When Chambersburg and Cumberland Valley clash at Shippensburg University on Thursday afternoon in the District 3-6A title game, it will be a battle between two squads that have grown quite accustomed to wearing the “best” label.
The Eagles have been the best team in recent memory, as the squad makes its third-straight appearance in the championship tilt. CV won the district title in 2023.
As for the Trojans, they’re simply the best softball program in the history of District 3. Chambersburg has won more titles (13) and playoff games (91) than any other team in the district. The Trojans will be pursuing their first district crown since 2017.
We’ve selected this best-of-the-best matchup as our Game of the Week.
Until the end of the high school season, we plan on spotlighting area teams with our Game of the Week.
District 3-6A Final
Chambersburg vs. Cumberland Valley
First pitch: Thursday, 1 p.m., at Shippensburg
Records: Chambersburg, the No. 5 seed in the District 3-6A tourney, has an 18-4 record, while No. 2 Cumberland Valley checks in at 18-3.
Last game: The Trojans advanced to the district title game with a 7-2 win over Central Dauphin, while the Eagles punched their ticket with a 1-0 victory over Wilson.
Last meeting: Chambersburg and Cumberland Valley have met twice this season in Mid-Penn Commonwealth play. The Eagles won 7-5 on March 24, before the Trojans struck back with a 2-1 triumph on April 17.
What’s at stake: The winner will get to host a state playoff game against the sixth-place finisher from District 1, while the loser will host a game against District 1’s fifth-place finisher.
Meet the Trojans: Coach Chris Skultety’s squad has been undefeated in May and enters this contest on a nine-game winning streak … Included in that streak are three playoff wins that have seen Chambersburg outscore the competition by a 29-8 margin … To reach this game, the Trojans had to grind out a win over Central Dauphin, a team that swept Chambersburg in the regular season … The Trojans are led by senior second baseman Bree Paetow, a James Madison recruit whose numbers have been so good they almost seem made up. Paetow is batting .602 (50 for 83) with 11 doubles, seven triples, two home runs, 43 runs, 27 RBI, and 28 stolen bases … Pitching around Paetow, the leadoff batter, isn’t a great idea as Chambersburg’s lineup includes a number of other formidable sluggers in Addison Gsell (.405), Karley Skultety (.403), Malia Cramer (.364), Kylee Perry (.304), and Bailey Summers (.303), a group of girls who have combined for 39 extra-base hits, including 12 home runs … Trojans starting pitcher Kori Leedy has collected 17 of Chambersburg’s 18 wins this spring. She’s worked 110 1/3 innings to the tune of a 1.40 ERA and has struck out 97 batters … If Leedy runs into trouble, the Trojans have a couple of battle-tested relievers in Issie Slimmer (3.50 ERA) and Sanay Jones (1.91 ERA).
Meet the Eagles: Cumberland Valley is in the district title game for the third-straight season … The Eagles defeated Central Dauphin 6-3 for the title in 2023, but lost 6-1 to the Rams in last season’s championship game … Cumberland Valley has been tough to score on lately, as the Eagles have shut out five of their last six opponents … CV senior pitcher Sydney May, a Fordham recruit, has been untouchable in the postseason. May has scattered three hits over 13 playoff innings, while striking out eight batters … Coach Gregg Williams’ squad enters this contest on a six-game winning streak … Cumberland Valley is aiming for its fourth district title in program history.
Sandrik’s pick: Trojans by 1.
