Cougars Reign: Valley View Dominates for PIAA 4A State Softball Title
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | June 12, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography
STATE COLLEGE — On the biggest stage of Pennsylvania high school softball, Valley View’s Taylor Cawley delivered a performance for the ages.
Backed by a thunderous sea of royal, white and gold and a Cougar faithful that traveled in full force to Beard Field, Cawley was nearly untouchable Thursday afternoon. The senior right-hander struck out 13 and didn’t allow a walk in a two-hit shutout, leading Valley View to a commanding 6-0 win over Kennard-Dale in the PIAA Class 4A State Championship.
It’s the third state softball title in program history — and it came in dominant fashion.
From the first pitch, Cawley set the tone. Painting the corners, changing speeds, and overpowering hitters with a mix of movement and poise, she kept the Rams guessing all game. Not a single baserunner reached via a walk, and only two scattered hits broke up her rhythm.
Valley View’s offense wasted no time getting the lead. In the bottom of the first, Abbi Call’s RBI single opened the scoring before Ella Swingle ripped a two-run triple to the gap, sending the Cougar Crazies into a frenzy.
The hits kept coming from there — 14 in total — as Valley View attacked with depth throughout the lineup. Call finished with three RBIs on a 2-for-4 day, while Swingle and Kalli Karwowski each notched three hits. Ashlyn Palickar and Cawley added two hits apiece.
Clean, crisp defense completed the championship effort. Valley View played error-free behind their ace.
Kennard-Dale’s Taryn Ashenfelter pitched valiantly in defeat, striking out six across six innings, but the Valley View lineup proved too much. The Rams managed just two hits — one apiece from Ashenfelter and Hailey Serruto.
As the final out settled into a glove, the Valley View dugout exploded into celebration at the circle. The stands behind them — packed with parents, students, and alumni — roared with pride, turning Beard Field into a second home.
Valley View didn’t just capture a title — they delivered a complete performance, one that echoed the strength of a team built on trust, preparation, and relentless energy.
