Neshannock players celebrate their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State's Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
It was a fun and exciting two days of softball and baseball as seven WPIAL teams competed in the PIAA state championships on Thursday and Friday at Penn State, with two softball teams ultimately bringing home gold medals. Thomas Jefferson earned its first state title with a 2-1, extra-innings win, and Neshannock ended its perfect season (26-0) with a 12-2, mercy-rule victory. Below are some highlights from all seven games.
Carmichaels’ Bailey Barnyak pitches against DuBois Central Catholic in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Carmichaels lost, 2-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Carmichaels’ Payton Plavi jumps for a ball but misses the catch against DuBois Central Catholic in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Carmichaels lost, 2-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Carmichaels’ Bailey Barnyak struck out eight while allowing two runs on seven hits and walking none in a 2-0 defeat against DuBois Central Catholic in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Carmichaels’ Bailey Barnyak talks with coach David Briggs during the PIAA Class 1A championship against DuBois Central Catholic on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Carmichaels lost, 2-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Carmichaels’ Duski Staggers grabs the ball in center field against DuBois Central Catholic in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Carmichaels lost, 2-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Carmichaels’ Avery Voithofer reacts after striking out and ending the game against DuBois Central Catholic in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Carmichaels lost, 2-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Ben Ryan bats against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Ben Ryan runs the bases after hitting a home run against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)From left, Indiana’s Ben Ryan, Hunter Martin and Charlie Manzi celebrate after Ryan hit a home run against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)From left, Indiana’s Hunter Martin, Charlie Manzi and Ben Ryan after Ryan hit his first home run of the game against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Andrew McGee goes after the ball against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Greg Minnick pitches against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Rocco Cosentino safely gets back to third against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost,6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Andrew McGee throws the ball to first against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Indiana lost, 6-5. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Ben Ryan reacts to his team’s 6-5 loss against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Ethan Shank, left, and Ryan Okopal embrace after their 6-5 loss against Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Indiana’s Tuscan Blystone, left, and Tim Birch walk in from the outfield following their 6-5 loss to Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA 4A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson’s Aubrey Shaffer pitches against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Thomas Jefferson won, 2-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson players cheer on their team as they bat against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Thomas Jefferson won, 2-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson coach Heidi Karcher watches her team play against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Thomas Jefferson won, 2-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson players celebrate after a 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson players celebrate after a 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson players celebrate their 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson’s Hannah Alonso, left, and Aubrey Shaffer embrace as they celebrate their 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)From left, Thomas Jefferson’s Aubrey Shaffer, Hannah Alonso and Sophia Janosko celebrate their 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson players celebrate after a 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Thomas Jefferson coach Heidi Karcher and pitcher Aubrey Shaffer embrace after their 2-1 win against Pittston in the PIAA Class 5A championship on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Eden Christian’s Brady Hull pitches against Faith Christian in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Eden Christian lost, 4-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Eden Christian’s Josh Tilden bats against Faith Christian in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Eden Christian lost, 4-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Eden Christian’s Brett Feldman tags out Faith Christian’s Noah Wilson at second in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Eden Christian lost, 4-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Eden Christian’s Brett Feldman reacts after tagging Faith Christian’s Noah Wilson out at second in the PIAA Class 1A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Eden Christian lost, 4-1. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Addy Frye pitches against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn, left, and Addy Frye high-five during their game against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Addy Frye and Ali Giordano celebrate after Frye hit a home run against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock coach Jackie Lash high-fives her team as they run off the field after an inning against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Callie Biondi reacts after getting to second against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn hits a three-run home run in the fourth inning to increase her team’s lead to 12-2 against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning to increase her team’s lead to 12-2 against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock players greet Gabby Quinn (24) at home plate after Quinn hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning of a 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock players cheer on their team against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Ali Giordano throws the ball to first against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Neshannock won, 12-2. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Gabby Quinn (24) and Addy Frye celebrate their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock players celebrate their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Jaidon Nogay (1) and Ella Skodak (3) embrace as they celebrate their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock’s Miley Anderson, center, and her teammates celebrate as they receive their gold medals following a 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock coach Jackie Lash celebrates with her assistant coaches following their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neshannock fans hold up signs to celebrate the 100th win for coach Jackie Lash following their 12-2 win against South Williamsport in the PIAA Class 2A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Elizabeth Forward’s Shelby Telegdy pitches against Blue Mountain in the PIAA Class 4A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. Blue Mountain won, 4-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Elizabeth Forward shortstop Julia Resnik watches as the ball sneaks past her and into the outfield during a 4-0 loss against Blue Mountain in the PIAA Class 4A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Beard Field. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Ben Barnes dives for and misses a ball against Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Cooper Scharding catches the ball at second to get the out against Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth coach Jeff Bywalski talks to the umpires after his runner was called out at first against Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Cooper Scharding stands on first as the initial out call is upheld during the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Scharding was called out at first against Neumann-Goretti. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Carson Franc pitches against Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Mason Metz talks to coach Jeff Bywalski as Bywalksi walks onto the field in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth coach Jeff Bywalski talks to his team as they play against Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Cooper Scharding squats as he reacts to a call made against his team, allowing Neumann-Goretti to advance, in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Ben Barnes reacts to Neumann-Goretti’s game-ending grand slam in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Avonworth lost, 12-0. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Neumann-Goretti players celebrate their 12-0 win behind Avonworth catcher Mason Metz in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)Avonworth’s Patrick Bykowski reacts after his team’s 12-0 loss to Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA Class 3A championship on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)
