Maggie Gola is the hero for Nanticoke in AA softball final

Maggie Gola hit a two-run double to left field in the top of the 11th inning for the winning runs in a 3-1 Nanicoke win over Philipsburg-Osceola in the PIAA Class AA softball championship game at Shippensburg University's Robb Field.

“I'm just looking to put it in play and drive in the runners,” Gola said.

The Trojans (26-1) started the inning with Sammy Gow on second base, because the international tiebreaker rule came into effect in the 10th. After a popout and an intentional walk to Sarah Bertoni, Philipsburg pitcher Chelsea Rex induced a foul pop for the second out.

Gow and Kayleigh Schinski, a courtesy runner for Bertoni, scored on Gola's hit.

Bertoni retired the side in order in the bottom of the 11th to finish off a complete-game win. Bertoni allowed five hits and one walk. She also struck out six.

Gow led off the ninth by singling and getting to second on a bunt from Jenn Harnischfeger. Bertoni singled Gow in for a 1-0 lead.

But the Mounties (25-2) responded with a run in the bottom of the ninth. Taylor Harper doubled in Katie Carpin to tie the score 1-1.

Later that inning, Nanicoke shortstop Harnischfeger threw out a runner at home plate to prevent a walk-off win for Philipsburg.

In the bottom of the 10th, the Mounties started with Morgan Coble at second, in accordance with the tiebreaker rule.

“When we got to that international tiebreaker, I was feeling pretty good, but they made some good defensive plays,” Philipsburg head coach Jim Gonder said.

Coble was bunted to third with one out, but again Nanicoke cut off the winning run between third and home on the next batter. Gola, the third baseman, made the tag.

“Coach [Gary] Williams just told us to get that out because it was the lead out,” Gola said.

Chelsea Rex took the loss. She pitched all 11 innings with nine strikeouts and four walks.

From The Patriot News