SV softball moves closer to section crown
JACKSON TWP — With all of its postseason success last year, it’s easy to forget that Seneca Valley’s softball team did not win a section title.
“We finished third in our section, barely made the playoffs,” said Raiders coach Marlesse Hames. “Our girls are competitive and they want to win it this season.”
SV took another step in that direction, defeating Butler 11-1 in six innings Monday. Whether or not the Raiders can claim the section crown will come down to their final two 1-6A contests, at North Allegheny Tuesday and at home Thursday against Hempfield. All three teams have clinched postseason berths.
The Raiders (14-1, 13-1) are defending WPIAL champions and reached the state final in 2022.
“We’re focused on taking it one game at a time,” Hames said.
SV was without its usual leadoff hitter, Emry Rice, who is coming off an illness. But the Raiders did not miss a beat with Rylee Kratochvil, who went 4-for-5 with four runs batted in. It was her two-run double in the bottom of the sixth that scored Emelia Pfab and Kylie Staudt to end the game via the mercy rule.
“I usually pinch-run for the varsity team,” said Kratochvil. “I’m grateful for the playing time and was excited to see the field.”
SV star pitcher Lexie Hames worked three perfect innings to begin the game, striking out eight.
She was replaced by Abby Kalkowski, who fanned seven and walked two over the final three frames. She allowed an unearned run in the fifth inning when Meghan Reay came home on a throwing error.
“We have two big section games remaining and wanted to give Lexie a rest,” Coach Hames said.
SV’s offense scored in every frame but the fourth. Lexie Hames doubled in Mia Ryan to get things started in the first. Kratochvil and Anna Kalkowski both singled in a run in the second for a 3-0 lead.
The damage came against Butler starter Kierra Smith, who walked four in five innings. The defense behind her turned in several standout plays, including Alley Bartley’s diving catch of a ball off the bat of Bella Gross in the third inning.
Bartley is a freshman, one of 13 freshmen or sophomores on Butler’s varsity roster.
“We have just one senior and are a very young team,” said Butler coach CJ Gattens. “Getting the young players game experience is our focus.”
Annalyn Schnur pitched the sixth inning for the Golden Tornado (2-13, 2-12). Gracie Negley and Lily Vicari both had two hits for the Tornado.
Butler 000 010 x — 1 4 2
Seneca Valley 122 042 x — 11 14 1
WP: Lexie Hames 3 IP (8K, 0BB). LP: Kierra Smith 5 IP (0K, 4BB). S: Abby Kalkowski 3 IP (7K, 2BB).
Butler (2-13, 2-12): Gracie Negley 2-1B, Lily Vicari 1B 2B
Seneca Valley (14-1, 13-1): Rylee Kratochvil 3-1B 2B R 4RBI, Lexie Hames 2B RBI, Meah Hames 1B 2R RBI, Kylie Staudt 2-1B 2R, Neve Miller 2B R 2RBI, Abby Kalkowski 3B RBI
Tuesday: Canon-McMillan at Butler; Seneca Valley at North Allegheny
