adam ripple, the daily american
·4 min read
Meyersdale turned in an 18-2 mark to earn the top seed in the District 5 Class 1A softball playoffs. The Red Raiders will have challengers this postseason as they look to reign supreme.
In Class 2A, a youthful Windber squad finished second behind defending D5 and PIAA champion, Everett.
Here is a look at the players and teams to watch in the playoffs.
Baseball playoff previews Who are the Somerset County baseball teams and players to watch in the postseason?
District 5 Class 1A
Defending champion: Meyersdale
Favorite: Meyersdale
Contenders: Berlin Brothersvalley, Shade
Dark horse: Southern Fulton
3-peat Meyersdale uses long ball to capture 3rd straight District 5 Class 1A softball title
Outlook: Meyersdale is no stranger to winning conference and district titles over the years. The Red Raiders have captured the last three D5-1A championships. While the Red Raiders can't put the cart in front of the horse, the team is chasing more than a district title. With seven returning starters, including five seniors, this is the last true chance for Meyersdale to capture an elusive PIAA crown. Berlin Brothersvalley, the No. 2 seed, is loaded with talented underclassmen. The Mountaineers (14-6) are playing beyond their years. Berlin finished D5 runner-up last year and will once again contend this season. Shade (14-6) finished as the No. 3 seed. The Panthers have a great mix of veterans and fresh faces. If Shade can win the rubber match against No. 6 Rockwood in the quarterfinals, the Panthers will likely meet the Mountaineers again in the semis. Berlin won both regular season matchups.
Players to watch: Senior Laurel Daniels is tied for the team lead with 31 hits, including nine home runs and a team-high 36 RBIs. Izabella Donaldson has contributed 31 hits, including seven homers and 28 RBIs. She is 16-2 in the circle with a 1.18 ERA in 19 appearances. Fellow seniors Zoe Hetz (28 hits, 17 RBIs) and Marcella Dupre (26 hits, 18 RBIs) help solidify the top of the order. Junior Amber Long and sophom*ore Kendell Donaldson each have 20 hits and have combined for 35 RBIs. Junior Jessica Daughton has added 21 hits and 11 RBIs.
Freshman Coral Prosser sets the table for the Mountaineers with a .580 batting average, a whopping 40 hits, including 11 doubles and 38 runs scored to go along with 21 RBIs out of the leadoff spot. Fellow freshman Elena Ritchey has produced 31 hits, including 10 home runs, a team-high 38 RBIs and has scored 25 runs. Ritchey is 8-4 in 13 appearances with a 3.20 ERA. Junior Elsie Barna (27 hits, 32 RBIs) and sophom*ore Sydney Walker (26 hits, 27 RBIs) provide pop at the top of the lineup.
Senior Kori Boozer paces the Panthers with 32 hits and 32 runs scored to go along with 26 RBIs. Fellow senior Tara Corradini has 29 hits and a team-high 30 RBIs. She is 10-5 with a 3.00 ERA in 16 appearances. Freshmen Payton Maddy (28 hits, 32 RBIs), Kaylee Jamison (23 hits, 25 RBIs) and Patty Kovacs (25 hits, 19 RBIs) are making significant contributions.
Senior Brooke Snyder leads the Rockets with 27 hits and 18 RBIs while freshman Miley Pletcher has racked up 27 hits and 17 RBIs.
District 5 Class 2A
Defending champion: Everett
Favorite: Everett
Contenders: Windber, Tussey Mountain
Outlook: Despite losing a crop of skilled players from its PIAA title team, Everett reloaded. The Warriors will repeat as champs. Meanwhile, Windber, the No. 2 seed, has only one senior on its roster. The Ramblers finished D5 runner-up last year. Returning to the title game would be great experience for the club if Windber can take care of Tussey Mountain in the semifinals.
Players to watch: Sophom*ore Kaylie Gaye leads Windber with 27 hits, 30 RBIs, 26 runs scored and a .482 batting average. Junior Skylee Miller has delivered 25 hits and 23 RBIs. Fellow junior Layla Gray (19 hits, 23 RBIs) and freshman Rylee Baer (18 hits, 23 RBIs) provide a spark in the lineup. Aaliyah James and Nici Costlow have contributed 25 and 21 hits, respectively.
District 5/8/9 Class 3A
Defending champion: Chestnut Ridge
Favorite: Chestnut Ridge
Contenders: Punxsutawney, Bedford
Outlook: This is Chestnut Ridge's title to win. The Lions are full of skill once again this year and will likely meet Punxsutawney in the title game.
Players to watch: Somerset junior Savannah Landis is batting .396 with 21 hits. Sophom*ore Riley Wiencek has tallied four home runs, 17 RBIs and is batting .370. Freshman Elly Fletcher has provided 17 hits and six RBIs.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Meyersdale bids for 4th straight District 5-1A softball championship
