SCRANTON – Scranton Prep managed just two hits before putting together a seventh-inning rally in Monday’s 4-2 loss to Mifflinburg in a first-round game in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 4A state softball tournament at the University of Scranton’s Magis Field.
They came from likely sources.
Lauren Cawley and Isabella Gorzkowski, seniors who both reside in the Pittston Area School District, batted second and third in the Classics lineup because of their roles as team leaders throughout a season that produced a District 2 Class 4A championship.
“They’ve been a big part of our team defensively, also,” Scranton Prep coach Stacey Lutkowski said. “As seniors, they led, basically from the beginning of the season. All year, they were terrific leaders.
“They had the girls in the weightroom all year. They came in throughout the offseason.”
Cawley, a center fielder, and Gorzkowski, a third baseman who played catcher earlier in the season, were among the team’s top four hitters statistically on the season.
“They’ve been big for us all four years,” Lutkowski said. “They are two that are definitely going to be missed.”
Cawley beat out an infield single to deep shortstop with one out in the bottom of the first and went to second when Gorzkowski drew a walk.
After Mifflinburg scored three runs in the top of the fourth for a 4-0 lead, Gorzkowski singled to left field and made it as far as third base before being stranded.
Scranton Prep broke the shutout in the sixth inning, moments after Gorzkowski just missed a two-run homer on a towering shot that traveled well over the fence, but hooked foul.
“That could have changed the game,” Lutkowski said.
Three sophomores who live in the Pittston Area School District also played for Scranton Prep in the game.
Gwen Balavage started at catcher and was 0-for-2.
“Gwen started out as a third baseman and catcher for us,” Lutkowski said. “We made a switch toward the end of the season and she’s been behind the plate for us since.”
Meredith Purcell pinch hit in the seventh and was retired on a tough backhand play by Mifflinsburg shortstop Hailey Foresman.
Gracie Giardina served as a courtesy runner for pitcher Marisa Kelly.
