May 27, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 5 min read

McMURRAY — West Greene has been a thorn in Jefferson-Morgan’s side for a long time, but the Rockets were able to turn the tide on their Greene County rivals Wednesday afternoon at Pleasant Valley Elementary School’s softball field.

Emilee Bazzoli had five strikeouts, including one for the final out of the game in Jefferson-Morgan’s 5-4 victory in the WPIAL Class A softball consolation final.

The Rockets (17-7) advanced to the PIAA Class A softball tournament for the first time since 2015, which is scheduled to begin this Monday at a site and time to be determined. J-M is scheduled to play Cambridge Springs.

Jefferson-Morgan coach Rich Rush was not only pleased with getting over the hump as the West Greene (13-9) defeated his team three times last season, which culminated in a setback in the consolation final at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. The Pioneers won the season series this year in section play by scores of 10-8 and 10-1.

“We have had a long, tough stretch against West Greene,” Rush said. “I will take a win, even if we made some mistakes. We hit the ball well. Our batters didn’t strike out today. I am happy for the girls.”

The Rockets scored one run apiece in the first and second innings before West Greene tied the game in the third with two runs. J-M went ahead by one in the fourth and the Pioneers tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth.

Jefferson-Morgan scored two runs with two outs in the top of the seventh inning for a 5-3 lead.

Ava Wood singled to center field to get the Rockets going before stealing second base. Bazzoli was intentionally walked and Wood scored on Ashlynn Snyder’s base hit for a 4-3 advantage.

Courtesy runner Brelynn Wood crossed home plate on Gabby Marmie’s single for a two-run cushion that proved to be the winning run.

“West Greene always plays us tough,” Rush said. “Billy (Simms) always has his team ready to go. They are just a solid team. They always have been, and probably always will be.”

Katie Brudnock and Rylee Yeager reached base safely for West Greene to open the bottom of the seventh frame when Brudnock hit a bloop single beyond second base and Yeager reached on an error before the Rockets recorded an unconventional double play.

The Pioneers’ Madelyn Roberts attempted a bunt that Bazzoli dove to snag out of the air for the out, but the ball didn’t stay in her glove and Roberts was safe at first base.

There was some confusion if Bazzoli did in fact catch the ball, but in the ensuing time, Jefferson-Morgan was able to record outs on Brudnock and courtesy runner Elaina Beazell, which warranted a discussion between the umpires and both coaches.

“From my angle at third, it appeared she caught the ball, but from the bench and everybody telling me they got it right, it rolled out and she rolled up on top of it,” West Greene coach Bill Simms said. “At that point, if that’s the case, we are doubled up 99% of the time anyway. I think they got it right, as much as it hurts to lose like that.”

“She dropped it, and we went to third and second for the two force outs,” said Rush on the play. “I think the umpire may have been a bit confused because he didn’t think we went to second.”

Kendra Tharp and Emmaline Beazell reached base safely on errors, and Roberts scored when Beazell put the ball in play, but Bazzoli was able to put the game away.

The junior allowed four runs (one earned) on seven hits over seven innings without a walk.

“I just wanted to make sure that I was keeping the ball in the zone,” said Bazzoli on her approach in the final at-bat. “I wanted to make sure she didn’t get a hard hit, so I wanted to hit my spots, but I didn’t really change anything up. I was so excited when the last out was recorded, and not just for me, but for my team because my last year with my seniors, and I am best friends with all of them, and it was such a great moment for all of us.”

Sammi Zimmerman took the loss in the pitching circle, but she had a solid outing in yielding five runs (three earned) on 10 hits over 6 ⅔ innings. She didn’t record a strikeout, but her only walk was intentional.

“I thought twice after pulling pitchers and going with Caitlin (Whyte) at the top of the order again, but Sammi was doing so well,” Simms said. “I didn’t want to go against any mojo, so we’ll chalk this one up to I took it out of their hands a little bit. We had our chances, but we just came up a little short.”

Ava Wood singled and scored in the first inning. Teammate Addy Teagarden singled and crossed home plate on a wild pitch in the second.

Yeager reached on an error in the third, and West Greene tied the game when Elaina Beazell and Tharp scored when the latter’s base hit to right field was misplayed for a 2-2 game.

Addy Larkin and Robi Finley singled, and Larkin scored on Kallyn Novak’s single for a 3-2 lead for the Rockets in the fourth.

Whyte doubled and scored on Josie Mason’s single to center field to tie the score at 3-3 in the sixth.

“Rich (Rush) has had them knocking on the door of getting into the state tournament, and as hurting as I am for my kids, I’m actually happy for them,” Simms said. “We were hoping to get in there and play a little longer, but we didn’t get it done. I am wishing them the best of luck to carry the WPIAL flag.”