Shaler softball learns to battle back after tough losses

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 13, 2018 | 12:56 AM

Losing a five-run lead in the fifth inning against Butler wasn't a major concern for the Shaler softball team.

The Titans rallied with three runs in the final two innings last Wednesday, toppling Butler, 13-12, to win a WPIAL Section 3-6A matchup. Shaler (1-2, 1-1) previously had been snakebitten despite strong offensive showings.

The Titans dropped their first two contests — 5-4 against Plum and an 8-7 decision to Seneca Valley. What Shaler showed in those outings was what coach Tom Sorce was looking for.

A little character.

“Resiliency,” Sorce said. “They kept battling back. We were down in both games and a couple times in the 8-7 loss to Seneca Valley. We just came out short in the end. I wasn't disappointed because they gave it their all and fought to the end.”

Shaler pounded 15 hits in its win over the Golden Tornado, continuing a strong trend to start the season.

Against Butler, the Titans used 18 players to win a game in which they led 10-5 but also trailed 5-2 and 11-10. Tori Martrano finished with a team-high four hits for Shaler, and Victoria Grayson also recorded three hits.

That's been part of a trend for the Titans. Shaler had 11 hits against Plum and 12 versus Seneca Valley. Keeping things close with the Raiders was a big deal for Sorce. Seneca Valley was a highly regarded unit before the season started.

“It proved to them they can hang,” Sorce said. “It proved to them they can play with these teams. They keep hitting and keep playing defense, and that's all I've asked of them. Keeping playing and see what happens.”

Hunter Gray, Leah Schoenian and Kelsey Cordera also have produced multiple-hit games for the Titans so far. Sorce doesn't believe this trend is a fluke.

Shaler spent a lot of time during the winter putting in the work.

“I'm confident that it will,” Sorce said. “We work every day on it. You never know who you are going to run into when they put someone on the mound every day. I feel we've done everything we've done as coaches to put the kids in the best position to do what they can do.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler