By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth girls’ softball team secured second place in Section 3A to finish the regular season, and now await the pairings for the WPIAL playoffs.

The ‘Lopes, who began the season with a 2-5 record, abruptly changed direction, winning nine of their next 10 games to finish the regular season at 11-6.

Their most recent wins came over the past week as Julia Eck pitched a no-hitter, including 10 strike-outs, in a 10-0 win over Brentwood before the ‘Lopes defeated Sewickley Academy 14-0.

Against Brentwood at home April 30, the game remained scoreless until Avonworth got three runs in the bottom of the third inning.

Natalie Zivic reached base to start the inning after she was hit by a pitch, then moved to second base when a bouncer in front of the plate was picked up and thrown for the out at first base. Eck then rapped an RBI hit to right field, putting the ‘Lopes up 1-0.

Marissa Milbert followed with a two-run homer to left center, her third home run in as many games, to put Avonworth on top 3-0.

The ‘Lopes took advantage of a Brentwood error in the bottom of the fifth that helped them to extend their lead. Milbert’s hit up the middle started the inning. Ashley Coulter’s fly ball with one out was dropped by the right fielder to put runners on first and third bases. Coulter’s stolen base had runners at second and third before the second out when Erin Zakor plopped a hit into short center field that scored both runners to give Avonworth a 5-0 lead.

The ‘Lopes ended the contest in the bottom of the sixth with five runs, putting the mercy rule into effect. Consecutive hits by Zivic and Molly Frew came before Eck’s double to center field brought two runs in for a 7-0 lead. Milbert’s third hit of the game followed, scoring pinch runner Alison Chambers for an 8-0 lead. Lindsey Bunce then lined a double to right field to score another run before Coulter’s hit through the hole at shortstop brought in the final run for the 10-0 victory.

In the win against Sewickley Academy May 5, Eck pitched another impressive game, allowing only one hit while registering 11 strike-outs. Milbert highlighted Avonworth’s offense with a triple and a double while driving in two runs.