Unranked Scranton Prep Stuns No 3 Wallenpaupack with 5-2 Comeback Victory
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | April 22, 2025 | Photo courtesy Scranton Prep
Scranton Prep delivered one of the biggest upsets of the week, rallying in the bottom of the sixth to knock off No. 3-ranked Wallenpaupack 5-2 on Tuesday afternoon. Despite being unranked and trailing for much of the game, the Classics used a clutch sixth-inning surge and strong relief pitching to take down the heavily favored Buckhorns.
Wallenpaupack jumped out early, plating two runs in the third inning after a sharp single down the line by Kailyn Kielbasa and a Scranton Prep error. The Buckhorns racked up nine hits in the game, including multi-hit efforts from Kielbasa (2-for-4, RBI) and Alli Sterner (2-for-4, 2 SB). But despite the offensive pressure, they left too many runners on base and were hurt by three key defensive miscues.
Scranton Prep stayed within striking distance before flipping the script in the bottom of the sixth. Ella Salak came through with the biggest swing of the game—an 0-2, two-run single that gave Prep the lead. The inning continued with hits from Addison Ahern, Emma Cuck (double, RBI), and Brooke Dennebaum, as the Classics poured on five unanswered runs to take control.
Abigail Wilce was dominant in relief, shutting down Wallenpaupack’s bats over the final five innings. She allowed just one unearned run on six hits while striking out two and walking one, earning the win. Salak, who opened the game with two solid innings in the circle, also added two RBI at the plate.
Gabby Hieber went the distance for Wallenpaupack, giving up six hits and five unearned runs over six innings while striking out six. She also added an RBI at the plate and was one of six different Buckhorns to record a stolen base in the loss.
The upset victory is a statement for Scranton Prep, who used balance, grit, and timely execution to topple a top-three team. For Wallenpaupack, the loss offers a lesson in capitalizing on opportunities and cleaning up mistakes as they prepare to visit West Scranton on Friday.
Photo: Nina Franceshelli, Grace McCormack, Emilia Williams, Morgan Tanner
Top Performers – Stat Breakdown:
Scranton Prep:
Ella Salak: 1-for-3, 2 RBI; 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 K
Abigail Wilce (W): 5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 K, 1 BB
Emma Cuck: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, R
Addison Ahern: 1-for-2, R
Emelia Williams: 1-for-2, BB, R
Brooke Dennebaum: 1-for-3, R
Wallenpaupack:
Kailyn Kielbasa: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R
Alli Sterner: 2-for-4, 2 SB
Gabby Hieber (L): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R (0 ER), 6 K, 1 BB; 1-for-3, RBI
C. Babyak: 1-for-3, 2B, R
M. Haynes: 1-for-2, BB, R
L. Mancino & S. Decker: 1 hit each
Scranton Prep rises with a signature win, while Wallenpaupack will regroup and aim to bounce back quickly to stay in the rankings mix.
