Sewickley Academy started the 2026 softball season strong, compiling a 5-1 record in the first month.
The Panthers outscored the opposition 60-13 before hitting a lull with section losses to South Side and Union, the defending WPIAL and PIAA champion.
Sewickley returned to its winning ways with consecutive victories against Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 8-6, and Cornell, 16-0, to go to 6-3 in Section 1-A and 7-3 overall.
“I’m very proud of the effort of the girls and the resilience,” coach Bob Sirko said.
“They are a small group, so they had to play through bumps and bruises and be flexible on positions.
“Our hitting is really improved. Our team batting average is up from .265 in the first half of the season to .385. If we can stay healthy, this group can compete with anyone. So, it’s one game at a time.”
The Panthers posted four shutouts in the first half of the season behind the ace of the pitching staff, Charlotte Andrews, a right-handed sophomore and second-year starter.
“I am incredibly proud of how our team started the season,” Andrews said, “although we had our spring break and limited time to practice and work together as a team. Our past two games have been tough for us, but we are working extremely hard to get out of a rut and prepare for the rest of our season.
“Our team’s goals vary from season to season and person to person. We would love to make it further in the playoffs this year, and we are hoping to make it to states. We are also working on being a stronger and more cohesive unit as we are in the final stretch of our season.”
Andrews had 109 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings of work and was 7-3 with a 1.52 ERA.
Andrews has relied on her consistency in the pitching circle.
“Definitely,” Sirko said.
“She is a smart, very self- confident person.”
The Panthers were slated to play Serra Catholic (April 29) and end the regular season at home against Quaker Valley (May 1). Sewickley defeated Bishop Canevin, 10-0 in five innings on April 27, to finish 7-3 and tied for second in the section with South Side.
Andrews tossed a five-inning no-hitter and struck out 14 in the section win against the Crusaders.
Senior third baseman Sanaa Grant went 2 for 3 with a double, home run and three RBIs and sophomore catcher Gabby Edmunds had a single, double and two RBIs for Sewickley.
“Our expectation is to play to our fullest, stay within ourselves, and do what we can do as a team,” Andrews said.
“We expect a good run in the playoffs that will hopefully allow us to advance into states. But honestly, we just want to have fun and be a family that will be there for one another through thick and thin.
“I want to thank the girls on the team for having my back, given the fact that I have been working through an injury. Also, the top of our lineup should be feared because their swings are not only powerful, but when they get on the bases, watch out because they are very quick.”
Sewickley’s starting lineup heading into the playoffs consisted of junior Cherish Wilson (CF), junior Keke Church (SS), Grant (3B), Edmunds (C), junior Sophie Crichton (1B), Andrews (P), senior V.J. Jeevan (RF), junior Layla Miller (LF) or junior Willow Simmons and freshman Alana Spencer (2B).
“The team’s strengths vary from player to player,” Andrews said.
“We usually have a very strong offense, and our infield is filled with some of the most athletic players I know.”
A potential Division I prospect, Andrews finished with a 9-4 regular-season record in 2025 with 141 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings, a 3.63 ERA and one save.