The Carbino Club/Archbald/Moosic Major all-stars clinched the Section 5 softball championship on Tuesday, downing Pittston 11‑1 in a game that showcased a burst of offensive firepower and steady pitching.
The offense exploded early, plating three runs in the opening inning before extending the lead with a five‑run sixth that put the game out of reach.
Alia Lopuhovsky paced the attack, finishing 3‑for‑3 and scoring three times, while Natalie Paciotti contributed three RBIs and a triple that helped widen the gap.
Elizabeth Troy added a triple of her own, and Alana Lopuhovsky, who started in the circle, limited Pittston to four hits while striking out four batters over five innings.
Relief pitcher Rebecca Peoples threw a scoreless sixth, and Kylie Kroski managed two of Pittston’s five hits, but the damage had already been done.
Other contests in the district slate saw Plains edge Swoyersville/West Side 7‑2 in Major Baseball, with Malakai Vanderburg homering and Jase Dudzinski driving in the go‑ahead run.
Valley West routed Hazleton 10‑5, highlighted by Christian Miller’s three RBIs and Tyler Keck’s leadoff double, while Hazleton’s Kendry Mordan answered with a solo homer.
Valley East rolled past Freeland 11‑0, anchored by Brantlee Butcher’s five‑inning, nine‑strikeout performance, and Aiden Ferdinand’s no‑hit relief appearance.
Mountain Top surged to a 17‑2 victory over Hazle Township, sparked by a five‑run second inning that turned a close contest into a rout.
Back Mountain overcame a three‑run early deficit to defeat GPA 13‑8, scoring the decisive runs in the seventh to break a 7‑7 tie.
State tournament outlook
The champions now turn their attention to next week’s state tournament, where they will meet the top teams from neighboring sections in a bid for the national title.