Penn-Trafford ends Hempfield softball’s 46-game win streak

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, April 22, 2018 | 7:24 PM

It had been almost two years since the Hempfield softball team lost a game.

That was to Shaler on April 27, 2016.

After that loss, the Spartans won 46 consecutive games and won back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA titles.

The streak ended Sunday as Penn-Trafford, ranked No. 5 in Class 5A, scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the top-tanked team in Class 6A, 7-3, at Seton Hill in a non-section game.

Freshman pinch-hitter Brooke Cleland's bases-loaded single snapped a 3-3 tie, and sophomore pinch-hitter MacKenzie Smith cleared the bases with a three-run double in the sixth inning off Hempfield starting pitcher Maddie Uschock.

The Hempfield coaching staff believed Uschock had struck out Smith with a change-up on the previous pitch but didn't get the call.

“We focus on being great teammates,” Penn-Trafford coach Denny Little said. “We had a lot of girls in this game, and they know their roles. It was nothing new for the young kids. When they stepped in, I knew they were going to get the hits.”

The inning started with three consecutive infield hits: Morgan Nedley hit a one-hopper that ricocheted off Uschock's glove; Allie Prady had a slow roller; and Emma Little had a bunt single. Cleland lined the first pitch she saw into left field.

Little said beating Hempfield is big for his team's confidence.

“We ended the state champions' 46-game winning streak,” Little said. “They're the best team in the state, and everyone knows it. They didn't play their game. They're going to come back and start a new streak. Coach (Bob) Kalp is a legend. They'll get back on track.”

It was Hempfield's first game since April 12. Hempfield (5-1, 4-0) plays at No. 2 Latrobe on Monday.

Penn-Trafford (9-2, 8-1) has played six games during that span, and it showed. The Warriors were sharper in the field.

“No excuses from us,” Kalp said. “Collectively, we didn't function well enough as a team, and it starts with me.

“I felt the big play of the game was in the fifth inning when Emma Hoffner's screamer ricocheted off their third baseman's leg, and they get an out. If the ball gets past her into the corner, we score two runs. But that's the beauty of this game, it didn't happen, and we didn't score.”

In the top of the fifth inning, Megan Monzo worked a walk and Kelsey Tobin, who went 4 for 4, singled to put runners at first and second. Hoffner's smash hit Penn-Trafford third baseman Jessica Lichota in the leg and bounced to shortstop Nedley, who beat Monzo to third base for the force out.

“This win does wonders for the program,” Nedley said. “The senior class had never beaten Hempfield before, so it was incredible to do and the younger players came through.”

Emma Armstrong had two hits for Penn-Trafford, and Nedley added a double. Ashley Orischak had two hits for Hempfield.

Kalp did something unusual after the game. He held the team in the dugout and talked to them about the game and about Monday's game with Latrobe.

“I usually don't do that after a game,” Kalp said. “But it's been awhile since we lost.”

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib

Tags: Hempfield Area, Penn-Trafford