Still a relative newcomer to the WPIAL softball scene, Ligonier Valley continues to make its mark. The Rams enjoyed a banner campaign this spring, winning their section, reaching the WPIAL semifinals, and qualifying for the state playoffs.

Ligonier Valley commenced the 2024 season with non-section victories against Plum, Valley, and Burrell. However, LV dropped its Class 3A Section 3 opener to Yough 1-0.

From that point forward, however, the Rams found their groove in the section, winning seven straight contests, including a pair of victories on consecutive days against previously-unblemished Southmoreland, 2-1 and 1-0. With the inside track on the Scotties via the tiebreaker, the Rams captured section supremacy with a mark of 8-2.

Aiming for a deep postseason run, the Rams challenged themselves by then facing a who’s who of nonsection opponents to close out the regular season. LV faced Shaler Area, Elizabeth Forward, Chartiers-Houston, Greater Latrobe, and Indiana Area, prevailing against the Wildcats and Little Indians. In the win against Indiana, senior pitcher Cheyenne Piper tossed a no-hitter.

The WPIAL softball committee recognized the Rams’ success, tabbing LV as the No. 2 seed in the Class 3A bracket. In the first week of the playoffs, Piper garnered headlines across Western Pennsylvania, as she registered a perfect game in an 8-0 win against Keystone Oaks, and followed with a no-hitter against Ellwood City.

Piper’s historic run ended in the WPIAL semifinals, though, as the Rams were on the other side of a no-hitter in a loss to South Park.

Although their spot in the state playoffs was already secured, the Rams showed their resilience in the WPIAL third-place consolation game, as they responded with a 4-0 win against top-seeded Avonworth.

Ligonier Valley’s campaign ended with a 3-2 loss to Forest Hills in the opening round of the state postseason, as the Rams wrapped up their stellar season with a record of 16-7.

Piper, a Westminster commit, ranked as one of the top pitchers in the state, while junior catcher Sydnee Foust, sophomore infielder Abigail Springer, and freshman infielder Marlee Miller also excelled for veteran head coach Mark Zimmerman’s squad.

Because of their terrific season, the Ligonier Valley softball team is recognized as Shining Stars which earns the program a $500 contribution courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs.