The Penn-Trafford softball team struck for three runs in the first inning of Monday’s Section 2-5A matchup at Kiski Area.
The defending state champions didn’t stop there.
The Warriors added on to the tune of six more in the third and four in the fourth en route to a 13-3, five-inning victory over the Cavaliers.
“It was a really nice offensive day,” Penn-Trafford coach Denny Little said. “The girls put the ball in play and did what they needed to do. We drew some walks, which were really important. The first two batters of the game (Aria Smith and Annabell Carvajal) got on without putting the ball in play. That was big. Then we put the ball in play to score them.
“Then we also put some good bunts down. It put pressure on their defense. It was just an all-around good day.”
Penn-Trafford improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in section play.
The Warriors won their second in a row after an 11-5 loss to section leader Armstrong last week. They hope to keep it going Tuesday in a makeup game at home against McKeesport before hosting Latrobe on Wednesday.
Penn-Trafford plays its next four games at home, including the rematch with Armstrong on April 8.
“Three in a row, that is how it goes in the spring,” Little said. “They come to school each day with their home and away uniforms and their practice gear. They are ready for anything. They want to play. They want to win.”
Gabby Rubbe didn’t start the game, but she took full advantage of her opportunities when she was inserted into the lineup in the first inning.
Starting first baseman Liz Welsh was hit on the elbow by a pitch from Kiski Area starter Aubrey West as part of the three-run first for P-T and had to leave the game.
Rubbe came on and hit a three-run homer in the third inning and added a two-run triple in the fourth.
“You always have to stay ready,” Rubbe said. “I was hoping to get in the game, but if I didn’t, it was OK. I just wanted to go in and show everyone what I could do. I am glad I was able to do what I did for my team. Coach Little always talks to us about doing our job, getting on base no matter how we do it, and giving the team a chance to score runs. We all did that today.”
Warriors shortstop Torrie DeStefano also had a big day at the plate with three singles and two RBIs in her four plate appearances. Left fielder Ava Heller also went 3 for 4.
Kiski Area dropped its second consecutive game after a 5-0 start. The Cavaliers, now 2-2 in section play, also suffered a 13-3, five-inning setback to Armstrong on Friday.
Penn-Trafford collected a total of 10 hits and drew seven walks off West and reliever Madison Rearic.
“It doesn’t seem like they lost much from last year’s state championship team,” Kiski Area coach John Kinnamon said. “They hit the ball extremely well, and I feel good about us playing a team like them and also Armstrong early. It shows us where we’re at and what we can work on to get better.”
Kinnamon said his players remain positive with many games still to be played. Kiski Area, which owns section victories over Gateway and Franklin Regional, is back in section action Wednesday at McKeesport.
Kiski Area collected seven hits off Penn-Trafford starter Allyson Paulone, who struck out five and walked none to pick up the win.
Saint Vincent commit Alyssa Perona went 2 for 3 with a triple to help get the Cavaliers on the board in the bottom of the first. Cleanup hitter Kyla Hutcherson singled Perona home in the first and singled and scored in the fourth.
Catcher Kaylee Morrow delivered a run-scoring single in the fourth.
“We’ve made some advances since last year, and even since the start of this year,” Kinnamon said. “We just have to keep making them.”