters of the 15 batters she faced. At the plate, Alyssa Arblaster, Kacie Mook, Maddy Pratt, Natalie Halsey and Obenrader had doubles. Rhiannon Paris belted a homer in the fifth inning and Maggie Triola added a triple.

Saegertown is 11-2 in the region and 12-2 overall. The Panthers are scheduled to play their regular season finale at Youngsville today.

SAEGERTOWN VS. EISENHOWER

Saegertown (10) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 3-3-2-1, Mook 4-2-1-1, Obenrader 3-1-2-2, Pratt 3-1-2-2, Triola 3-0-1-2, Paris 3-1-1-1, McGill 3-0-1-0, Halsey 2-1-1-0, Brauen 3-1-1-0. Totals 27-10-12-9.

Eisenhower (0) (AB-R-H-BI) Frank 2-0-0-0, Gesign 2-0-0-0, Childs 2-0-0-0, Jakubczak 2-0-0-0, Gafner 2-0-0-0, Danielson 2-0-0-0, Darr 1-0-0-0, Olsen 1-0-0-0, Chapman 1-0-0-0. Totals 15-0-0-0. 

Saegertown 302 32x x — 10 12 2 

Eisenhower 000 00x x — 0 0 0 BATTING

2B: S — Arblaster, Mook, Obenrader, Pratt, Halsey. 

3B: S — Triola.

HR: S — Paris. 

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) S — Obenrader 5-0-0-0-14-0; E — Frank 5-12-10-7-1-2.

May 16, 2024

Softball

Girls athletes of the week: Mikaila Obenrader, Saegertown softball

Saegertown’s Mikaila Obenrader eclipsed 800 career strikeouts last week. The Canisius College commit is up to 813 strikeouts for the Panthers. Last week, Obenrader struck out 12 batters against Cochranton and 16 versus Iroquois. At the plate, she had a home run and five RBIs.

May 16, 2024

Softball

Team of the Week: Saegertown softball

The Saegertown softball team defeated Region 2 foes Iroquois (10-0) and Cochranton (10-3) last week. The Panthers moved to 9-2 in Region 2 action and 10-2 overall.

Last week, pitcher Mikaila Obenrader struck out 28 batters and allowed two earned runs.

At the plate, Alyssa Arblaster had five hits and two RBIs. Maddy Pratt had four hits and two RBIs while Rhiannon Paris added four hits.

May 21, 2024

Softball

Panthers down Bears 4-1, march into D-10 semis

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Saegertown relied on timely hitting and the arm of Division I pitcher Mikaila Obenrader to defeat Union City 4-1 in the District 10 Class 2A playoffs on Monday at Allegheny College.

Wasting no time, leadoff hitter Alyssa Arblaster hit a single to open the game for the Panthers in the bottom of the first. She stole second and reached third base on a passed ball. Obenrader showed off her prowess at the plate as well with a shot to the left field wall for an RBI double.

The Panthers added two runs to their lead in the third inning. Facing two outs with Natalie Halsey on third base and Kacie Mook on second, Obenrader was up to bat. Union City elected to intentionally walk the Canisius Commit and load the bases.

Sophomore Maddy Pratt answered with a hard-hit grounder to center field. It allowed Halsey to score and Mook to, just barely, slide safe into home plate.

“I’m really proud of a lot of kids who were in a lot of high-pressure situations,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “Maddy Pratt came up big after an intentional walk, bases loaded, that’s absolutely huge. We always talk about timely hitting and it showed up today. It’s how you win games.”

Union City got on the board in the fifth inning with an Alissa Leech RBI single, but the momentum was short-lived. In the bottom of the inning, Mook belted a solo home run over the left field wall to push the Panthers ahead 4-1.

“I really wanted to win against Union City,” Mook said. “It’s really nice this wasn’t my last game.”

Obenrader kept Union City’s offense at bay the rest of the way. After a single to open the bottom of the seventh, Obenrader struck out three straight batters to close the game. She finished with 14 strike outs, five hits allowed and one walk. Union City out-hit Saegertown 5-4 and had no errors to Saegertown’s two. Obenrader, Pratt, Arblaster and Mook each had one hit.

“We talked about playing smart softball today and I think that was the key,” Bowes said. “Making minor adjustments when we’re hitting, making sure we’re learning from every at bat and then making sure we’re making good decisions when we’re base running.”

The win pushed the Panthers, the No. 3 seed in the bracket, to Wednesday’s semifinal round. Saegertown will face Seneca, the No. 7 seed, at a time and place to be announced. Saegertown and Seneca faced off last season in the quarterfinals, which the Bobcats won 4-0.

SAEGERTOWN - UNION CITY

Union City (1) (AB-R-H-BI) Leech 4-0-2-1, Zielinski 3-0-0-0, Cummings 3-0-0-0, Reynolds 3-0-1-0, Brown 3-0-1-0, Kent 0-0-0-0, Gregor 3-0-0-0, Tingley 3-1-1-0, Chapman 2-0-0-0, Williamson 3-0-0-0. Totals 27-1-5-1.

Saegertown (4) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 3-1-1-0, Mook 2-2-1-1, Obenrader 2-0-1-1, Pratt 3-0-1-2, Triola 2-0-0-0, Paris 2-0-0-0, McGill 3-0-0-0, Halsey 2-1-0-0, Brauen 2-0-0-0. Totals 21-4-4-4.

Union City 000 010 0 — 1 5 0 

Saegertown 102 010 x — 4 4 2 

BATTING

2B: S — Obenrader.

HR: S — Mook.

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) UC — Gregor 7-4-4-4-2-3; S — Obenrader 7-5-1-1-14-1.

May 23, 2024

Softball

Late-game offensive explosion sends Panthers to district final

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Saegertown scored 11 runs in the final three innings to defeat Seneca 12-5 on Wednesday and earn a shot to play for a District 10 Championship.

After a two-hour rain delay, Saegertown took the field in the District 10 Class 2a Semifinal. It was a sluggish start for the Panthers, but the experience-laden team prevailed.

“I think every year this group of seniors gets a little more experienced and has less nerves,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “Now they have the ability where if one thing goes wrong they can collect themselves and move forward.

“They move in a positive direction and learn as we go. I think that was the biggest adjustment here today.”

Seneca’s Alara Bem hit an RBI triple in the top of the first inning for a Bobcats’ lead, but Saegertown’s Alyssa Arblaster scored on an error in the bottom of the frame to tie the game.

In the fourth, Seneca plated two runs off an error and a double for a 3-1 lead. Not shaken, the Panthers went to work at the plate.

Maggie Triola singled and was brought home by Rhiannon Paris’ RBI double. An Arblaster two-RBI single gave Saegertown a 4-3 lead after four innings, a lead the Panthers did not relinquish.

Defensively, senior pitcher and Canisius Commit Mikaila Obenrader began to rack up strikeouts. Seven of her 15 strikeouts came in the final three innings.

“It was a prime example of adjusting from one game to the other. Our approach last game and the plan for this one was different,” Bowes said. “It took a little bit to adjust, but that’s the benefit of having such a strong pitcher — her ability to learn and adjust so quickly.”

Saegertown plated six runs in the bottom of the fifth. Three Seneca errors and hits from Obenrader, Triola and Obenrader again, helped the offense steamroll through the inning.

Triola was 4-for-4 on the day with two runs and an RBI. Obenrader, Arblaster and Natalie Halsey each had two hits.

“Something we talk about is peaking at the right time,” Bowes said. “Finding the lineup that rolls and being able to gain some momentum and confidence as we move through. We were contagious today.”

Saegertown will play Maplewood for the District 10 crown on Monday at a time and place to be announced. The team’s last trip to the D-10 finals was in 2022, when the Panthers advanced all the way to the state semifinal round.

It is the third D-10 title appearance for the team’s senior class — consisting of Obenrader, Triola, Arblaster, Kacie Mook and Rhiannon Paris. Last year, the Panthers lost in the D-10 quarterfinals.

