Giant killer Knights bring home D-10 softball title
Story and photographs by Sydney Herdle
Franklin's softball team captured its first District 10 Championship trophy in school history Monday with a 3-0 victory over Villa Maria (17-4) at Penn State Behrend.
The sixth-seed Knights (16-6) upset both third-seed Warren and second-seed Hickory on their journey to toppling the top-seed Victors Monday.
“They really did it. They earned every bit of it,” Franklin head coach Ed Winger said following the team’s victory.
The sixth-seed Knights (16-6) upset both third-seed Warren and second-seed Hickory on their journey to toppling the top-seed Victors Monday.
“They really did it. They earned every bit of it,” Franklin head coach Ed Winger said following the team’s victory.
Both Franklin sophomore pitcher Trinity Edge and Villa Maria pitcher Jenna Wagner played strong through most of the game, allowing only a hit or walk every now and then. Both teams were scoreless through the first six innings.
“[Edge] continues to get better and better and better. She had her drop-ball today, she had her change-up today, along with everything else,” Winger said.
The Knights finally found a spark at the top of the 7th as freshman outfielder Rilee Hanna got on base with a single. Two outs later, sophomore shortstop Sydni Hoobler also singled moving Hanna to third.
Senior outfielder Erin Janidlo brought in Hanna with an RBI single. Then senior third baseman Kaylyn Fry brought in both Hoobler and Janidlo with a double to close out the two-out rally. Franklin took a 3-0 lead into the final half inning.
“[Edge] continues to get better and better and better. She had her drop-ball today, she had her change-up today, along with everything else,” Winger said.
The Knights finally found a spark at the top of the 7th as freshman outfielder Rilee Hanna got on base with a single. Two outs later, sophomore shortstop Sydni Hoobler also singled moving Hanna to third.
Senior outfielder Erin Janidlo brought in Hanna with an RBI single. Then senior third baseman Kaylyn Fry brought in both Hoobler and Janidlo with a double to close out the two-out rally. Franklin took a 3-0 lead into the final half inning.
Edge closed out the win as she has made a habit of doing in the postseason.
This season, Winger said will be his last as head coach. He spoke about the perseverance of his squad as they faced adversity with injuries throughout this season.
“Once we started on a roll and we had everybody healthy, it was great. They just kept coming back,” Winger said.
The Knights will face either Elizabeth Forward or West Mifflin in the first round of the PIAA Class AAAA softball state championship tournament on June 7.
“Once we started on a roll and we had everybody healthy, it was great. They just kept coming back,” Winger said.
The Knights will face either Elizabeth Forward or West Mifflin in the first round of the PIAA Class AAAA softball state championship tournament on June 7.
Franklin third baseman Kaylyn Fry celebrates after catching the last out of the D-10 Championship, securing Franklin's 3-0 win over Villa Maria to clinch the championship at Penn State Behrend on Monday.
Congrats Franklin, what a ride you're taking this community on this year.
View more of Sydney's photos at sydneyherdlephotography.zenfolio.com
Franklin softball team captain ChristaRose Hawke accepts the District 10 Championship trophy after Franklin topped Villa Maria 3-0 to clinch the championship for the first time at Penn State Behrend on Monday.
Members of the Franklin softball pose for a photo with the District 10 Championship trophy following Franklin's 3-0 win over Villa Maria at Penn State Behrend on Monday.
View more of Sydney's photos at sydneyherdlephotography.zenfolio.com
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