Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

By John Sacco

For the Observer-Reporter

Ella Richey is reluctant to speak about anything beyond today.

That is when the Chartiers-Houston Bucs softball team meets Seneca at noon in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals at Slippery Rock University.

It was a grand slam home run Richey smashed to propel the Bucs to a 5-2 comeback win over Cranberry.

According to Richey, it was the most significant round tipper she has hit in an illustrious career.

It also solidified her hold on what is believed to be an all-time Pennsylvania record of 43 career home runs. Just a few weeks ago, Sharpsville’s Lily Palko was identified as the state leader in home runs. Palko, a Michigan recruit, ended her career Monday when Sharpsville was eliminated from PIAA play. Palko finished with 40 career home runs.

“I don’t even see myself as a power hitter,” said Richey, a three-time all-state selection. “I don’t think I hit my first home run until I was playing 14 and under. I didn’t always hit for power. I think that just kind of came out of development.”

The uniqueness and the irony of it all is that Richey – Chartiers- Houston’s catcher – is the team’s leadoff hitter and has been in three of her four seasons. She batted second one season.

“She’s the top home run hitter,” said Tricia Alderson, the Bucs ultra-successful coach. “But she’s a well-rounded player. She’s not just a home-run hitter.

“She just has a good head for the game. She can hit different pitching and different kinds of pitches. She just has that great hitting ability.

“It’s pretty wild when you think about it that she’s the all-time home run leader and our leadoff hitter. We want her up there as much as possible. It’s a great accomplishment. We don’t really talk about it right now. Ella is and always has been about the team.”