Shaler softball changes focus from power bats to defense, pitching

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Watching fly balls sail over the fence for home runs was something people who follow the Shaler softball team got used to last season. But anyone who comes out to watch the Titans this season can expect a different strategy being employed.

Many of the power hitters who helped propel Shaler to a run to the PIAA Class 5A championship game last season were lost to graduation.

So, Titans coach Tom Sorce and his team will be forced to use different tactics to win games.

“Obviously, every year is different,” Sorce said. “Last year’s team had a different makeup with more power. We aren’t going to have that power. We are focusing on our defense. If we stay healthy pitching-wise, we will have a chance to win most games.”

Bria Boslijevac is taking over the primary pitching duties this season. Boslijevac, a sophomore, has been focused throughout the offseason on getting better. During the winter, Boslijevac bugged Sorce for more time in the gym.

“She called me in November and asked me to get her gym time,” Sorce said. “She was working on her various pitches and spins. That says a lot. Most girls are looking to take a few months off, but she wanted to get more work in.”

Sorce was impressed with how Boslijevac handled herself during her appearances in the state playoffs last season.

“She’s a gamer,” Sorce said. “She’s had the training and plays a strong travel schedule. It wasn’t too big of a moment for her.”

Shaler, which finished 22-2 last season and was the WPIAL’s third state qualifier, will have plenty of other experience returning as well. Bella Mubel will start at third base. Ella Nash and Emily Spears will both start in the outfield. Sophomore catcher Alyssa Schaffold also returns after earning all-section honors last season.

“We’re quicker this year,” Sorce said. “It’s nice to hit a three-run home run. We did that several times last year. This year, we’re going to have to do things from scratch.”

Shaler is in Section 1-5A and will have to battle it out with Fox Chapel, North Hills, Oakland Catholic, Penn Hills and Plum for postseason spots. The Titans would like to find another way to get back to the state playoffs.

After an extra-inning loss to Northern York in the final, Shaler feels like it has some unfinished business.

“They are forced,” Sorce said. “They know what happened last year. It got away from us. We’re driven to get back there. But the state playoffs are tough.”

Tags: Shaler