Mt. Pleasant’s Poulich sisters make softball success a family tradition

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, June 9, 2018 | 6:18 PM

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A cracked lamp is a small price to pay for two Division I college scholarships.

Chloe and Courtney Poulich are a few years apart, but they have grown up playing softball together, honing skills that have earned them spots at the next level and helped make Mt. Pleasant a state-title contender again.

It always has been about softball to the siblings, no matter the month, no matter the day.

“If we're bored, well pick up a bat and ball and hit it around in the living room,” said Chloe, a senior. “One time we did break a lamp. But it wasn't a huge deal.”

They have been lights out since.

“The Poulich girls are excellent role models and will impact any team they play on,” Mt. Pleasant coach Lauren Armanious said. “It is an honor to coach them both.”

The big-hitting corner infielders with eerily similar talents will join Mt. Pleasant (19-1) in Monday's PIAA Class 4A semifinals against Punxsutawney (17-3) at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis (Pa.).

Mt. Pleasant is seeking a state repeat. Chloe won a state title with the Vikings last year while Courtney, a freshman first baseman this season, looked on as a bright-eyed spectator. Now, they have a chance to get back to Penn State and raise a trophy together.

If they can share it.

Sisters squabble over petty things. It happens. Older sisters often get what they want. Little sisters fight for every inch.

“We're pretty close. We never fight,” Chloe said, probably crossing her fingers behind her back as she grinned slightly.

“No, never … well …” Courtney said, looking at Chloe for some help.

Whatever the case, they seem to push each other in a different way. They get along pretty well on the field, and each game they stop to recognize the significance of their opportunity.

Sisters have played on the same teams before, but it's a rare treat for a senior and freshman, both Division I commits, to have a shot at a state title in the same season.

“It has been so special for us to play together this year because it will be our last time playing on the same team,” said Chloe, a third baseman who homered in Thursday's 3-2 win over Belle Vernon in the quarterfinals. “We want to make it happen for each other.”

Chloe committed to Towson as a junior, but Courtney gave Liberty the nod before this season.

“My sister taught me everything,” Courtney said. “She has helped me tremendously. Softball for us is a family thing.”

The Pouliches put the CC's in Mt. Pleasant's bats. Both can hit for power. Chloe is hitting .469 with nine triples, four home runs, 30 RBIs and 28 runs.

“Chloe Poulich has been a leader from her freshman year on,” Armanious said. “She has constantly proven herself and has only gotten better with more years and experience.”

Courtney has a .404 average with a homer, 16 runs and 15 RBIs.

“Courtney (they call her Courto) is following on that same track that her sister began when she was young,” Armanious said. “Courtney is a talented leader who already has the composure of a much older player.”

The girls see similarities in their styles, particularly on defense.

“We're similar, first and third,” Chloe said.

“We can play anywhere except pitcher and catcher,” Courtney said. “We don't want to do that.”

Chloe said both girls became interested in the idea of playing high-level softball in college by watching travel teammates climb the recruiting ladder.

“We saw other people do it and thought, ‘That's what we want to do,' ” Chloe said.

And encouragement from one another has made that happen.

“We want to see each other do well,” Courtney said.

Not lost on the girls in their pursuit of softball riches is the efforts of their parents, Nick and Carri, who sport Towson and/or Liberty gear to games.

“Dad took us everywhere, and mom would shag balls,” Chloe said.

Like they said, it's a family thing.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant