Penn Hills seniors seek return to WPIAL softball playoffs

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 31, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Missing out on the playoffs last season was a tough break for the Penn Hills softball team. The year before, the Indians had found a way back after a long hiatus from the playoffs.

This group of seniors for Penn Hills is determined to get the program back on track to reach the WPIAL Class 5A postseason.

The Indians have found success at the plate to start the season, scoring 28 runs in their first two games.

“These girls have been working hard all winter,” Penn Hills softball coach Ashley Banner said. “We’ve been doing a lot of live hitting. A lot of batting cages. A lot of work in the cages.”

Penn Hills has eight seniors on the roster this season. Lauren Sipple (infield), Shania Lewis (shortstop), Cassidy Burkovich (first base), Damiana Hopkins (designated player), Hannah Pugliese (right field), London Irish (center field) and Gabby Pernatozzi (third base) are all hoping to give the Indians a good boost in their final season.

Pugliese is out for the team for the first time.

“They’ve been working hard on skills and development,” Banner said. “That’s been our conversation. We’ve been talking a lot about leadership. We have seniors who are excited about doing well in their last year. We see that in the dugout and enjoy playing together.”

Isabella DeCarlo has stepped into the circle to pick up the pitching duties for Penn Hills. DeCarlo got a lot of experience last season while working with last season’s starter, Maura Wade.

“She’s developed tremendously,” Banner said. “She learned a lot. It was a great transition, allowing her time to grow and develop before having to step in and put the ball in her hands. She had a lot of confidence. She’s coaching up the players throughout the game. She’s showing a lot of leadership.”

Penn Hills opened the season with a 17-7 win over Gateway and followed that with a 11-0 victory over Highlands. The Indians open section play April 8 at home against Fox Chapel.

“Right now, what I’m seeing is they are playing great defense,” Banner said. “They are staying very positive and very motivated throughout the entire game. I would like to see that focus continue throughout the year. Also, hitting the ball.”

Banner hopes to get off to a running start in section play to try and get back to the playoffs.

“We want to be competitive in every game we play, whether it’s section or nonsection,” Banner said.

Tags: Penn Hills