“I’m excited,” Obenrader said. “Considering our output last year when we didn’t do too well, I’m excited to get back to the finals.”

SAEGERTOWN - SENECA

Seneca (5) (AB-R-H-BI) Hammill 4-1-1-0, Wieczorek 2-0-0-0, Bem 3-2-3-1, Farrell 3-0-1-1, Lorei 2-0-0-0, Post 3-0-0-0, Matson 3-0-1-1, Gotchling 3-0-0-0, Troutman 3-0-0-0. Totals 26-5-6-3. 

Saegertown (12) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 4-2-2-2, Mook 3-0-0-1, Obenrader 4-1-2-2, Pratt 3-1-0-0, Triola 4-2-4-1, Paris 4-1-1-1, McGill 3-2-1-0, Halsey 4-2-2-1, Brauen 3-1-0-1. Totals 32-12-12-9. 

Seneca 100 202 0 — 5 6 5 

Saegertown 1200 362 x — 12 12 2 

BATTING

2B: Sen — Farrell; Saeg — Obenrader, Paris.

3B: Sen — Bem.

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) Sen — Bem 6-12-12-6-2-3; Saeg — Obenrader 6.2-6-5-2-15-0.

May 27, 2024

Softball

Maplewood, Saegertown set for Class 2A title game

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Maplewood (10-7) and Saegertown (15-2) will match in the District 10 Class 2A softball championship game, though each team took a different route to get there.

Today’s game at Allegheny College at 2:30 p.m. will be the third meeting between the Panthers and the Tigers. Saegertown won 8-0 and 6-1 to sweep the Tigers in region play this season.

Saegertown defeated Union City 4-1 and Seneca 12-5 to qualify for the title game.

The Panthers are led by Canisius College commit Mikaila Obenrader. She has an ERA of .82 with 243 strikeouts, 15 walks, 45 hits and 13 earned runs. She also leads the team with a .418 batting average, 23 hits, 25 RBIs and six home runs.

Maggie Triola (20), Maddy Pratt (18), Alyssa Arblaster (19) and Kacie Mook (16) each have more than 15 hits in the season with an average of .314 or better.

“We know they’re a good team,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “They’ve been making adjustments all season to beat some really good teams, which includes making the best of a second chance and that makes them even more dangerous.”

Saegertown’s last District 10 championship was in 2022 when the Panthers advanced all the way to the state semifinal round.

Maplewood defeated No. 1 seed Wilmington 2-0 in the semifinal round, but lost to Sharpsville 9-3 in the quarterfinals. Sharpsville was forced to forfeit after the game, which pushed Maplewood into the next round.

“They (Saegertown) are a great team. It’s going to take seven innings of focus and determination to come away with a win,” Maplewood head coach Jeremy Post said. “We’ll have to play great defense, and make sure to capitalize on opportunities to score when we get them.”

Maplewood is led in the circle by Rhinn Post. Post has an ERA of 3.77 with 131 strikeouts, 37 walks and 53 earned runs.

Lexus Whitman, Jocelyn Lane, Brianna Kope and Sheila Despenes each have 19 hits for the Tigers. Jillian Shoemaker, Madyson Banik and Izzy Somerville each have 17.

The winner will play the District 9 runner up in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs on June 3.

May 28, 2024

Softball

Champions now, champions forever

Obenrader leads Saegertown to D-10 title over Maplewood

By Trevor Teubner

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Saegertown defeated Maplewood 10-0 to become the District 10 Class 2A champions at Allegheny College on Monday. The Panthers offense scored six runs in the last two innings to complete the mercy rule victory. Mikaila Obenrader shut out the Tigers on the mound and also hit a three-run homer.

The Panthers played complimentary defense behind their starting pitcher, committing no errors. Obenrader pitched all five innings, allowing two hits and striking out nine with no walks. Even with Obenrader’s strong outing, Saegertown piled on the runs on the way to a team win.

“Today was a total-team win,” said Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes. “Our motto is to score early and often and we did that today.”

