Shaler softball in contention for WPIAL playoff berth

By: Josh Rizzo
Thursday, April 18, 2019 | 5:37 PM

Tom Sorce went into his second year as Shaler Area softball coach knowing the Titans’ offense needed more flair.

Packing some power into the bats was a key focus of an off-season training regiment built around strength. Shaler has seven home runs — after only hitting one last season — through nine games and is in contention for a WPIAL Class 5A playoff spot.

Following a 3-1 loss to undefeated Hampton last Wednesday, the Titans are 4-5 overall and 4-4 in Section 2-5A. Shaler is tied for third place with Mars and Gateway. The top four teams from each section will head to the postseason.

“I have a lot of young kids,” Sorce said. “We just need to find a way to finish. We’ve hit the ball well all year.”

Freshman Cam Murphy leads the Titans with three home runs.

With the power in its bats harnessed, Shaler must now find a way to finish close contests. Sorce said the Titans have had leads in every game this year.

Other than a 3-2 win over Gateway, Shaler hasn’t had much luck in games decided by two runs or less. The Titans have a 1-3 record in those contests, with all three losses coming against teams above them in the section.

Shaler did claim another close win by defeating Mars in a 10-7 slugfest.

“It’s a mentality,” Sorce said about how Shaler will learn how to finish games. “We have to believe we can do it. We are a couple clutch hits away from being 7-2. We have been in every game.”

Against the Talbots, Tori Martrano drove in a run in the first inning to put Shaler up. The Titans would end up out-hitting Hampton 10-5, but weren’t able to hold on to the lead.

Despite still going through some growing pains, Shaler is in strong position to contend for a berth in the postseason.

The Titans are seeking to return a one-year absence.

“We set goals at the beginning of the year,” Sorce said. “Anything can happen once you get your foot in the door. We aren’t worried about the other teams. We just want to take care of our own business.”

Tags: Shaler