Hempfield’s pitching lineage is renowned.
It is a key part of the team’s dynastic reputation as a WPIAL and PIAA softball power.
From West Point Little League to the varsity level, aces pass the torch after leaving their personal mark on the program, be it through mass strikeouts or championships.
They do their part in the window of time they are given.
The most important position on the diamond this season belongs mainly to senior Julia Varhola, who paid her dues for three years playing behind one of the Spartans’ all-time arms in Riley Miller.
Now, Varhola will try to be the front-runner in the Spartans’ bid for a record-tying 10th WPIAL title.
“I knew I would get my chance,” said Varhola, a James Madison commit who has helped defending Class 6A champion Hempfield (20-1) return to the WPIAL finals. “I remember how Maddie Uschock waited her turn, and I kind of took after her.”
In a similar succession in Hempfield softball mythology, Varhola has a point. Uschock, who is now the head coach at Franklin Regional, played behind Morgan Ryan from 2015-17. Uschock took the reins and led the Spartans to a fourth straight WPIAL title and third consecutive PIAA title in 2018.
“I just want to keep working hard; I want to be a solid rock for this team,” Varhola said.
Varhola, who was 15-1 with a 2.05 ERA and a team-high 147 strikeouts and 41 walks, shook off some early adjustment time that helped strengthen her confidence and fueled her obvious command in the circle.
“She came back so strong from some bumps, and that is what matters,” Hempfield coach Tina Madison said. “She has taken the role and been very good with it. She’s a staple for us.”
Varhola has had help in the bullpen with freshman Jayelyn Luft making 15 appearances and going 4-0 with a 0.65 ERA — the heir apparent to Varhola and the next name in the tradition-rich pitching line.
“(Varhola) has been so good to my kids and has been a leader to them,” Madison said of Jayelyn and Jocelyn Luft, her twin daughters who are starters as first-year players. “She has been so kind and welcoming to our younger players.”
Hempfield plays rival Seneca Valley at Cal (Pa.) in the 6A final. The date and time have not been announced.
Howard finds rhythm
Hempfield senior shortstop Lauren Howard appears to be finding a groove at the plate at the best possible time.
“Lou is getting hot,” Madison said.
Howard went 3 for 3 with a double, triple and five RBIs in a 13-0 win over Canon-McMillan in the semifinals. The Virginia commit is approaching a .400 average after hitting .643 as a junior. She is 9 for her last 15 at bats with 12 RBIs.
“I had a little bit of a slow start,” she said. “I feel like I am starting to hit when it matters.”
Howard, who is Hempfield’s all-time leader in hits and runs, took over another category in the record book.
Her 12th career triple ties her with her coach for most in the program. Madison — then Tina Skelly — had a dozen triples from 1998-2001.
Big 5/6 softball
The Big 5/6 Conference (pabig56.com) announced its all-section softball teams in Class 6A and 5A.
The organization covers the two largest classifications in the WPIAL.
The Class 6A section saw six Hempfield players make the first team: freshman Jocelyn Luft (IF), senior Lauren Howard (IF), senior Claire Mitchell (OF), senior Julia Varhola (P), senior Ella Berkebile (C) and freshman Jayelyn Luft (UTIL).
Hempfield senior Emily Bozek (IF) and junior Abby McGill (UTIL) made the second team.
Norwin had four second-team selections in junior outfielder Maddy Kugler and Diem Wardzinski, senior pitcher Abbie Telli, and sophomore catcher Makenna Black.
Who makes states?
The PIAA playoffs will follow the conclusion of the WPIAL tournaments.
The number of qualifiers from the WPIAL are as follows: one in Class 6A; four in 5A and 2A; and three in 4A, 3A and A.
The PIAA postseason begins June 1.