Defend: to retain or seek to retain something, such as a title, against a challenge in a contest.

Lampeter-Strasburg's softball team entered this season as the defending PIAA Class 5A champions. They returned just four starters (Julia Gerard, Keiva Middleton, Ally Raub, and Brooke Zuber) from the 2021 team that rallied from a four-run deficit to defeat Armstrong 10-7 at Penn State's Beard Field last June. It was the fourth appearance in the finals for L-S (27-1), who captured their first title in 2018 by beating West Allegheny. The Pioneers fell to Yough in 2016 and Penn-Trafford in 2019. Armstrong, with just one senior that year, advanced to the title game again this year opposite Pittston, but results were unavailable by press time.

For L-S to get back to the state playoffs with a rookie group, and a rookie coaching staff might have been unexpected to anyone other than a Pioneer softball fan. But with Lampeter's post-season tradition, so comes expectations and the opportunity to defend.

"I really feel that at the start of the season we felt we had a shot to get back to the finals," said first year head coach Earl Rutledge who took over for Gene Charles with his daughter, Mallory Rutt, and son, Darren Rutledge. "We were a rookie staff, but we had a great pitcher in Keiva Middleton and that paved the way.

"But when you get this close, you're hungry to finish. Unfortunately, unless you win it all, your season ends with a loss."

Thursday, June 9 at Patriots Park in Allentown, Lampeter's reign as PIAA Class 5A champs ended in heartbreaking fashion. Pittston remained undefeated when they got a one-out, two-run double in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 3-2 quarterfinals victory.

"I thought their pitcher was pretty dominating," said Rutledge. "She threw a pretty good rise ball and was right up there with some of the best we've seen, but not quite as good as the Penn Manor pitchers."

The Patriots actually thought they had won the game a batter earlier. Sage Weidlich's bunt, and errant throw by L-S plated Jiana Moran and Kallie Booth who reached on a walk and bunt error. As Pittston Area players rushed the field, the home plate umpire halted the action and ruled that Weidlich had stepped out of the batter's box on the bunt, negating two runs and the throwing error and calling Weidlich out.

The next batter, Para, ripped a gap shot to right center and legitimately plated the winning runs.

"That was a tough one to swallow," Rutledge said. "I thought Keiva pitched well enough to win. Defensively, both teams were solid. We didn't have a hit until the sixth inning."

L-S (20-7), scratched out the first run of the game in the fifth inning. Gabby Hiles reached on a bunt error. Chloe Meck and Mackenzie Maki followed with fielder's choice grounders to short. Maura Savoca drew a walk that pushed Maki to second. Gerard loaded the bases when she was hit by a pitch and Raub worked a run scoring walk.

The Pioneers made it 2-zip in the top of the sixth with a walk and another fielder's choice that left Kara Scranton on base. Hiles crushed a shot to center field, but Bella Giardina managed a catch and carry as she tumbled over the fence, robbing L-S of a possible home run. Meck's two out single to center plated Scranton for the two-run lead.

That lead, however, was short-lived as the Patriots mounted their seventh inning rally and extended their season.

L-S, which topped District 1 champ West Chester Rustin 12-7 in the opening round, finished with just one hit on the day against sophomore pitcher Gianna Adams (18-0) who came into the game with two playoff no-hitters.

"To finish top eight in the state is a pretty big honor," noted Rutledge. "Our team goals are the most important thing. You won't find much success in life if you just worry about yourself. So, while it would have been nice to win a state title, if you can help just one player be a better person then that's a pretty good success story. We had a great season with a great group of kids."