Ashlyn, and Abbi: Valley View Walks It Off in Unforgettable Matchup
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | June 9, 2025 | Photo courtesy BlSportsPhotography.com / Brad Loff
HAZLETON — June 9, 2025
Due to rain rendering Wilkes University’s field unplayable, Monday’s PIAA 4A state quarterfinal between Valley View and Northwestern Lehigh was moved to Hazleton Area High School. But even the change in venue couldn’t shake the emotion and electricity of what became one of the most memorable games of the season.
Before the first pitch, a technical issue with the national anthem audio set the stage for something special. As the music failed to play, both teams began singing it themselves—an unprompted and heartfelt moment of unity that most of the fans might not have even realized was taking place on the field. Had the press box heard their voices, the anthem may have never restarted. It was a powerful show of class and sportsmanship from both dugouts.
Then came the fireworks on the field.
Valley View came out on top in a 5-4 walk-off thriller, punching their ticket to the 4A state championship game thanks to late-inning heroics by Abbi Call and a steady bat all game by Ashlyn Palickar, who were named SportzWire’s Co-Players of the Game.
Call, a junior, played the role of closer—at the plate, not the mound. With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh and runners on, she ripped a single into the outfield to score the winning run. Call finished 2-for-4 with the game-winning RBI and was instrumental in earlier scoring opportunities as well.
Palickar, a freshman, delivered one of the game’s most impactful at-bats in the fourth inning with a 2-RBI single that temporarily gave Valley View a 4-2 lead. Batting from the ninth spot, she went 2-for-3, showcasing calm, confidence, and clutch instincts in a high-pressure moment.
Together, Call and Palickar combined for four hits and three RBIs, helping lead a bottom-third lineup that accounted for four of Valley View’s seven hits and all five of its RBIs. Also stepping up were Zoie Krupovich (1-for-2, 2B, RBI) and Emily Moyles (1-for-2, RBI), both of whom contributed to Valley View’s early scoring surge.
Taylor Cawley handled business in the circle, going the distance with a complete game 7.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R (2 ER), 2 K, 2 BB, and 108 pitches. She stayed composed in every frame, never letting Northwestern string together enough momentum to break the game open.
Northwestern Lehigh tied the game at two in the fourth and again at four in the top of the seventh, but each time the Cougars responded with grit and timely contact.
It was a game that started with song and ended with celebration—one that won’t be forgotten by anyone in attendance at Hazleton Area High School.
Valley View Cougars – Final Score: 5
Hits: 7 | Runs: 5 | RBIs: 5 | Errors: 2
Top Offensive Performers:
Ashlyn Palickar (RF): 2-for-3, 2 RBIs
Abbi Call (1B): 2-for-4, 1 RBI (walk-off), 1 run
Zoie Krupovich (CF): 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 double, 1 SAC
Emily Moyles (LF): 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 SAC
Pitching:
Taylor Cawley (CG Win): 7.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R (2 ER), 2 K, 2 BB, 108 pitches
Northwestern Lehigh Tigers – Final Score: 4
Hits: 9 | Runs: 4 | RBIs: 3 | Errors: 3
Top Offensive Performers:
Shelby Mitman (1B): 2-for-4, 1 RBI
Abby Dunstan (2B): 2-for-3, 1 run
Ainsley Behler (C): 2-for-3
Sam Boyer (3B): 1-for-3, 1 triple, 1 RBI
Natalie Conner (SS): 1 RBI (groundout in 7th)
Pitching:
Emma Freeman (Loss): 6.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R (1 ER), 1 K, 1 BB, 87 pitches
Key Team Notes:
Valley View’s bottom three hitters (Palickar, Krupovich, Moyles) combined for 4 hits and all 5 RBIs.
Northwestern Lehigh left 7 runners on base, compared to Valley View’s 5.
