Shelby Malamud, of Lackawanna Trail, scores on a past ball.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Seniors Isabella DeRiggi, left, and Avery Venesky represented the Abington Heights softball team at Bill Howerton Media Day.
Tom Robinson | For Abington Journal
Trail’s Shelby Malamud is set to throw out the runner from her shortstop position.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Trail’s Kaylei VanDewark takes a swing during play against Forest City.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Emily Kimmel makes a running catch in right field for the Lady Lions.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Trail’s Mackenzie Bennett makes a catch at first base.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
MOOSIC — Even with the presence of Pennsylvania Class 5A Pitcher of the Year Lauren Stalica on the roster in 2025, Adrianna Condrad made her mark for the Abington Heights softball team.
Condrad earned first-team Class 5A all-state recognition from coaches as a first baseman while getting some experience in the circle for the Lackawanna League Division 1 champions.
“We pitched her whenever we got a chance,” Lady Comets coach John Kelly said.
Condrad responded with an 0.86 earned run average and 40 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings. She also batted .433 with seven doubles, two triples and two homers.
The junior takes over at pitcher and is the top returning offensive weapon.
Abington Heights will have to replace four seniors who were prominent in the team’s success last season, including Stalica and second-team, all-state choice Hunter Kresge.
“We lost some really good seniors,” Kelly said. “We have to find a shortstop, third baseman, center field and to replace those bats in the lineup will be very difficult.
“We have some really good freshmen and good sophomores so it will be good competition.”
Junior Eva Kane returns at second base where she did not commit an error in more than 70 chances last season.
Catcher/infielder Riley McColligan and outfielder Avary Brister, both juniors, are among the other top offensive producers returning.
Lackawanna Trail
The Lady Lions return 10 players from a .500 team in Division 3 last season.
Senior outfielders Kate Jones and Kaylei VanDewark are joined by juniors Payton Laytos at third base, Kacie Antolick in left field, Averie Higgins and Aubrie Pinney in the outfield and Ritter Finn at pitcher, along with sophomores Mackenzie Bennett at second base and Sophie Sebring and Madalyn Woodward as catcher/outfielders.
Scranton Prep
Emelia Williams and Abigail Wilce are the top returnees at Scranton Prep, which graduated much of a squad that was 4-10 in Division 1.
