While Penn-Trafford softball could not capture the elusive WPIAL crown for the first time in program history this spring, the Warriors still had their sights on another goal. A few weeks after their disappointment, the Warriors celebrated the joy of being the best team in the state, as they claimed the PIAA Class 5A Championship, capping off a historic campaign.

After dropping their first game of the season, a setback to Class 6A juggernaut Hempfield Area, the Warriors notched 17 consecutive victories. That surge included an unblemished run through Class 5A Section 2 play, highlighted by a pair of dominant showings against reigning WPIAL champion Armstrong.

Although PT stumbled against North Allegheny in a nonsection clash to wrap up the regular season, the Warriors garnered the No. 1 seed in the WPIAL Class 5A postseason.

The path was not easy, however, as a pair of upset-minded teams provided significant resistance. The Warriors edged No. 16 Moon Area 5-3 in the first round, and then narrowly escaped against Chartiers Valley, claiming a heart-pounding 14-11 triumph. The semifinals was less stressful, however, as the Warriors cruised to a 7-0 victory against North Hills.

With gold on the line on May 29 at North Allegheny High School, top-seeded Penn-Trafford fell to Shaler Area 2-1 in extra innings in the WPIAL Class 5A Championship.

Cam Ponko’s first-inning homer represented the first run scored against Shaler pitcher Bria Bosiljevac through the entire postseason.

The No. 2 Titans responded on the top of the second, though, scoring an unearned run.

As PT’s Allyson Paulone and Bosiljevac continued to exchange scoreless frames, the contest remained 1-1 into the 10th inning, when the international tiebreaker took effect, placing a runner at second base to start the stanza.

Because of Penn-Trafford's historic season, a $500 donation will be awarded as part of the Shining Stars program from Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmorelnad 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. The program has now contributed over $13,000 to local teams.

In the 11th inning, the Titans finally broke through, as Addison Aleski delivered a two-out RBI single to put the Titans ahead, 2-1.

Paulone was masterful in the setback, as she allowed just four hits and issued one walk with one strikeout, allowing two unearned runs in the complete-game effort.

After Penn-Trafford suffered that heartbreaking defeat, the Warriors immediately set their sights on a state title run. That lofty goal was realized on June 13 when the Warriors edged Greencastle-Antrim 2-0 at Penn State University to capture the PIAA crown.

On a senior-laden squad, Paulone, a sophomore, tossed a shutout, while junior Liz Welsh produced the go-ahead RBI double in the top of the seventh inning. As a result, Penn-Trafford claimed its second state championship, as the Warriors also took home gold in 2019.

Playing as the visitors, Penn-Trafford broke through in the seventh, courtesy of three doubles. Giuliana Youngo started the surge with a one-out double to right-center field, and Welsh pounced on the first offering from pitcher Kiersten Swain, ripping a two-out double to center that brought in Youngo for the first run of the contest.

The Warriors subsequently added a crucial insurance run, as Ella Mains followed with a double to left to stake PT to a 2-0 edge.

That was all the run support that Paulone needed, as she went the distance in the circle, permitting just three hits and not issuing a walk, striking out one.

In addition to the crowning victory, the Warriors also registered state playoff wins against Central Mountain, Red Land, and West Allegheny.

Finishing the season with a mark of 24-3, the Warriors tied the program record for victories, which was previously established in 1990.

In addition to the myriad contributors on the field, the Warriors were guided by ninth-year head coach Denny Little, who captured his second state title leading PT.

Because of their historic season, a $500 donation will be awarded to the Penn-Trafford softball team as part of the Shining Stars program from 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. The program has now contributed over $13,000 to local teams.