Coudersport Falcons host softball playoffs Monday

Scrappy Coudersport senior Kelly McVay hits the dirt on her approach to second base during a late-season varsity softball game. The stakes will be higher when the Falcons (13-5) return to the home diamond on Monday afternoon against Keystone. The winner moves on to the D9 quarterfinals while the loser is eliminated.

A very competitive field is in place to fight for the PIAA District 9 softball championship and the right to play in the state championship tournament in early June.

Even with an impressive 13- 5 record, the Coudersport Falcons are considered long shots in the field of a dozen contenders. Top seeds are Curwensville, Smethport, Northern Potter and Elk County Catholic.

Coach Scott Andrews' Falcons open up Monday afternoon (4:30) at home against Keystone. That winner travels to Smethport for a D9 quarterfinal game on Wednesday. All competition from this point forward is single elimination.

Coudersport warmed up for the playoffs Wednesday night by knocking off Northern Potter in a thriller, 4-3, proving once again that the Falcons are not to be taken lightly.

Coudersport's bats were sizzling in Friday's 15-4 win over visiting Cameron County.

Kelly McVay had a triple, two doubles and a single while driving in three runs. Kayla Bohn had three hits, while Karli Duffee and Maureen McCusker delivered two hits each.

Pitcher Megan Hau settled down after a shaky start to turn in a complete game, allowing four hits, two of them by Diana Orner.

Tasha Smith handled mound duties for Cameron County.