Valley View Cougars Power Past Wallenpaupack in Defensive Battle
By: SportzWire | SportzWire | April 16, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Valley View Cougars secured a hard fought 5-2 victory over Wallenpaupack in a game that saw key offensive plays mixed with strong pitching. Despite Wallenpaupack’s late push, the Cougars maintained control through crucial moments and capitalized on opportunities.
The Cougars opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Ella Swingle reached base on an error by the shortstop, eventually coming around to score when Ashlyn Palickar hit a pop fly and reached on a fielding error. An unlisted courtesy runner then scored for Valley View in the second inning after Ella Swingle again reached on an error, extending their lead to 2-0.
Wallenpaupack struggled to generate offense early against Valley View’s starting pitcher, Grace Munley, who recorded several strikeouts in the early innings. However, the Cougars broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth. Zoie Krupovich led off with a single, followed by an Ashlyn Palickar double. Coral Kelly then delivered a clutch two run double, driving in Zoie Krupovich and Ashlyn Palickar to make it 4-0. Mady Minelli was hit by a pitch, and a pinch runner entered for Coral Kelly. Nevaeh Evans singled to load the bases, and the pinch runner later scored on an Ella Swingle fielder's choice, pushing the lead to 5-0.
Wallenpaupack responded in the top of the fifth when Lily Mancino reached on an error by the second baseman. Adrianna Milutinovic then blasted a two run home run to center field, with courtesy runner Macy Story scoring, cutting the deficit to 5-2. Wallenpaupack’s offense picked up steam, with Lexi Laing and Lucy Babyak drawing walks later in the inning, but the rally was stifled.
Wallenpaupack attempted to mount a comeback in the seventh inning. Lexi Laing singled and Gabby Hieber walked, but the Cougars' defense held strong to close out the game.
Valley View Top Performers:
Coral Kelly 2 for 4, 1 double, 2 RBI
Ashlyn Palickar 1 for 3, 1 double, 1 run
Nevaeh Evans 1 for 2, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 walk
Ella Swingle 1 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 run
Grace Munley (Pitcher) 7 strikeouts
Wallenpaupack Top Performers:
Adrianna Milutinovic 1 for 4, 1 home run, 2 RBI
Lexi Laing 2 for 3, 1 walk
Lucy Babyak 1 for 3, 1 walk
Player of the Game
Grace Munley's dominant pitching performance was the cornerstone of Valley View's victory, as she stifled Wallenpaupack's offense throughout the game, racking up 7 strikeouts and holding them to just two runs, ensuring the Cougars maintained control.
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