After making it to the second round of playoffs for the first time since 2018, the softball team lost 2-1 to Shaler on Thursday.
“They definitely just hit well,” junior Ava Bonacci said. “They got on base more than us, but it really just came down to like little things that they capitalized on.”
Senior Reese Temme agreed.
“They found a way to move runners, and a few timely hits won them that game,” Temme said.
Shaler was led by pitcher Bria Bosiljevac. Sophomore Julianna Ditoro noted that Bosiljevac displayed strong technique throughout the game.
“Her spin and movement on her pitches were really good,” Ditoro said. “She just has really good control all around.”
Ditoro also saw the attitude Bosiljevac brought to the mound and how the Titans rallied around each other.
“She has a really good attitude and all of the girls supported each other,” Ditoro said.
For Baldwin, sophomore Camryn Temme had an RBI double and threw out a runner at home.
“It’s the only way we got our run. Then she made that great play to save a run, so it would have been 3-1 without that,” Bonacci said.
Baldwin junior Melina DeFelice pitched a strong game for the Highlanders.
“She worked so hard last night and pitched an amazing game. Her movement and energy brought life to our team when we needed it,” Reese Temme said.
Bonacci also said DeFelice’s pitching was key.
“It was really good. She had a lot of strikeouts,” Bonacci said. “She did really well.”
While Shaler had defeated Baldwin 10-1 in the WPIAL semifinals, Thursday’s state playoff game was much closer. The Highlanders credited their improvement to their mentality.
“Compared to the last game that we played against them, we were all hitting a lot better, and we were all a lot more calm going into this one,” Bonacci said. “We really wanted to enjoy the moment.”
She saluted the seniors, who played their last Baldwin game.
“I definitely think our seniors all stood out. It was their last game, so they really just put their all into it,” Bonacci said. “I’m going to miss our seniors a lot, but they’re all going to do very well with their next step in life.”
Despite the loss, the team had a memorable and successful season.
“Our win against TJ was my favorite moment from this season. The win was very beneficial for us and gave us momentum,” Ditoro said.
Bonacci cited several moments.
“I think my favorite moments have been when anybody in the outfield made a diving catch, and everybody would get so excited and crazy, or we get out of a hard inning and it’s really good. It’s just the best feeling,” Bonacci said.
The softball team is moving up to 6A next year, but the team is confident they will do well.
“It won’t be easy for them as they move back up to 6A, but I know these girls and the coaching staff, and I know they will play hard to get far,” Reese Temme said. “I think that the team has a fighting chance to go all the way next year. If they continue to put in the work, they can be a successful team.”
Bonacci agreed.
“We’ll be back next year,” she said.
