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.