PHOTO GALLERY | Union's big inning halts Berlin Brothersvalley's historic run in PIAA softball semifinal
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. – Through five innings in Monday's PIAA Class 1A semifinal, the Berlin Brothersvalley softball team was poised to earn a berth in the state final.
PHOTO GALLERY | Union rallies to defeat Berlin 8-6 in state softball semifinal
But the District 5 champions' historic and often magical season hit a detour in the top of the sixth inning, as defending PIAA champion Union reeled off six consecutive hits and scored seven runs to overcome a four-run deficit in the Scotties' 8-6 victory.
"It was a great year and I wouldn't trade it for anything," said catcher Elsie Barna, the lone senior on the District 5 and Inter-County Conference champion Mountaineers roster.
Maddy Settle, Elena Ritchey
"If we could have pulled out a win, it would have been great. Making school history is something we're good at doing.
"They'll get it in the future, I know it."
Berlin Brothersvalley closed a 24-3 season, losing for the first time since April 30 against Allegany, Maryland. Coach Brian Slope's squad had won 11 straight since then, outscoring opponents 122-15 with four shutouts along the way.
"They're a great team. They showed it," Slope said of District 7 champion Union.
"We had the momentum the first half of the game, and it turned real quick."
Union (21-2), which trailed the Mountaineers 4-0, will play District 2 champion Holy Name, a winner over District 11 Tri-Valley, Thursday in the title game.
Maddy Settle, Bena Barna
Union third baseman Maddy Settle tags out Berlin Brothersvalley's Bena Barna trying to reach third base on a single by Bryn Prosser in the bottom of the sixth inning of a PIAA Class 1A semifinal at West Mifflin High School in West Mifflin, PA., Monday, June 8, 2026.
"One inning – we didn't play badly. They hit the ball," said Slope, whose Mountaineers had shut out the Scotties through five innings. "It wasn't like we gave it to them.
"They came out, they made the adjustment and they hit the ball."
Berlin Brothersvalley scored once in the first, twice in the third and added a run in the bottom of the fifth. In the circle, junior pitcher Elena Ritchey held the Scotties in check through five scoreless frames.
Elena Ritchey
Berlin pitcher Elena Ritchey throws to a Union batter in the top of the first inning of a PIAA Class 1A semifinal at West Mifflin High School in West Mifflin, PA., Monday, June 8, 2026.
Mountaineers junior shortstop Coral Prosser reached base four times, including three infield hits, and scored four runs.
Sophomore right fielder Bryn Prosser provided two hits, including a double.
Sophomore center fielder and relief pitcher Sam Walker had two hits and drove in a pair. Barna, a PennWest Edinboro signee, added a knock and three RBIs.
Maddy Settle, Bena Barna
Union third baseman Maddy Settle tags out Berlin Brothersvalley's Bena Barna trying to reach third base on a single by Bryn Prosser in the bottom of the sixth inning of a PIAA Class 1A semifinal at West Mifflin High School in West Mifflin, PA., Monday, June 8, 2026.
"We all have faith in each other to get the job done," Barna said. "Unfortunately, we fell short, but throughout the season, we continued to do that for each other. This is only our third loss. It's really impressive what we did."
Union brought the top of its order in the Scotties' sixth inning.
Senior Olivia Williams ripped a solid single to center and advanced on a wild pitch. Senior Maddie Settle blooped a ball into shallow left field. Williams gambled and raced to the plate from second.
Audra Handke
Berlin second baseman Audra Handke chases a ball hit for a 1-run double by Union's Samantha Confer in the top of the sixth inning of a PIAA Class 1A semifinal at West Mifflin High School in West Mifflin, PA., Monday, June 8, 2026.
Left fielder Madison Will's strong throw arrived ahead of Williams, but was slightly offline, as Union pulled within 4-1.
Union junior catcher Irelyn Fisher worked a 10-pitch at-bat capped by an opposite-field, two-run homer to right that pulled the Scotties within a run.
"That at-bat, I just knew I had to get it done," said Fisher, who hit her 15th homer this season. "Liv Williams and Maddy Settle got on base and I just knew I had to get them in. We were down the whole game. I just had that confidence in the box."
The rally continued with Olivia Benedict's single and Navaeh Hunt's double to left field. Slope called on Walker in relief.
Sam Walker
Berlin relief pitcher Sam Walker delivers to a Union batter in the top of the sixth inning of a PIAA Class 1A semifinal at West Mifflin High School in West Mifflin, PA., Monday, June 8, 2026.
Maggie Joseph's two run-double to left field gave Union a 5-4 advantage, and No. 9 hitter Samantha Conner's two-out, two-run single pushed the margin to three runs.
"Honestly, the first three batters that were up, we just really started it for the whole team," Fisher said. "Every time we hit, we just brought the entire team up and it just gave us the hype we needed."
Union added a run in the seventh via Maggie Joseph's sacrifice fly. Berlin Brothersvalley nearly got out of the inning on a potential double-play pop out, but after a discussion with umpires, the runner at first base was ruled safe.
Berlin Brothersvalley stranded a runner in scoring position in the sixth. The Mountaineers fought until the end, scoring twice in the seventh to cut the gap again.
Elsie Barna drove in a run on a ground out, and Bena Barna's sacrifice fly plated another run. On the same play, Union recorded a game-ending double play as Ritchey attempted to advance to third.
"I'm proud of the girls," Slope said. "All of the stats, it's them. A fantastic group and they're playing for each other. There isn't a selfish person on that team.
"Everything is for the team.
"We're down to one out in our last at-bats. They're up on the screen cheering, urging their teammates on. They never gave up.
"That's what I'm most proud of."
Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter @Masty81.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 7:53 AM.