Northwestern and Palmerton both reached the district finals in their respective classes, only to fall short of a title.

The Tigers then advanced to the state semifinals, where their run ended against nemesis Blue Mountain.

Northwestern has high expectations again this season, while the Bombers lost a number of quality players from last year’s club.

Below are capsules on the Times News area softball teams.

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Kate Farber - 2nd season

Last year’s record: 22-5

Key players lost: Izzy Akelaitis, Sage Toman

Returning starters/letterwinners: Ella Bressi, Lizzie Diehl, Abby Dunstan, Emma Freeman, Lily Kinnon, Rylee McGinley, Shelby Mitman

Others to watch: Emily Diehl

Strengths: Bressi, Kinnon and McGinley all return to give Northwestern a strong outfield. Both Bressi and Kinnon were learning their positions on the fly last season and did an excellent job defensively, and figure to be at least as good this season. Mitman, one of just two seniors on the roster, has anchored first base since her sophomore season, while Lizzie Diehl held down second base when she wasn’t pitching. Freeman and Diehl were the best one-two pitching punch in the Colonial League last season as sophomores and return with classmate Abby Dunstan guiding them from behind the plate.

Weaknesses: The left side of the infield — Akelaitis and Toman — graduated last spring, so Farber has the task of finding replacements for both players. It’s always possible she could move around a couple of pieces to get the combination of offense and defense that she likes to have in her lineup, but regardless, there are two key spots that are open. Overall, the roster is young with four sophomores and four freshmen on the team.

Outlook: “Coming into last season, I thought we might be able to find some more offense than we had in the past and we did. The defense just came naturally for these girls, so that was set. The challenge now is to keep the offense and defense at those levels even though we lost a pair of key players. We know the pitching is there with Emma and Lizzie, so we just have to be sure that we keep the rest of the mix at a high level.” - Northwestern head coach Kate Farber

JIM THORPE

Head coach: Kathy Levins

Last year’s record: 5-15

Players lost: Melina Schwartz, Megan Rohrman, Sarah Hartman, Oleksa McAndrew.

Returning starters: Kaylyn Costello (OF), Mara Levins (P/IF/Utility), Isabella Lloyd (OF), Madison Lordi (OF), Hanna Zacharias (C/1B/OF), Madison Schwartz (P/OF/Utility), Isabella Sully (C/IF).

Others to watch: Yeilis Santiago-Torrado, Kelsie Huff, Ryah Confer, Makenzie Fisher, Julianna Frantz, Jessica Kosak, Gloria Strohl.

Strengths: Thorpe returns four seniors in Costello, Levins, Lloyd and Lordi, who bring valuable experience to the ball club. Levins had a big year at the plate, hitting .544 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs. Sully tallied 13 RBIs and Zacharias added 11. Levins (77.1 IP) and Schwartz (16.2 IP) are both expected to be back in the circle.

Weaknesses: Thorpe will look to bring more consistent bats and pitching to the plate game in and game out.

Outlook: “We have a team full of dedicated, hard working, true team players, who work hard to try and make each other better players. I think we will have stronger pitching, with some newcomers adding to the mix, and more consistent, solid fielding as well.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Kathy Levins.

LEHIGHTON

Head coach: Taylor Cashner

Last year’s record: 6-14

Key players lost: Maggie Pagotto, Addison Chavanic

Returning starters/letterwinners: Makenna Snyder (senior), Aliyah Nothstein (senior), Morgan Myers (junior), Eryn Mertz (senior), Brynn Mriss (sophomore), Ava Trach (sophomore)

Others to watch: Sophia Wise (freshman), Amber Yeakel (freshman), Kennedy Quinn (freshman)

Strengths: Young, strong athletes, speed.

Weaknesses: “As for weaknesses, we have to hope the weather will remain on our side to get outside and practice as much as possible,” said Cashner.

Outlook: “This is our first year in the Colonial league. We are looking forward to using the mix of seniors and younger players as a speed and powerhouse mix. We have a variety of athletes that play multiple positions, which will allow us to compete against different types of teams in the Colonial League.” - Lehighton head coach Taylor Cashner

MARIAN

Head coach: Lindsey Reinoehl - 1st year

Last year’s record: 15-7 (Schuylkill League Division 2 champions).