The Saegertown offense was led by Obenrader and Maddy Pratt. Obenrader went 4-for-4 at the plate, driving in five runs. Obenrader hit two doubles to go along with her three-run shot. Pratt went 2-for-3 at the plate, batting in two runs.

The Panthers limited mistakes on the base paths as well, allowing them to keep the pace of the game in their hands. Despite that carefulness, the aggressiveness was evident, as Saegertown always looked for that extra base throughout the game, forcing Maplewood to commit six errors.

“It’s huge to win a championship,” said Bowes. “It’s no secret that we have a small team here and I always tell them we’re small but we’re mighty. We continue to peak at the right time in the season, I think more than anyone can ask for.”

Obenrader stepped up in this game, leading the team on both sides of the ball, and that leadership is noticed by the rest of the team.

“She is such a contagious player,” said Bowes. “Her ability to step up in situations that are high pressure is unmatched. It’s a fire-starter for our team and it’s really great to have her and her momentum in these high pressure situations.”

Saegertown has reached the goal of a district championship, but the Panthers are looking toward their next goal at the state tournament.

“I’m hoping that we get even better,” said Obenrader. “Especially now that we have a week to practice and work out some things. We did really good today, but there’s always a couple of little things to work on, but I’m excited to get back to states.”

Saegertown will play the second seed from District 9 in the first round of states, starting June 3.

For Maplewood, this game was a disappointing end to a good season. But, there is always a sliver lining, even after a loss.

“To end up here in this championship game was something that exceeded expectations,” said Maplewood head coach Jeremy Post. “Would’ve been great if we won, but we’re proud of how the team battled.”

Sheila Despenses and Brianna Kope led the Maplewood offense. Despenses went 1-for-2 at the plate, with Kope also going 1-for-2. Kope hit the team’s only extra base hit on a hard-hit double.

“We just couldn’t stack the hits when we needed them,” said Post. “We had runners in scoring position a few times and just couldn’t get it done.”

Rhinn Post got the start for the Tigers, pitching four innings while striking out seven and walking three. Post allowed seven hits and two earned runs.

“This group is special,” said Post. “The whole group is really something. They never quit, they just keep battling and they keep pushing. It’s who they are and I would love to take credit for it but I can’t. It’s just them being who they are.”

Maplewood ends its season with a 9-9 record.

SAEGERTOWN - MAPLEWOOD

Maplewood (0) (AB-R-H-BI) Niedbala 2-0-0-0, Somerville 2-0-0-0, despenses 2-0-1-0, Lane 1-0-0-0, Whitman 2-0-0-0, Banik 2-0-0-0, Shoemaker 2-0-0-0, Kope 2-0-1-0, Post 2-0-0-0. Totals 17-0-2-0. 

Saegertown (10) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 3-2-1-0, Mook 2-4-0-0, Obenrader 4-4-4-5, Pratt 3-0-2-2, Triola 2-0-0-1, Paris 2-0-0-0, McGill 2-0-0-1, Halsey 3-0-0-0, Brauen 3-0-0-0. Totals 24-10-7-9. 

Maplewood 000 00x x — 0 2 6 

Saegertown 202 33x x — 10 7 0 

BATTING

2B: MW — Kope; S — Obenrader 2. 

HR: S — Obenrader.

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) MW — Post LP 4.2-7-10-2-7-3; S — Obenrader WP 5-2-0-0-9-0.

June 3, 2024

Softball

The next level

Panthers to open state playoffs at Allegheny

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

The Saegertown softball team will play on a familiar field in today’s PIAA first round game against Curwensville.

The Panthers (16-2) are scheduled to play the Golden Tide (16-6) at Allegheny College at 1 p.m. Saegertown has played all of their playoff games this season at Allegheny.

“Home field advantage is a plus especially with the short bus ride and ability to maintain focus,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “We’ve had the benefit of playing most of our post-season games at Allegheny the last few years which gives us the comfort factor in terms of field surface.”

