Blue Mountain Pulls Away Late, Beats Pine Grove 8-3
4/24/2024
A capacity crowd was on hand for the Big Time Softball Game of the Week between defending state champs, Blue Mountain, and a talented Pine Grove squad. In a game that featured plenty of star power, Marla Freiwald proved to be the marquee attraction as she helped lead Blue Mountain to an 8-3 victory.
Blue Mountain jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 3rd when Lindsay Gibson drew a bases loaded walk. Pine Grove evened things up in the top of the 4th after Tailyn Bohr slapped a grounder with the bases loaded to score a run. The Eagles responded in the home half of the 4th, as an Addyson Fishburn single scored two, Olivia Labe drove in one on a sac fly, and Mylei Hablett scored one on a groundout making the score 5-1.
Pine Grove mounted a comeback in the top of the 5th, clawing back to within 5-3 on an RBI double from Hannah Aungst and an RBI single from Madison Shiffer, but Marla Freiwald proved to be too much, launching a 3R HR in the bottom of the 6th, putting Blue Mountain up by what would eventually be the final score of 8-3.
Scout Notes:
Marla Freiwald | Blue Mountain | 2024 | P | St. Joseph’s Commit
Freiwald was the player of the game, dominating in the circle and at the dish. The St. Joe’s commit didn’t get much to hit, as she was intentionally walked twice, but when she did, she cashed in, launching a majestic 3R HR in the 6th inning. She was equally as impressive in the circle, scattering 5H over 7IP while striking out 10. Freiwald ran the fastball up to 63 MPH, oftentimes overpowering the opposition. Freiwald was able to throw strikes to all quadrants of the plate, and effectively change speeds when necessary. She should have a legit shot to contribute early on in her collegiate career.
Elle Walasavage | Blue Mountain | 2024 | OF
In a game loaded with athleticism, Walasavge was a stand out. The CF demonstrated good reads throughout the contest, going full extension at one point to snag a sinking line drive, robbing Callee Leffler of a would-be hit. Offensively, Walasavge (who attained the 100 hit mark a week ago), showed off plus bat speed, turning on a 57 MPH up and in FB and ripping it down the 3B line for a single and then promptly swiping 2nd base. Elle can impact the game in several ways and should be considered a high follow.
Callee Leffler | Pine Grove | 2026 | OF
Leffler may be as complete a player as we have seen, showcasing legitimate five tool potential. Hitting from the left side, she showed an advanced approach at the plate throughout the day, particularly in her first at bat against Freiwald, where she fouled several tough pitches off before taking a 62 MPH outside FB the other way for a single. She was later robbed of another base knock and although she did not show off her prodigious power today, she is currently tied for 3rd in the state with 5 HR. Leffler is an absolute nightmare on the bases, utilizing her speed to get great jumps (she swiped 2 bags in this contest). Defensively, Leffler appears to glide in the OF, covering plenty of ground and consistently getting good reads off the bat while also possessing the makings of a plus arm. She should be considered a priority for college coaches to see.
Madison Shiffer | Pine Grove | 2025 | 1B
Shiffer displayed an advanced hit tool, going 2/3 off the division bound Freiwald. Hitting from the left side, she exhibited plus bat speed and swung with intent throughout the game, turning on an inside fastball to line a hard single into RF. She is exceptionally athletic at the 1B position and has the agility, lateral quickness, and wherewithal to make plays going to both her left and right. Shiffer’s performance today furthered her case for being one of the top bats in the state of PA.
