Abington's All-Stars Leave Their Mark: A State Tournament Journey to Remember

By: SportzWire | Sportzwire | July 26, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography / Andrea Mecca

FAIRCHANCE, Pa. — The scoreboard didn’t tell the whole story on Friday, but everyone at Fairchance Little League saw the heart of a champion in Abington.

Facing Hollidaysburg in the elimination bracket of the Pennsylvania State Tournament, Abington’s All Stars waged one final fight in what was an epic summer run. Despite a hard-fought 5–4 defeat, this group of 12 came together to deliver one of the most memorable tournament rides in recent memory—bringing pride not only to their hometown, but to the entire NEPA region.

Hollidaysburg, the Section 4 champs, opened up an early lead with back-to-back run-scoring hits from Christian Metzger and Cole Heller. But Abington never backed down. In the third, Max Vazquez punched a clutch single to bring a runner home, followed by a perfectly executed sacrifice fly from Penn Eckenrode that tied the game.

With Lucas Deschaine, Julian McDonough, and Patrick Keeler sparking energy from the dugout and on the basepaths—Keeler swiping two key bags—it felt like the momentum might swing. But in the fourth, a tag-up run by Micah L from Hollidaysburg broke the tie and proved to be the difference.

Abington's pitching staff, led by Dylan Lyle and Jaxon Hizny, gave everything they had. Lyle worked through the early innings with confidence, and Hizny came in to strike out four and keep the game within reach. Defensively, Abington stayed sharp—turning a big double play and making all the hustle plays that defined their tournament.

Offensively, Lucas Deschaine, Penn Eckenrode, and Justin Johnson each reached base, while Oliver Giroux and James Kane continued to grind out at-bats. This team didn’t just play baseball—they played inspired, connected, and fearless baseball.

From opening pitch to final out, this team showed what it means to represent a community.

The 2025 roster—Deschaine, Eckenrode, Giroux, Hillebrand, Hizny, Johnson, Kane, Keeler, Lyle, McDonough, Tomachick, and Vazquez—earned every bit of respect and admiration they’ve received throughout this postseason. They played the game the right way and wore their jerseys with pride.

(Photo Courtesy of SportzWire's - Andrea Mecca at Borden Photography)

Hollidaysburg now moves on to face GEYA in the state championship, but for Abington, this is not the end—just a new chapter in a legacy built on character, teamwork, and the love of the game.

To the boys in navy and white: Abington and NEPA are proud of you. 

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