Belle Vernon softball going for another WPIAL title

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, May 29, 2018 | 8:42 PM

For the third time in four seasons, the Belle Vernon softball team will play for a WPIAL championship. Elizabeth Forward, meanwhile, is making its first appearance since 2012 and second overall.

Belle Vernon's experience could be a factor in the game, but EF coach Harry Rutherford isn't worried about it.

“It might be to their advantage, but my kids won't be scared to play Belle Vernon again,” Rutherford said.

And why would they? In the season's opening game, the Warriors (19-3) walked out of Belle Vernon with a 2-0 victory.

In their second meeting of the season April 26, the Leopards (20-3) needed a run in the top of the seventh inning to escape with a 3-2 victory.

The Elizabeth Forward starting lineup likely will feature four freshmen: third baseman Anna Resnik, designated player Kaitlin Fournier, pitcher Kailey Larcinese and left fielder Bri Sersevic.

Resnik is batting .500 out of the leadoff spot. Fournier is batting .522 and Sersevic .514.

“Kailey is pretty level-headed,” Rutherford said of his pitcher. “I'm really pleased with her attitude. Even though we're a young team, I have three seniors that have been to the playoffs each of their four years. I'm confident they will get us through on the experience they've gained.”

One thing the Warriors will have to deal with is a dominant Bailey Parshall.

The pitcher and Penn State recruit has allowed one hit and struck out 49 through three playoff games. The hit allowed came in BV's opening game against Uniontown.

She threw no-hitters in her last two games against No. 5 Ambridge and No. 1-seed Mt. Pleasant.

Belle Vernon coach Tom Rodriguez said he is in awe of his pitcher and hasn't seen dominance like the past few games in her career.

“I haven't seen her pitch like this,” Rodriguez said. “She's at a high level right now.”

Parshall said she respects what the Warriors have done this season.

“I never would have thought it would come down to us and them, but they've had a really strong season,” Parshall said. “They're a strong hitting team with a quality defense.”

While experience might not play a role in the game as a whole, Rodriguez is sure it will be a factor for his team.

“This is Bailey's fourth year. Kourtney (Gavatorta) has been here for four but was hurt her freshman year, and Alex (Sokol) has played three years. I think they'll make sure we're ready to play,” he said.

The key for Rutherford's team will be to put the ball in play and put pressure on the Belle Vernon defense with their its speed.

For Parshall and the Leopards, it's all about keeping their heads and staying focused.

“We have the momentum moving forward, and we've been playing tough with a lot of confidence,” she said. “I don't want our confidence to overpower us and fall short.

“If we bring our ‘A' game and hit the ball well, I have a lot of confidence that we can bring it home again.”

Jeremy Sellew is a freelance writer.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward