On Monday, the Bald Eagle Area softball team opened its 2026 postseason a District 6 Class AAA quarterfinal matchup against Huntingdon, hosting despite enduring tough losses in previous matchups.

The Lady Eagles were looking to avoid the season sweep – the Bearcats took both regular-season contests 8-2 and then 12-2. But there would not be a sweep for Huntingdon as the Eagles were victorious, taking the contest, 3-0, to advance to semis.

Bald Eagle sent Harlee Witherite to the pitcher’s circle while the Bearcats retaliated with Alivia Nicklow.

Both pitchers looked strong throughout but it would be a two-run fourth for Bald Eagle that would decide things, as the Eagles defense was ready for the challenge.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle softball players meet at the mound during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

“We put the shift on, and the first two times we played them, they really hammered the left side, so we just made them do some things they weren’t comfortable with,” said Bald Eagle Area coach Don Lucas. “They really wanted to go to the right side.”

Witherite allowed only four hits in the shutout win while Nicklow allowed just seven. The Bald Eagle pitcher also had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Ironically, Nicklow was the only other player on either sides to finish with multiple hits, going 2-for-4.

“They (BEA) make it easy when they show up, and it’s hard to beat the same team three times,” said Lucas. “And I just told them that the pressure’s on them because they’ve (Huntingdon) not been here at this level a lot.”

In the bottom of the fourth, Bald Eagle busted out the hits, plating two of their three runs.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Harlee Witherite pitches during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

With one out, Casey Angellotti smoked a double to left field. Lilly Harter followed with a single down the right field line, putting runners on first and third. She was replaced on the base paths by Carley Guenot.

Witherite helped her own cause, smashing a single to score Angellotti and put Guenot on third. Kendall Gavlock hit a fielder’s choice down the first baseline, allowing Guenot to score.

After holding the Bearcats scoreless in the fifth and sixth, the Lady Eagles added an insurance run.

With two outs, Witherite was at it again, blasting a single into left centerfield. She was replaced by Guenot. Guenot then scored on a Gavlock RBI double, giving the Eagles a 3-0 lead they’d hold.

Earlier in the contest, the Bearcats would threaten to score, getting the bases loaded. But each time, Witherite and company made the plays they had to keep Huntingdon off the board.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Casey Angellotti prepares for a pitch during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

With the win, Bald Eagle will be back in action Thursday as they travel to Bedford in the second round.

Bald Eagle Area 3, Huntingdon 0

HUN 000 000 0 – 0 4 0

BEA 000 201 x – 3 7 2

WP: Harlee Witherite. LP: Alicia Nicklow

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Addisyn Burns throws the ball to a teammate during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

Top Huntingdon hitters: Alicia Nicklow 2-4; Charlotte Kyle 1-2, BB; Julia Foster, Kendyl Wilson 1-3. Top Bald Eagle hitters: Harlee Witherite 2-for-3, RBI; Kendall Gavlock 1-3, 2B, 2 RBIs; Casey Angellotti 1-3, 2B, run; Maelee Yoder 1-3, 2B.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Maelee Yoder throws the ball to a teammate during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Raelee Repasky prepares to be hit by a pitch during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bald Eagle's Maelee Yoder prepares to bat during the District 6 Class AAA quarterfinals against Huntingdon on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Bald Eagle. The Eagles won 3-0.