Key players lost: Morgan Kelly, one of the top Marian hurlers the program has had in its history; Also, catcher Anna Grabosky and center fielder Grace Gallagher.

Returning starters/letterwinners: Danica Karlick, Meline Letcher, Emily Upanavage, Kala Birrer, Deanna Pugh, Gracie Sendatch

Others to watch: Hailey Treskolasky

Strengths: The Fillies have two-thirds of their starters returning after another standout performance in 2024. The team has speed and a strong defense, led by veterans Danica Karlick (1B), Meline Letcher, Emily Upanavage (P/OF), Kayla Birrer (3B/P) Deanna Pugh (2B) and Gracie Sendatch (OF). The big factor in the lineup, according to manager Reinoehl, is overall hitting. The team can barrel up the ball.

Weaknesses: Finding a pitcher who will have big shoes to fill after the loss of Kelly. It is more of a question mark than a flat-out weakness.

Outlook: “We’re very young, but a very good young,” said the first-year coach, who was a one-time standout at Marian and is taking over for the highly successful Joe DeAngelo. “We have young pitchers, but they are talented with two sophomores and a senior in the circle — Birrer and Upanavage, and senior Jennifer Harley. We have nine players who saw action (a year ago), and six are starters. The pitching is a mix between Upanavage and Birrer, both sophomores.” - Marian head coach Lindsey Reinoehl

NORTHERN LEHIGH

Head Coach: Daniel Caruso

Record: 13-10

Key players lost: “Our key losses from last year were Kaitlyn Stock and Emma Smith. These graduating seniors showed great leadership, experience, and skill, which can be challenging to fill — especially with a younger team. However, we have some great players that will fill the gap in leadership this year.”

Returning starters/letterwinners: “We have 11 returning players and a new group of senior leaders. Our team will be led by Marisa Maehrer (2B), Peyton Hoffman (LF), Grace Bauer (3B), and Skyelar Horack (1B). Marisa will be continuing her softball career at Rosemont College. I am looking to my seniors to set the tone for the team both on and off the field. Their leadership will be crucial in guiding younger players this season. I am expecting Kylee Snyder (CF) to have a great season similar to the numbers that she put up as a freshman.”

Others to watch: “We have four new sophomores and three returning sophomores that we are very excited about. But first, I should mention Addie Smith, sophomore pitcher, she will be leading the pitching staff this season. Addie came on strong late last season and shut down some great teams. Early indications are that she will be even stronger this season and log a lot of innings for NL this season. In fact, all four pitchers are sophomores, which will give us some future stability. The newcomers are Annalisa Douglass (OF/P), Savannah Kast (OF), Fiona Jones (SS/P), and Kenzie Chruscial (1B/OF), all these players can play multiple positions which will provide a deep bench for us. We also have, I would argue, one of the best catchers in District 11 — sophomore Emily Gad, sophomore. She also stepped up late last season and did a great job. Last but not least is Tegan Simms (SS/P), star basketball player for NL. She looks to be even better this year, again counting on her to make big contributions.”

Strengths: “We have a few key strengths; our seniors are great players and will show core leadership this season. We have a great sophomore class, which has four pitchers included in that group of players.”

Weaknesses: “I would say our youth, since we have seven sophomores and one freshman on varsity.”

Outlook: “Moving to 3A will bring a slightly tougher schedule for us as a team. The Colonial League is also always very competitive as well. That being said, the season holds incredible promise, thanks to the depth and diversity of talent on our softball roster. With a strong group of seniors providing leadership and experience, the team has a solid foundation to tackle tough competition. The addition of the new sophomore class brings energy, and they are all eager to contribute which will be significant asset for us this season. If everyone continues to work hard, support one another, and stay focused, this team has the potential to achieve great success this season.” - Northern Lehigh head coach Daniel Caruso

PALMERTON

Head coach: Robert Hock

Last year’s record: 20-4

Key players lost: Megan Matsko, Carly Gaffney, Cadee Munjone, Emily Christopher, Megan Green, Sydney Frantz

