Charlotte Andrews made a monumental first impression on the Sewickley Academy softball season.
In Sewickley’s first game of the year March 30 against Bishop Canevin, the right-handed sophomore pitcher tossed a five-inning no-hitter — striking out 14 — in her team’s 10-0 victory in Section 1-A.
“For Charlotte put up a no-hitter in her first official outing of the season just speaks to her dedication and ability,” Sewickley coach Bob Sirko said. “She had an amazing command of her pitches, walking only one with one (batter) hit by a pitch. She stayed ahead in the count and showed a lot of maturity, adjusting to the umpire after an early walk.”
The Crusaders, who dropped to 0-2 in the section and 0-3 overall, were able to put only one ball in play via a bunt.
“The preparation this offseason with my amazing pitching and travel coaches is what helped to contribute to a successful first pitching performance,” Andrews said. “I was pleased with my performance, but there is, of course, always room for improvement. I would like to get ahead early in the count with more first-pitch strikes.
“I’m so happy with our performance offensively, and I truly can’t wait to see our growth as a team over this season. This is just the beginning to what I see our team achieving in the 2026 season.”
A potential Division I prospect, Andrews posted a 9-4 regular-season record in 2025 with one save, a 3.63 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.
Sewickley’s Sophie Crichton, a junior first baseman, went 3 for 3 with a double and four RBIs against Bishop Canevin. Senior second baseman Sanaa Grant finished with a double, home run and four RBIs.
“We started a little slow. We had too many Ks offensively,” Sirko said. “But by our third at-bat, the girls started to adjust. We only played one scrimmage, so this is all new.
“We are a work in progress. We have confidence we can return to the postseason, so while we have to win now, we are working every day to be better.”
Andrews, Crichton, Grant, sophomore Gabby Edmunds (C), junior Keira Church (SS) and senior V.J. Jeevan (OF) are returning starters at Sewickley.
“I have extremely high expectations for our team,” Andrews said. “Every year is a new season and a fresh start for the team. Last year, we made it through to the WPIAL quarterfinals.
“This season, we want to grow and make it further in WPIALs and hopefully states.”
Grant (.361) and Crichton (.333) were two of the team’s leading hitters a year ago. Crichton drew 14 walks and racked up 19 stolen bases.
Three more returning letter winners among the nine on this year’s squad are sophomores Layla Miller (OF/1B) and Willow Simmons (OF) and senior Persaya Williams (OF).
Varsity newcomers include junior Cherish Wilson (OF/2B) and freshmen Alana Spencer (3B/OF) and Sutton Rea (OF).
The Panthers finished 11-6 overall last season.