Two years ago, Mid Valley reached the State Championship game and came up short. This was the final chance for senior and Villanova commit Maranda Runco. Runco was fantastic throughout the Title game, getting out of several jams but the most impressive is that she struck out the side of the top of the seventh to end her High School career with a State Championship. They defeated Juniata 1-0 to take the State Championship. "We worked really hard all season, we always say to win our last game and this was our last and we won." Runco said.
Gaizior reached on a one out infield single. After a strikeout, then a two out single by Marshall but a strikeout by Runco kept the game scoreless. Mid Valley took a 1-0 lead after a one out infield single by Zavislak and scored when the throw went into the right field corner. Kuhn led off with a single for Juniata. After a strikeout, Runco issued a walk for first and second, but a popup and a flyout ended the threat. Gaisior struck out the side in the bottom of the second to keep it 1-0 Mid Valley after 2. Runco threw a 1-2-3 third inning for Mid Valley. The Spartans got first and second with one out but Gaisior got a strikeout and a popup to end the third inning. Kirk drew a two out walk but a groundout to second ended the top of the fourth. Gaisior threw a 1-2-3 fourth inning for Juniata. Runco threw a 1-2-3 fifth inning for the Spartans. Mid Valley had first and second with one out but a flyout and a successful throw home got Juniata out of the inning. Juniata had first and second with no outs but a 5-3 double play and a groundout kept the game 1-0 Mid Valley. Gaisior threw a 1-2-3 sixth inning. Runco ended up striking out the side in the top of the seventh as Mid Valley takes the 3A Softball State Championship with a 1-0 victory. In post-game, Runco talked about the defensive effort by the Lady Spartans. "I'm just really proud of them. They've been doing amazing on the field. For me, it's a confidence boost because I know even if they hit it, I have a defense that can help."
