As the winter began its march toward spring, the 2025 South Williamsport High School softball schedule was still a work in progress. Some phone calls seeking games went unanswered; other possible opponents already had full 20-game schedules. The Mounties knew they were headed to Myrtle Beach for five tough opening games, but questions remained as to how many games could be penciled in.
A perusal of what resulted in the Mounties playing 18 regular season games instead of the sought-after 20 could give testament to businessman Steve Jobs, who once stated, “Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”
In high school sports, especially in small communities (witness Montgomery’s state championship run a few seasons ago), the emergence of a talented team creates hope, excites the fan base, and raises expectations. Such was the case for the 2025 South Williamsport team that has been watched closely since its 2019 participation in the Little League Softball World Series.
The team had completed a wonderful 2024 season with a 24-3 record and an appearance in the Class AA state championship game. That final victory eluded them with a 12-2 loss to state powerhouse Neshannock. With every player returning for 2025, the goal became getting back to that same spot this season. In preparation, the team sought to play a strengthened schedule.
Mission accomplished. Of the 18 regular season games played, only one was against Class AA or A teams, that being Northeast Bradford, which advanced to the state championship Class A game. The Mounties won that game 11-0 in a five-inning one-hitter. The remainder of the games were played against 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A teams. The strength of the schedule was evidenced by the opponent’s .673-season winning percentage.
When the playoffs arrived, such preparation propelled the team to secure its fourth consecutive District IV AA championship, dispatching Wyalusing and Troy with a combined score of 21-1.
The Mounties began the state tournament blanking Holy Redeemer 10-0 before being tested by West Shamokin and Williams Valley in subsequent games. Both teams presented competitive challenges. West Shamokin held a 1-0 lead into the fifth inning, and Williams Valley erased a 5-0 deficit to tie the game in the fifth. The experience gained lifted South to its own fifth-inning rally in both instances to win the games.
Twenty-three games of preparation behind them, the Mounties played the way to its second consecutive state championship game. Once again, waiting was Neshannock, Pennsylvania’s overall rated number-one high school team. The Lancers, with four Division recruits and possessing a four-year 99-1 record, with its only loss coming in the 2023 state semi-final game, used its’ own fifth-inning rally to erase a 2-1 Mounties lead to win its 100th game and secure its third state title in four years.
“It is hard to put into words,” said assistant coach Cory Goodman. “There is the joy of seeing what we were able to accomplish, but the frustration of being so close to something that we as a group had worked hard for, fall two innings short of being accomplished. But when you look back at the overall picture, we are the first South Williamsport team to win four consecutive district titles and compete in two consecutive state championship games. It is very special.
“We ran into a powerhouse Neshannock team. We had a great season and gave it our best effort, so there is nothing to be frustrated about or hang our heads. We are proud of them, and so is the South Williamsport community.
“When they were just beginning, we talked about it regarding what they may be able to achieve. We always talked about being prepared, moving forward, and developing the talent we were seeing in them. I wasn’t sure it was going to be the reality it turned out to be. It was our goal (assistant coach Adam Lorson) to teach them the fundamentals and prepare them to play high school softball. Now, looking back, it is satisfying to see that achieved.”
“The best way to describe their legacy is to say they are winners,” emphasized head coach Tom O’Malley. “We came up a little short in the championship game, but they played their hearts out. They worked hard, had great attitudes, and they played hungry.
Unfortunately, the state championship game eluded us, but in my mind, they are winners, period. That’s just the way I look at them. I was honored and humbled to be their coach.”
The Mountaineers say goodbye to seven talented seniors who have played together since their Little League days. Those magnificent seven include Alizabeth Schuler, Gianna Goodman, Kendall Cardone, Lily Reidy, Abby Lorson, Sage Lorson, and Emily Holtzapple.
Returning are eleven players who have watched and learned from their exploits and the positive examples they have established. The group includes Maddie Pinkerton, Mikiaya Hills, Emma McLaughlin, Julia Stamm, Alyssa Barnes, Allison Nolan, Jewelana Jasper, Lilliana Brewer, Daniella Brigandi, Annika Harding and Abigail Holbrook.
“Those seven seniors were as good of players that you could get, with leadership qualities. They were class individuals and talented players. They had a heck of a run and can be very proud of what they were able to accomplish as South Williamsport softball players,” O’Malley added.
The proverb says, “All good things must come to an end,” and so has the memorable run the seven seniors have helped leave behind. Chances are future softball schedules won’t be as difficult to finalize, but the 2025 South Williamsport softball story is one which will long be remembered.
Front L/R – Gianna Goodman, Lily Reidy, Julia Stamm, Emma McLaughlin, Jewelana Jasper
2nd Row – Emily Holtzapple, Kendall Cardone, Maddie Pinkerton, Alyssa Barnes, Annika Harding, Abigail Holbrook
3rd Row – Mikiaya Hills, Sage Lorson, Alizabeth Schuler, Allison Nolan, Daniella Brigandi, Abigail Lorson, Liliana Brewer
Coaches – Scott Lowery, Cory Goodman, Tom O’Malley, Chris Schuler, Adam Lorson (Photo courtesy of Albright Studio Photography.)
