Skip to main content

Three YAIAA teams look to continue state playoff runs


play
Show Caption

Three York-Adams softball teams are still alive in the PIAA playoffs and will look to advance to the semifinals on Thursday. 

In Class 4A, both Eastern York and Kennard-Dale will play in separate quarterfinal matchups. The two division rivals are on opposite sides of the bracket and can only meet in the state finals. In Class 2A, Fairfield remains alive. 

Here's a breakdown of each team's game. 

Eastern York vs. Tunkhannock, Thursday, 4 p.m., Patriots Park in Allentown

The Golden Knights have gone under the radar at times this season, but are 16-5 and two wins from the state title game. Freshman Maelynn Leber has been a rock in the pitching circle as Eastern York has played tight, low-scoring games throughout the playoffs. All four of the Knights postseason contests have been decided by one run and two have gone to extra innings. 

More Eastern softball: PIAA softball: Fairfield, Eastern York roll on to next round

Tunkhannock is the District 2 champion and 17-5 on the season. The Tigers rely on sophomore pitchers Hope Jones and Kendra Schultz, who have combined to shutout all four of Tunkhannock's postseason opponents. Don't be surprised if Thursday's contest turns into another pitcher's dual for Eastern York. 

Kennard-Dale vs. Yough, Thursday, 12 p.m., Shippensburg University 

The Rams enter this game scorching hot after beating Esperanza 15-0 in the first round on Tuesday. While known for its offense, Kennard-Dale (19-3) has gotten strong pitching from its duo of Alexis Hurley and Brittany Orwig this postseason. The Rams have given up just three runs in their four playoff games. 

More Kennard-Dale softball: Kennard-Dale cruises into PIAA second round

Yough, which is located about 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh, won the PIAA Class 3A championship last year. The Cougars are 18-3 this spring and finished second in the WPIAL (District 7) tournament. They're coming off a 2-0 first-round win over Bellefonte on Monday. 

Fairfield vs. Bristol, Thursday, 6 p.m., Lyons Park in Fleetwood

It's been a banner season for Fairfield, which has already captured its first District 3 title and state playoff win this spring. But if the Green Knights are going to advance to the Class 2A semifinals, they'll have to pull off their biggest upset yet. Bristol (22-0) is undefeated this season and is coming off its seventh straight District I title. The Warriors beat Philadelphia Academy Charter, 10-0, in the first round on Monday. 

More Green Knights softball: Fairfield rolls to first District 3 softball title

The Green Knights (14-7) will need a strong performance from pitcher Courtney Harbaugh to have a chance. The junior has held Fairfield's last two opponents to two runs apiece.