Returning starters/letterwinners: Mikayla Pengelly (CF/C), Hailey Delgado (C/OF), Hailey Barry (SS/P), Ashlynn Anthony (OF/1B), Makenzie Ferber (OF/IF), Tessa Sander (3B/P/OF), Grace Schneider (2b/C/OF)

Others to watch: Morgan Wayda (3B/OF/2B), Molly Binder (1B/Utility), Sam Wolfe (P/SS/2B), Madeline Thomas (OF/Utility), Olivia Kalman (1B/P), McKayla Coombs (OF/LF)

Outlook: The Blue Bombers are coming off their second best record in school history with 20 wins, but no titles. Having graduated six quality seniors — three of whom were four-year varsity starters who set many school records, puts the team in a rebuilding mode. However, there are several returning players with varsity experience, including three with multiple-year experience. In addition, there are several talented young players with youthful enthusiasm that have joined the squad this year. The development of these young players, helped by the veteran players on the team, will play a big part in the success of the season for the Bombers.

PANTHER VALLEY

Head coach: Tara Yuricheck - 4th season

Last year’s record: 9-12 overall (6-7 Schuylkill League)

Assistant coaches: Fritz Herling, Sydney Clouser, Jessica Matzen, Donna Malaska, Tom Goida.

Key players lost: Mikayla Yuricheck (C/SS), Kaidence Krapf (OF), Lucy Greco (1B)

Key Returnees: Morgan O’Brien (senior 3B), Kyla McQuillen (senior OF), Myla Krapf (senior OF), Caroline Breslin (junior OF), Ava Alabovitz (junior INF), Janessa Prudente (sophomore P/SS), Brooklyn Mika (sophomore INF), Megan O’Brien (sophomore INF/OF)

Others to watch: Isabella D’Ancona (freshman 1B), Danika Blazosky (freshman OF), Sadie Mae Frets (freshman 2B), Paige Goida (freshman P).

Strengths: “We are a young team, but our younger players bring diverse skill sets that will make our team stronger,” said Yuricheck. “Our team chemistry is very good, and we have added speed to our lineup that will help both offensively and defensively. And we have a lot of options in our lineup that present many opportunities for scoring runs.”

Weaknesses: The Panthers have some heavy cleats to fill at catcher as First Team All-Stater Mikayla Yuricheck has graduated. Yuricheck also was the first player in school history to reach the 100-hit milestone. She led the team in batting average, hits, runs scored and RBIs.

Outlook: The Panthers are determined to take things one step further this season and continue to improve upon last year’s 9-12 record. PV is a very young team with only five upperclassmen. “We’re going to have to adjust to playing against bigger schools in Division 1 of the Schuylkill League and the fact that we’re moving up from Class 2A to 4A in District 11. Our girls have worked hard in the offseason, and we are looking to compete with bigger schools. We are looking forward to a great season where if we stay healthy, we hope to get another playoff berth in districts.” - Panther Valley head coach Tara Yuricheck

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head coach: Michelle Albanese

Last year’s record: 15-8

Key players lost: Leadoff hitter and outfielder Hailey Krock, catcher Sam Ratti, and infielder Danica Getz.

Returning starters/letterwinners: There are nine returning varsity players, including strong returning infielders seniors Brianca Pridham and Jovie Valenzuela, and sophomore Rylan Knapp along with senior starting pitcher Kailyn Getz. The Bears also have solid returning senior starting outfielders Allison and Lydia Borger. Fellow returning seniors Renee Frable and Katie Van Schoyck provide depth in the infield and outfield.

Others to watch: A promising newcomer is sophomore Emma DePalma, who was pulled up last season and utilized mostly as a pinch-runner. Pleasant Valley will be looking forward to utilizing her complete skill set.

Strengths: “We are lucky to have our starting pitcher be a four-year varsity letter winner, and many key hitters returning to our lineup. With many of our starting players returning, we have a lot of team camaraderie. Our seniors have been playing together for a few years now and trust each other on the field to make plays and bounce back from mistakes. The new underclassmen are bringing a strong skill set to the field as well.”