Curwensville is the District 9 runner- up and lost to Cranberry 8-2 in its district championship game. The Golden Tide’s ace, Addison Siple, has 221 strikeouts in 113 innings with a 2.23 ERA. Siple also has a batting average of .500 with 33 hits, 36 RBIs and 30 runs.

Addison Butler has 32 hits and a .438 average. Natalie Wischuck and Addison Warren each eclipsed the 20hit mark with 23 and 26, respectively.

“Our plan for trying to limit their pitcher’s impact on the game is preparedness. We’ve been spending the last couple weeks preparing for speed and movement hoping to make some adjustments for this type of pitching,” Bowes said. “In addition, we’ve continued to do our best for preparing a game plan to limit their hitters to fieldable balls. Our ability to create those fieldable opportunities and execute the controllable factors are going to be essential for winning games moving forward.”

Saegertown’s Mikaila Obenrader is up to 251 strikeouts with a .78 ERA this season. She also leads the team in hits (27), RBIs (30), doubles (6) and home runs (7). Obenrader hit the 100hit and RBI marks for her career in the team’s District 10 championship win against Maplewood.

Alyssa Arblaster (21), Maddy Pratt (20) and Maggie Triola (20) are each over 20 hits this season.

The winner will play Neshannock or West Shamokin in the state quarterfinals on Thursday.

June 4, 2024

Softball

One round at a time

Panthers top Golden Tide 1-0 in pitchers’ duel

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Saegertown got just enough offense in Monday’s PIAA Class 2A first round matchup against Curwensville to win 1-0 at Allegheny College.

The Panthers outhit Curwensville 7-2, but stranded runners in all six innings. Golden Tide pitcher Addison Siple and Saegertown senior Mikaila Obenrader combined to strikeout 19 in the pitchers’ duel.

“Overall it was a pretty good day for us. I think that our ability to be exposed to breaking balls throughout the season is a little limited so being able to adjust in this short amount of time was actually pretty impressive to me,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “I just hope the more we see it the more we adjust.”

In the bottom of the third inning, senior Kacie Mook doubled to the center field. Obenrader was intentionally walked before Maddy Pratt singled to load the bases with one out. Siple delivered two consecutive strikeouts to keep the game scoreless.

In the top of the fourth, Obenrader earned a timely strikeout with two runners on base to send her team up to the plate.

Freshman Leah McGill walked and advanced to second on an error that also allowed Mackenzie Braun to reach first. Senior Alyssa Arblaster doubled on a grounder to center field to score McGill from second, a run that would be the game-winner.

With runners in scoring position, Siple again worked her way out of a jam with a strikeout and a ground out to avoid any further damage.

“I think as we adjust to the breaking balls and see that pitch selection, we can get more timely hitting and execute on pitches when we get them,” Bowes said. “That will be key going forward.”

Curwensville had its best chance to score in the top of the sixth. Addison Butler walked to open the order and reached second on a bunt. Natalie Wischuck walked to put runners in the corners, but Obenrader again came up with a strikeout to keep the Golden Tide off the board.

“We had the tying run on the doorstep, we just couldn’t get a clutch hit or get a mistake or something to make a score out of it. We played them hard and I think we pushed them,” Curwensville head coach Allen Leigey said. “Looking at their games, they’d been 10and 15- running people so we wanted to push them as long as we could push them and hopefully get them at the end. We almost did.”

Saegertown was in a good position to add to its lead in the bottom of the frame. Arblaster and Mook singled, but Siple forced contact for a ground out to keep the Golden Tide alive.

In the top of the seventh, Obenrader registered her 12th strikeout to ice the game and send the Panthers to the next round.

“We knew we’d be playing a much better team because obviously this is states now,” Obenrader said. “We came in with a good mindset. We knew they could hit and had good pitching so we’d have to bring our A game today.

“I’m ready to get back out here. I love playoffs. It’s my favorite part of high school softball.”

Curwensville, the District 9 runner-up, finished its season 16-7. It was also the final game of Leigey’s career. After 22 years of manning the Golden Tide dugout, he is retiring.

