Kayla Giardina led her team to their first softball state championship by striking out 12 batters in a 2-1 victory over John Curtis in the Division I select state final at Frasch Park. In the fifth inning, Addy Stein made a game-changing play by scoring the tying run for Chapelle. After advancing two bases on an infield single by Kam DiMaggio, Stein was able to capitalize on a defensive error by Curtis that allowed her to reach home plate. Despite early scoring by Curtis on a sacrifice fly by Katie Kempton, Chapelle’s defense tightened up for the remainder of the game and secured their historic win.
Giardina played a key role in the late innings, starting with a double in the sixth inning that set up the go-ahead run for Chapelle. Freshman Bayleigh Hammer, serving as a courtesy runner for Giardina, scored on a sacrifice fly by Mia Impastato to give the Chipmunks the lead. Despite a strong offensive effort from Curtis, Giardina shut down their scoring opportunities and sealed the victory with a swinging strikeout in the final inning.
As the final out was recorded, Giardina’s emotional celebration with her teammates highlighted the significance of their hard-fought victory. The Chipmunks’ triumph in the state final marked a historic moment for the team and a memorable accomplishment for Giardina and her fellow players.