.jpg "Van Ness Etches Name in Tunkhannock Record Books as Tigers Power Past Pittston")
Van Ness Etches Name in Tunkhannock Record Books as Tigers Power Past Pittston
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | May 2, 2025 | Photo courtesy Madelyn Bevan (Bevan Photography)
PITTSTON, PA -- In a game filled with offensive fireworks, it was the quiet determination and historic performance of senior Erin Van Ness that stood above the rest.
Van Ness, a Lock Haven University commit, made her mark in Tunkhannock history Friday night, breaking two longstanding school records for career hits and RBIs during the Tigers’ 19-7 road victory over Pittston Area. With a 4-for-4 showing at the plate—including four RBIs—Van Ness surpassed Faith Jones's career hits record (116) and moved past the shared RBI record of 96 held by Paige Marabell and Jena Simmons, now owning it outright with 100.
While Van Ness delivered history, fellow senior McKenzie Hannon turned in a performance of her own, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a solo home run, driving in three runs. Hannon also earned the win in the circle, striking out 11 over six innings despite battling command issues with 11 walks.
Tunkhannock (now pushing deeper into the spring with postseason momentum) erupted for 20 total hits and eight walks. Lucy Karp, MaKenzie Bevan, and Addisyn Waterman each had multi-hit efforts, while Waterman also drew three walks and stole two bases.
Pittston Area, despite the loss, saw standout production from Marina Antal, who crushed a grand slam in the sixth inning as part of a 3-for-4, five-RBI night. Gabby Roman reached base four times via walk, helping the Lady Patriots stay competitive in the early innings.
The Tigers scored in every inning but one, including an eight-run sixth that put the game out of reach. Pittston Area managed a late surge behind Antal’s blast, but the deficit proved too steep.
The night belonged to Tunkhannock—and to Van Ness—who walked off the field not only with a win but with her name etched in program lore.