“My last day of being the athletic director was Friday, and today was my last day coaching. They knew coming in this was it,” Leigey said. “We were happy to get here, we weren’t satisfied though. We wanted to win.

“We knew we were up against an elite pitcher, and we knew they were destined to battle as hard as we could. I told them I am proud of them with how the game turned out. We just kept battling and battling.”

Wischuck and Simcox had Curwensville’s two hits on the day. Siple struck out seven, walked four and had no earned runs.

Arblaster, Mook and Rhiannon Paris each had two hits for the Panthers. Obenrader, a Canisius College commit, fanned 12 and walked three.

“Of course the pitching was excellent like it usually is,”Bowes said. “We come in with a game plan and believe the girls have the ability to execute that. It was on point.”

Saegertown will play Neshannock in the PIAA quarterfinal round on Thursday at a time and place to be announced.

SAEGERTOWN - CURWENSVILLE

Curwensville (0) (AB-R-H-BI) Butler 2-0-0-0, Warren 3-0-0-0, Siple 2-0-0-0, Wischuck 2-0-1-0, Olosky 3-0-0-0, Hainsey 3-0-0-0, Simcox 3-0-1-0, Peoples 3-0-0-0, McCartney 2-0-0-0.Totals 23-0-2-0. 

Saegertown (1) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 4-0-2-1, Mook 4-0-2-0, Obenrader 2-0-0-0, Pratt 2-0-1-0, Triola 3-0-0-0, Paris 3-0-2-0, McGill 1-1-0-0, Halsey 3-0-0-0, Brauen 3-0-0-0. Totals 25-1-7-1. 

Curwensville 000 000 0 — 0 2 2 

Saegertown 000 100 x — 1 7 0 

BATTING

2B: S — Arblaster, Mook.

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) C — Siple 6-7-1-0-7-4; S — Obenrader 7-2-0-0-12-3.

June 6, 2024

Softball

Panthers set for battle vs. undefeated Lady Lancers at Allegheny

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

Saegertown’s softball team will have its hands full today in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals. The Panthers (17-2) are slated to play undefeated Neshannock (23-0) at Allegheny College at 1 p.m.

The Lady Lancers have won three straight WPIAL championships. They advanced to the PIAA semifinals last season and won the state title in 2022. Neshannock defeated West Shamokin 10-0 in six innings on Monday to open its state playoff campaign.

“Offensively we’re hoping to stay disciplined at the plate and execute more timely hitting,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “We need to continue to be aggressive with any opportunities we have to get on base, but be sure that we’re smart.”

Neshannock features a handful of all-state players from the 2023 season — Addy Frye, Jaidon Nogay and Gabby Quinn. Frye is the starting pitcher and features an ERA of .56. She’s struck out 176 with 10 walks and seven earned runs this season.

Nogay is in the outfield and bats at a .480 clip with 27 runs, 24 hits and 16 RBIs. Quinn, an infielder, has five home runs, three doubles, 27 runs, 26 RBIs and 23 hits. Miley Anderson leads the offense this season with 30 hits. Frye has 29 RBIs and 28 hits. Also with at least 20 hits are Gabby Perod, Abigale Measel, Ali Giordano and Callie Biondi.

“Defensively we have been working on adjusting to the speed they have in their line-up and making sure we are crisp,” Bowes said.

Saegertown ace Mikaila Obenrader has 254 strikeouts in 119 innings with 13 earned runs and a .76 ERA. The infield is made up of Maddy Pratt (C), Rhiannon Paris (1B), Maggie Triola (2B), Alyssa Arblaster (SS) and Natalie Halsey (3B). The outfielders are Kacie Mook (CF), Mackenzie Brauen (LF) and Leah McGill (RF). Obenrader and Mook have the most homers on the season with seven and four, respectively. Obenrader leads the team in hits (27) with Arblaster (21), Pratt (20), Triola (19), Paris (17) and Mook (16) rounding out the leaders.

Today’s game with be Saegertown’s fifth straight at Allegheny College.

“We really lucked out with such a familiar neutral field,” Bowes said. “Hopefully a short bus ride will keep us from having a slow start.”

