For the seniors on the Knoch softball team, the WPIAL playoffs have been a constant companion for as long as they can remember. The last time the Knights missed the postseason, these players were just six years old. Now, as the No. 2 seed in Class 4A, Knoch (16-2) is ready to add another chapter to its impressive playoff legacy.
The back-to-back Section 1 champions open in the quarterfinals next Thursday, awaiting the winner between No. 7 North Catholic (12-4) and No. 10 West Mifflin (12-7). It's a familiar spot for a program that has produced memorable postseason moments, but head coach Chris Gardner knows the path won't be easy.
"The girls are excited," Gardner said after a tune-up game against Mars. "They were ready to find out where they would be and who they will be playing. It is that time of the year when you can't get complacent. You have to buckle down and play your best softball. This bracket is so competitive, and it will be a big challenge right from the start."
Knoch has dominated Section 1 play, going 12-0 this season and posting a remarkable 39-5 record in section games over the past four years. But the Knights are hungry to break a frustrating streak—three consecutive quarterfinal losses, including last year's defeat as the No. 3 seed to No. 6 Beaver. This year's team hopes the No. 2 seed brings a different result.
Knoch is just one of nine Alle-Kiski Valley teams entering the WPIAL playoffs, with brackets announced Thursday afternoon. The stakes are high across all classifications: the top four teams in Class 5A and Class 2A, plus the top three in Class 4A, Class 3A, and Class A, will advance to the PIAA state tournament. Defending WPIAL champions include Shaler (Class 5A), Hampton (Class 4A), Mohawk (Class 3A), Neshannock (Class 2A), and Union (Class A).
In Class 5A, all eyes are on a potential third meeting between Plum and Fox Chapel—this time in the championship game on May 27 or 28 at Cal (Pa.)'s Lilley Field. The Mustangs (13-5) and Foxes (14-5) tied for second in Section 1 and split their regular-season series, landing on opposite sides of the bracket.
Plum enters as the No. 10 seed, hoping to snap a seven-game playoff losing streak that includes heartbreaking first-round exits over the past six years. The Mustangs, averaging nearly 10 runs per game, face No. 7 Trinity (17-3) on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Gateway.
Fox Chapel, winners of six of their last seven games, earned the No. 9 seed and face No. 8 Armstrong (11-8) in the first round Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Plum.
Kiski Area makes its playoff return for the first time since 2022 as the No. 12 seed, taking on No. 5 Baldwin (15-4) on Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Norwin. The Cavaliers (13-5) finished third in Section 2 behind No. 2 Penn-Trafford and Armstrong.
In Class 4A, Freeport coach Ron DeJidas said his players simply wanted a chance to prove themselves. The Yellowjackets (8-10) got that opportunity as the No. 11 seed, matching up with No. 6 L... (article continues).