Weaknesses: “With the loss of Sam Ratti behind the plate, we have a new catcher this season. We have confidence that she will be an asset; however, it’s a key spot to fill to make sure our fielders remain confident with new leadership behind the plate.”

Outlook: “This season feels promising for us. We are in the 5A bracket and are looking forward to new competition for district playoffs. As head coach, I am lucky to come into a program that has been strong in the past, with smart players and a talented and knowledgeable coaching staff. I’m looking to continue a strong playoff trend and come away with a few key wins this season. These girls are strong willed and ready to work hard to make their goals come to fruition and come out on top.” – Pleasant Valley head coach Michelle Albanese.

TAMAQUA

Head coach: Tony Zancofsky - 3rd season.

Last year’s record: 4-17

Key players lost: None

Returning starter/letterwinners: The Blue and White return five seniors who are all expected to be starters from a varsity roster of 17. Addison Krall will catch. “She’s our captain and very knowledgeable of the game,” said Zancofsky. “She’s good at blocking pitches in the dirt and on offense, she has the potential to be a solid power hitter for us.” Kobe Robb will play second base. “She’s a slap hitter, a good bunter, and a very fast runner.” Leah Crowley will play shortstop and the outfield. “She’s our fastest player and will lead off in our lineup. Megan Linkhorst hits for power in the three or four hole. She will play outfield and be a part of the Raiders’ pitching staff. Veronica Scott is a utility player and can play several positions. Zancofsky likes the aggressiveness of Ceanna Gormley. She’ll play first base and hit fifth. “She’s all about winning with everything she does.” Sophomore Molly Evans can pitch and play the outfield. “Molly is mechanically sound at the plate and she hits the ball hard.”

Others to watch: Zancofsky and his team are excited about three freshmen who will bring immediate impact. Two are pitchers. Naomi Knitter and Peyton Faust. Both play travel ball and are athletic. “They both have good command and should be able to get a lot of ground balls on their drop pitches.” The third freshman is Nico Conahan, who can catch and play shortstop. Zancofsky describes her overall play as “mechanically sound.”

Strengths: Team speed and solid defense figure to be the highlights of the 2025 edition of Raiders’ softball. “We also have better depth than we’ve had in the past.”

Weaknesses: “We need to score more runs and have our power hitters drive in runs. Our pitching and defense should keep us in every game, but we have to hit to win more games.”

Outlook: Zancofsky expects his team to qualify for the district playoffs. “Our Division 1 in the Schuylkill League is loaded with good teams, but we feel we’ll win enough games and we could surprise a few of the better teams, too.”

WEATHERLY

Head coach: Will Bartel

Last year’s record: 7-13

Returning starters/letterwinners: Rachel Rosenlund, Abby Weston, Aisha Zuberi

Others to watch: Olivia Marasco

Strengths: Three starters are back in the fold for the Wreckers. Their manager said the players work hard and will not back down.

Weaknesses: Needing to find a steady hurler. Injuries have already beset the team and coach Bartel said lack of depth is always a big void. Abby Binder suffered a foot injury, and she is the lady in the circle that Bartel was counting on.

Outlook: “We’ve got kids that play hard, so you never have to worry about their hustle and desire. What we are facing is some early season injuries, unfortunately our pitcher Abby Binder is out, so we are going to have to deal with that; hopefully she will be back. It’s the next man up and that’s the bottom line. Who will pitch? We are going to have to do it by committee. Our players are very determined to be good, even though we don’t have depth, but that’s something we face every season. The new division setup, with two, is also going to be very tough. We now have the defending state champs, Tri-Valley, in our division. All the teams are good — Williams Valley, Tri-Valley, Minersville they are always a handful. We have our work cut out without having that power pitcher, that’s the name of the game in softball; if you don’t have that power pitcher, it is tough to (compete). You need that stud or you are going to be behind the 8-ball. What we need to do is play defense and pitch to contact. We don’t have that pitcher like (Abby) Von Frisch who struck out batters and kept us in games.” - Weatherly head coach Will Bartel