The winner will play either Bentworth or Laurel in the state semifinals.

June 7, 2024

Softball

Panthers fall to undefeated Lancers in state quarterfinals

By Alex Topor

MEADVILLE TRIBUNE

It was another excellent season for the Saegertown softball team, but the Panthers ran into a buzzsaw on Thursday.

Saegertown lost to Neshannock 5-0 at Allegheny College in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal round. The Lady Lancers exit the game undefeated at 24-0 and will advance to the state semifinals.

Neshannock out-hit Saegertown 8-1 and had no errors to Saegertown’s four.

“They had a great day. They’re a good ball team. You can tell that they’re disciplined,” Saegertown head coach Jenn Bowes said. “They play in a really tough region so their ability to execute during high pressure situations I think was utilized a little more often than us. They were more prepared for today.”

Saegertown ace Mikaila Obenrader worked out of a runner in scoring position in the first and second innings before the Lancers broke the seal in the third. Addy Frye’s RBI groundout gave Neshannock the lead. Yet again, Obenrader got the panthers out of the inning with no further damage despite a runner on third.

Neshanock added three insurance runs in the fifth. After a single and a walk, a Saegertown error allowed Miley Anderson to score. Jaidon Nogay followed with a two-RBI double to give her team a 4-0 lead.

Another Saegertown error in the sixth inning allowed the Lancers to score and go up 5-0.

“I think when you play a team of that caliber you almost look at the game as a state final because they’re such a high performing team that it is almost inevitable not to be a bit nervous,” Bowes said. “Especially when you roll through a region then all of sudden progress into teams like this. Today we said we expect the routine stuff now, but base hits, that’s what wins games. I think that just the nerves and constant pressure of everybody on the lineup being able to hit, 1 through 9, caught up to us.”

Saegertown struggled offensively. Frye, a junior and Providence College commit, struck out 17 with no walks and one hit. Frye struck out the side in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings. She forced two groundouts.

The Panthers’ only hit of the day came from freshman Leah McGill. She singled to shallow right field in the bottom of the sixth.

“Time was of the essence today. Our bats got better as we went along however we didn’t quite learn fast enough to execute when we needed to,” Bowes said. “The timely hitting was hard to get today. She threw a really good game against us.”

Obenrader, a Canisius College commit, struck out eight and walked one with three earned runs. She headlines a senior class consisting of Kacie Mook, Alyssa Arblaster, Maggie Triola and Rhiannon Paris. In the seniors’ four years they won two District 10 championships, advanced to the state semifinals in 2022 and the state quarterfinals this season. Saegertown had a 59-16 record in the past four seasons.

“This core group should be really proud of what they’ve done. I hope that this experience helps and takes them somewhere in life,” Bowes said. “The confidence, hard work and dedication it takes, especially in a small school like ours to make their mark, it’s something they should be really proud of.”

SAEGERTOWN VS. NESHANNOCK

Neshannock (5) (AB-R-H-BI) Anderson 4-3-3-0, Nogay 3-1-1-0, Frye 4-0-1-1, Perod 4-0-1-2, Quinn 4-0-0-0, Meseal 4-0-1-0, Biondi 3-0-0-0, Giordano 3-0-1-0, Nativo 2-0-0-0, Cappabianco 1-0-0-0. Totals 32-5-8-3.

Saegertown (0) (AB-R-H-BI) Arblaster 3-0-0-0, Mook 3-0-0-0, Obenrader 3-0-0-0, Pratt 2-0-0-0, Triola 2-0-0-0, Paris 2-0-0-0, McGill 2-0-1-0, Halsey 2-0-0-0, Brauen 2-0-0-0. Totals 21-0-1-0.

Neshannock 001 031 0 — 5 8 0 

Saegertown 000 000 0 — 0 1 4 

BATTING

2B: N — Frye, Perod. 

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-SO-BB) N — Frye 7-1-0-0-17-0; S — Obenrader 7-8-5-3-8-1.

Lady Panthers Senior Interviews