As a senior, Albright managed to one-up near perfection, cutting her junior ERA of 1.47 in half with a 0.77. On an absurd sample size of 172 2/3 innings pitched and 563 batters faced, she allowed just 28 runs (19 earned) behind 16 shutouts (four no-hitters), never giving up more than seven runs in a game and only giving up three or more in four.

On top of headlining the area in ERA, she also did so in WHIP (.666) and opposing batting average (.148), allowing just 76 hits and 39 walks, and strikeouts per inning (1.6). She finished with a career-high 286 strikeouts and 7.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio, obtaining double-digit strikeouts in 17 outings.

And though overshadowed by her mastery at the mound, Albright posted solid batting stats as well, batting a .354 as a senior with 16 RBIs and six doubles, including one that extended the team’s shot at a state title in the seventh inning. She wrapped up her senior season with an OPS just above .900 (.902) as well, with an on-base percentage of .456 and a slugging percentage of .456.

It was a campaign that made her the de facto candidate for this year’s Express softball Player of the Year.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bald Eagle Area’s Sierra Albright pitches during a game this year in the state tournament. Albright was named The Express Player of the Year in softball.

Though not percent, when Albright was faced with adversity, she bounced back with composed dominance. After giving up a season-high ten hits against Central Cambria, the Fairleigh Dickinson commit allowed just 13 hits and one run through the next eight games, keeping that surge going into postseason.

Through seven playoff games (two featuring international tiebreakers), the senior ace threw every pitch, striking out 71 to just 18 walks, 20 hits and nine runs, pitching three shutouts and dominating against the best in the district and state. While the run fell just short of the team’s coveted goal, it was one worth remembering in terms of both this season and the previous three, with Albright’s pitching being at the fore front of that success.

In a four-year career that saw her team reach four state semifinals, Albright shattered barriers, becoming the first pitcher in Centre County history to surpass 1,000 strikeouts with 1,014. It’s by-and-large the best four-year pitching stint Bald Eagle Area has ever seen and arguably the best the area has seen as well.

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

Adrienne Masullo,

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Bellefonte’s Adrienne Masullo pitches against Juniata.

Bellefonte

When it came to newcomers that hit the ground running this season, not many come close to what Bellefonte freshman Adrienne Masullo inhibited through her debut campaign. On top of quickly taking over as one of the team’s most consistent starting pitchers, Masullo prospered on both sides of the field, earning this year’s award for Express softball Freshman of the Year.

From the mound, Masullo was only thwarted by fellow Freshman of the Year candidate Abby Herr when it came to leading the Red Raiders stat-wise, posting an ERA of 1.59, a WHIP of 1.295, a 6-1 record and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.576 through 44 innings pitched. She struck out 48 while allowing just 38 hits, 19 walks and ten earned runs, displaying an immediate consistency not many freshmen could match.

Masullo led Bellefonte from the mound in a dominant District 6 Class 4A title win over Juniata, striking out seven while allowing just one hit and run through five innings. She posted eight strikeouts in three separate games, allowed zero runs in two and more than three hits just thrice.

From the plate, the freshman was among Bellefonte’s most consistent batters, batting a .436 with two doubles, four RBIs and eight runs and really kicking it up a notch once postseason arrived. There, she went 5-for-8 with three runs, an RBI and a double, helping the Red Raiders dominate their way to states.

TIM WEIGHT/For The Express Central Mountain’s Joslyn Shultz was a first-team pitcher for The Express.

Her impact was felt on both sides of the field, as the Red Raiders went from missing states and finishing 8-6 in 2024 to winning district and subregional titles and finishing 16-3 in 2025, in large part thanks to their young talent. With campaigns like that, the future looks bright when it comes to the area’s upcoming squads. Other candidates for this award included Herr, Bucktail’s Carrie Ditty, Bellefonte’s Sloan Moore and Jersey Shore’s Annika Clark.

Abby Herr, Bellefonte (PITCHER)

Though numerous key departures will be difficult for Bellefonte to overcome, it can rest assured knowing that it’s set at pitcher for the next few seasons. Alongside Freshman of the Year Adrienne Masullo, freshman pitcher Abby Herr was practically unshakeable from the mound, a core aspect of the Red Raiders’ defensive resurgence through 2025.

Through 38 2/3 innings pitched, Herr posted the second highest ERA in the area (1.27), allowing just seven earned runs, and third highest WHIP (1.138), surrendering just 27 hits and 17 walks. She also finished second in strikeouts per inning (1.50), third in strikeouts with 58 (first among non-aces) and third in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.412).

While operating more as a closer/reliever, Herr did that job incredibly well and still proved capable as a starter whenever called upon. She finished with a 5-2 record and an area-high four saves, with her most notable coming in a win over District 8 Class 5A champ DuBois. There, she entered in the second and proceeded to allow just one run (zero earned) while striking out nine and scattering seven hits, a big reason the Red Raiders were able to turn the tide.

It was a campaign that should give Bellefonte fans plenty to be excited about heading into the future.

Joslyn Shultz,

Central Mountain

(PITCHER)

While things initially appeared shaky after a rough closing effort against Williamsport, Central Mountain senior Joslyn Shultz didn’t blink in bouncing back, never coming close to replicating that performance on her way to a standout season. Through the 13-game win streak that followed, she’d post an ERA of 1.56 through 36 innings, proving crucial in numerous key victories on the team’s path to states.

In a rematch against District 8 Class 5A champ DuBois in the state sub-regional, Shultz shook off a one-run first, pitching six scoreless innings, allowing one additional hit and striking out nine to help the Wildcats advance. She avenged prior shortcomings with a similar seven-strikeout, two-run gem against Williamsport, finished with a perfect 9-0 win-loss and even garnered two saves against DuBois and Mifflin County.

On the season, Shultz finished with a 2.53 ERA, 1.208 WHIP and 3.467 strikeout-to-walk through 49 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 52 while allowing just 15 walks, 45 hits and 21 runs (15 earned). She was also solid from the plate, posting a .245 batting average with four doubles, three triples and 12 RBIs.

It was a memorable campaign, a large contributor in Central Mountain going a full two months without a loss. Will say her placement here was practically interchangeable with sophomore dual-ace Camdyn Weaver’s, who was similarly potent from the mound. Those two gave the Wildcats assured pitching from late March to June.

Kailey Eckert,

Bald Eagle Area

(CATCHER)

While Bald Eagle Area senior Kailey Eckert’s batting average on the season (.465) ranked third among area catchers, her average through the postseason coupled with impenetrable defense behind the plate and many popup track downs gave her the edge here.

15 of Eckert’s area-high 40 hits came through seven playoff games, a period which saw her bat .600, log four doubles (all through states), bat in three runners and reach home seven times. She scored two crucial runs off two doubles against Susquenita to get the Eagles to the state final and reached base five times in the ensuing championship game, becoming more potent with each passing game.

On the season, Eckert finished with a team-high 1.075 OPS, nine doubles, 31 runs, 11 stolen bases and 230 putouts, got on base on over half of her plate appearances and bat home six runners. In the process, she also surpassed Bald Eagle Area’s program record for career hits with 146 on top of catching over 1,000 strikeouts from Sierra Albright.

Taylor Brown, Bellefonte

(INFIELDER)

The Bellefonte softball team displayed an affinity for slugging throughout the 2025 season, combining for 21 home runs, 27 doubles and four triples. One of its biggest contributors there was senior first baseman Taylor Brown.

Brown finished tied for second in the area in homers with six, posting the area’s third highest slugging percentage (.877) with said homers, four doubles and a triple while batting .456, logging 21 RBIs and 24 runs and fighting for seven walks. That impact didn’t go away once the postseason began either, where she logged four RBIs on three hits (two doubles).

One of her six homers was a game-winning one-shot bomb in an all-out pitching duel against Huntingdon. That served as the only run in that affair and marked her third in four games at the time. Her impact at Bellefonte’s No. 3, coupled with that of fellow first-teamer Jaylee Lose at No. 4, gave plenty of defenses headaches, a big reason the Red Raiders made it all the way to the state tournament and finished 16-3.

Dani Miller, Jersey Shore

(INFIELDER)

Despite the team’s struggles down the stretch, Jersey Shore junior Dani Miller was a big reason why the Bulldogs still managed to scrape their way into the District 4 Class 4A tournament. Her excellent campaign at shortstop featured plenty of high points, earning her a spot in this year’s first team.

From the plate, Miller produced the third highest OPS (1.571) in the area, leading Jersey Shore in both on-base percentage (.620) and slugging percentage (.952), the latter which was also third highest in the area behind Bellefonte’s Jaylee Lose and Sugar Valley’s Cheyenne Weaver.

When it came to slugging, the junior produced three homers, four triples and seven doubles while also logging 21 singles. She bat a .565, led the team in runs with 34 and posted 16 RBIs. And on 71 plate appearances, she was struck out just twice, showing an affinity for putting the ball in play or fighting for walks.

On a demanding 74 chances in the field, she rarely faltered, posting a fielding percentage of .946 with 39 putouts and 31 assists. It’s worth noting that she also made the first team on the Sun-Gazette’s vastly deep all-star team, further indication to how successful of a season she produced. The campaign should precursor for what an exciting senior season for a standout, one which features many great returners for the Bulldogs.

Aubrey Eiler,

Central Mountain

(INFIELDER)

Despite this serving as her first season as a starter, Central Mountain junior Aubrey Eiler hit the ground running, proving promising early as a batter and really hitting her stride as the season went on. In leading the Wildcats batting-wise on their way to a PIAA Class 5A bid and playing sound defense at second base, she earned a spot on this year’s first team.

From the plate, Eiler generated a hit in all but one game, finishing with a batting average of .444 and slugging percentage of .667 while logging 19 RBIs, 20 runs, five doubles and three homers. She attributed multiple hits in nine games, at least one run in 14, at least one RBI in 12 (multiple in seven) and was proficient as a base runner, stealing a team-high 14 bases.

While error-prone at times in the field, the second baseman had an affinity for bouncing back in such cases, handling three games that produced six or more chances for her with grace, finishing with a fielding percentage of .811 on 53 and producing 26 assists, 17 putouts and two double plays. For a debut season, Eiler appeared as seasoned as ever and can be expected to prosper with another year of experience under her belt.

Eva Sockman, Bucktail

(INFIELDER)

When it came to dealing with multiple key departures in pursuit of its third straight district title, Bucktail’s junior class was a large part of it coming one step short, with third baseman Eva Sockman being at the center of that surge. It wasn’t a matter of dominating one facet, either. Sockman was proficient in all four.

From the plate, the junior finished first on the team in both batting average (.526) and OPS (1.422), the latter being among the highest in the Mid-Penn. Off the back of two homers, nine doubles and a triple, she capped the season with the team’s highest slugging percentage (.825) while batting home 31 runs, acquiring 28 herself and posting on on-base percentage of .597. She also stole 18 bases as a runner.

Defensively, outside of the occasional error, Sockman was just as proficient, posting a fielding percentage of .892 on 37 chances and also enacting a double play. That assured play was complemented by a strong season as a closer, where she put up an ERA of 2.15, opposing batting average of .258 and 19 strikeouts through 13 innings pitched.

Her do-it-all campaign was a big reason the Bucks made it to the state tournament despite their obstacles, coupled with strong seasons from fellow juniors Makenna Stone (IF), Lola English (CF) and Kendall Wagner (IF). Were there an award for top infield, which may be in the works for next season, the Bucks would hold the honor.

Lynna Clark, Jersey Shore

(OUTFIELDER)

Among this year’s talented cast of talented athletes, Jersey Shore junior Lynna Clark was one of two considered for multiple positions, wrapping up the campaign as a candidate for both outfielder and pitcher. Her defensive versatility and proficiency from the plate were more than enough to earn her a spot on this year’s first team.

Clark was a core part of a lethal top five in Jersey Shore’s order, following up leadoff batter Dani Miller well with a batting average of .492, getting on base on almost 60-percent of her plate appearances and finishing second on the team in slugging percentage (.714) with six doubles, two homers and three triples.

She did a decent job in the field, only attributing two errors on 21 chances and posting 11 putouts and eight assists. And when her team needed an assured arm on the mound, whether as a starter or closer, she was as surefire as they come.

As a pitcher, Clark was among the best in the area in multiple categories, posting a 2.63 ERA and 1.037 WHIP through 45 1/3 innings pitched to help Shore’s up-and-down pitching core see promise down the stretch. She struck out 44 batters to just five walks, finishing with an absurd strikeout-to-walk ratio of 8.333 and allowing just 20 runs (17 earned).

Alongside Miller and second-teamer Kylie Schall, the Bulldogs have an incredible foundation to build around heading into next season.

Taylor Doyle,

Central Mountain

(OUTFIELDER)

Whether it was as a stout presence in centerfield, reignition in the bottom half of Central Mountain order or as a shifty baserunner, senior Taylor Doyle found a way to leave a mark every time she took the field for the Wildcats.

From the plate, Doyle finished second on the team in batting average with .391, posted a slugging percentage of .545 with pairs of triples and doubles and also generated seven RBIs and 17 runs. She quietly held a 12-game hit streak, scored at least one run through five straight games in May and was one of the many reasons why the Wildcats could produce offense at any time.

Defensively, the senior was a force in centerfield, not just as a fielder that could effectively track down balls but also as one that could quickly get the ball back to the infield. That latter point was emphasized through postseason, with Doyle stifling an early Hollidaysburg rally with a throw to home in the district championship and enacting a pivotal double play in the seventh of the state sub-regional. She finished with a fielding percentage of .954 on 22 chances with 18 putouts, three assists and one double play.

Her impact, coupled with that of sister and second-teamer Ava Doyle, will be greatly missed, as the seniors enter their next chapters. Either way, they were pivotal components in an excellent debut campaign for first-year head coach Taylor Thompson.

Alexa Baney,

Bald Eagle Area

(OUTFIELDER)

Following a strong junior season, Bald Eagle Area senior Alexa Baney carried what made that season successful into her final campaign while also upping her consistency in getting on base. In the process, she became one of the Eagles’ most reliable batters, earning a spot on this year’s first team.

In terms of improvements, Baney hit every major watermark, upping her batting average from .310 to .388, on-base percentage from .372 to .456 and slugging percentage from .493 to .563 while decreasing her runners left on base from 48 to 30. She finished second on the team in batting average, on-base percentage, OPS (1.018) and RBIs (22), third in runs (23) and was solid as a fielder, posting a fielding percentage of .923 on 13 chances.

While she slowed down a bit through the postseason, she was there for the team when it mattered most. Her game-tying, two-out RBI single against Penns Valley saved Bald Eagle Area’s run to the state final all the way back in district quarters, and she also had a two-RBI double in state quarters that helped the team steal back the momentum late.

Were there an award for top outfield, which may be in the works for next season, the Eagles would hold the honor, as Baney, second-teamer Sydney Thompson and centerfielder Taylor Habovick proved next-to-immovable throughout the season. Habovick warrants an honorable mention for an incredible 27-putout campaign.

Jaylee Lose, Bellefonte (DESIGNATED HITTER)

In opting to remove the utility slot for this year’s team, it felt most fitting to add a designated hitter rather than leave each team a member short. While not her assigned position, Bellefonte senior catcher Jaylee Lose best fit the mold for the first-team slot, finishing 2025 as the top hitter in the area.

Behind a jaw-dropping, area-leading nine homers, Lose was one of two batters in the area to post a slugging percentage above 1.000 (1.055), getting over the hump with three doubles and proving problematic against Class 4A competition. She added 16 singles to finish with 28 hits on 55 at-bats, batting a .509, and was effective with runners on base, leading the team in RBIs (38).

Lose hit the ground running with 11 hits (two homers and one double) on her first 11 at-bats, logged a two-homer, seven-RBI outing against Bellwood-Antis and proceeded to replicate that performance less than two weeks later. And though she settled down late in the regular season, she reignited for the playoffs, going 5-for-10 with five RBIs, a homer and double to help the Red Raiders make it to states.

Alongside Brown, the pair of sluggers and senior leaders will be greatly missed as Bellefonte prepares for its next chapter. They more than left their mark in what was an exciting campaign for the Red Raiders, coupled with strong impacts from fellow seniors Alaina Smith, Ragan Manning and Sadie Ripka.

SECOND TEAM

P – Camdyn Weaver, Central Mountain

P – Carrie Ditty, Bucktail

C – Cheyenne Weaver, Sugar Valley

IF – Makenna Stone, Bucktail

IF – Cirstyn Watson, Central Mountain

IF – Isabelle Engel, Jersey Shore

IF – Sloan Moore, Bellefonte

OF – Sydney Thompson, Bald Eagle Area

OF – Kylie Schall, Jersey Shore

OF – Ava Doyle, Central Mountain

DH – Adrienne Masullo, Bellefonte