North Penn pitcher Julia Shearer (17) throws a pitch against Haverford during the District 1-6A final on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Spring-Ford. (Mike Cabrey/MediaNews Group)
North Penn softball looks to complete its quest, taking its swings at a potential second state title in three years as the PIAA Tournament gets underway on Monday.
The District 1-6A Champion Knights are at home on Monday, taking on Governor Mifflin at 2 p.m. Several area baseball and softball squads aim to advance out of Round One and into the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The state semis will be held Monday, June 12, with the finals being held Thursday, June 15 at Penn State.
Following is a look at all the area games (all 4 p.m. starts unless noted).
Baseball
Class 6A
1-1 Central Bucks West vs. 3-2 Wilson: The District One Champs will ride over to Villanova Ballpark for a 4 p.m. contest Monday.
Sam Greer pitched a shutout for the Bucks in the District One Final and Max McGlone knocked in a couple runs for the surging Bucks. Rafael Fernandez and Jack Gabel have been productive at the plate for the Bulldogs.
The winner gets Father Judge or Plymouth Whitemarsh.
12-1 Father Judge vs. 1-4 Plymouth-Whitemarsh: The Colonials make the trip to Father Judge on Monday to open states.
Gavin Rocks continues to contribute at the cleanup spot for PW. David Rodriguez pitched a complete game in Judge’s PCL Final win over La Salle.
The winner advances to face CB West or Wilson.
2-1 Hazleton vs. 1-3 North Penn: The Knights will travel to Hazleton Monday for a 4:30 p.m. start.
Justin Egner, Kevin Brace, Jack Picozzi and Chase Jones have been part of a potent lineup for NP. Grant Russo has been a catalyst at the leadoff spot for Hazleton.
The winner gets Liberty or Avon Grove.
3-1 Cedar Cliff vs. 1-6 Abington: The Ghosts hit the road Monday, making the trip to Cedar Cliff.
Logan Moss has been hitting with some power for the Ghosts. Bennet Secrest has been coming through in big spots at the plate for Cedar Cliff.
The winner advances to face McDowell or North Allegheny.
Class 5A
11-1 Pocono Mountain East vs. 1-2 Upper Dublin: The Cardinals travel to DeSales University for a 4 p.m. contest Monday.
Eric Berman and Jared Levis help key a strong hitting lineup for Upper Dublin. Adam Horvath has been a solid arm for the District 11 Champs.
The winner advances to face Greencastle-Antrim or Franklin Towne Charter.
Class 4A
12-1 Archbishop Wood vs. 1-1 Pope John Paul II: The Vikings host the Golden Panthers for their first-round matchup,
J.P. DiGuiseppe, Sean Burke, Joey Gale and Brian Klumpp captain a solid group for the Vikings. PJP has made a habit of hitting the long ball. T.J. Boccella has been a key part of that.
The winner takes on Blue Mountain or Montoursville.
Class A
1-1 Dock vs. 11-1 Marian Catholic: The Pioneers travel just down the road to Methacton for their first-round clash.
Nate Lapp has been getting it done both ways for the Pioneers, on the mound and at the plate. Brian Hinkle has been a rock-solid arm for Marian.
The winner gets Northeast Bradford or Susquehanna Community.
Softball
Class 6A
1-1 North Penn vs. 3-4 Governor Mifflin: The Knights start states on their home field at 2 p.m., coming off a perfect game by Julia Shearer (0.20 ERA). Shearer and catcher Sarah Sabocsik have been a formidable one-two punch at the top of the lineup.
Kayla Williams had a pair of hits in Mifflin’s loss to Chambersburg in the District Three Third-Place Game.
The winner gets Hazleton or Plymouth Whitemarsh.
2-1 Hazleton vs. 1-4 Plymouth-Whitemarsh: The Colonials hit the road for a 5 p.m. tilt at Hazleton.
Right hander Molly Moore is in the midst of a tremendous postseason for PW. Hazleton is coming off a wild, 5-4 win over Williamsport in the District Two Title Game. Olivia Williams’ two-run double was key for the Cougars.
The winner advances to take on North Penn or Governor Mifflin.
11-1 Nazareth vs. 1-5 Pennridge: The Rams travel to Nazareth for their first-round contest, with Averi Dockery looking to supply more heroics on the mound and at the plate.
Avery Bartha’s three hits were part of a big offensive showing for Nazareth in the District 11 Final.
The winner gets Central or Chambersburg.
Class 5A
12-1 Cardinal O’Hara vs. 1-4 Upper Dublin: The Cardinals travel to Cardinal O’Hara at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Bella Fiore and Madden Reilly have been swinging hot bats for the Cards. Hayden Sissons struck out 13 in the District 12 Title Game for O’Hara.
The winner takes on Northern York or Hatboro-Horsham.
3-1 Northern York vs. 1-3 Hatboro-Horsham: The Hatters hit the road Monday, traveling to Northern York for a 4:15 p.m. battle.
Alyssa Tooley has been swinging with power for the Hatters while Sabrina Paulin has been coming on strong for Northern York.
The winner advances to take on Cardinal O’Hara or Upper Dublin.
Class 4A
3-1 Lampeter-Strasburg vs. 12-3 Archbishop Wood: The Vikings travel to Lampeter-Strasburg for a 5 p.m. contest on Monday.
Pitcher Dakota Fanelli has been a tremendous two-way threat for the Vikes while Kara Scranton looks to stay hot for Lampeter-Strasburg – she had a two-run homer in the District Three Championship.
The winner takes on Bellefonte or Montour.
Class A
1-1 Dock vs. 11-1 Tri Valley: The Pioneers go right down the road for a 4 p.m. game at North Penn Monday.
Trinity Landis knocked in four runs for Dock in its District One Title tilt while Tri Valley shortstop Gianna Poletti is coming off a 3-for-4 performance for the District 11 Champs.
The winner gets Old Forge or Bucktail