The WPIAL softball playoffs began on Monday, and the Indians emerged with a victory in dramatic fashion.

North Hills is the two-seed in this year’s postseason and took on the Mars Planets in round one on Monday. Despite being the favorite, the Class 5A Section 1 champions found themselves down 4-0 after the first inning.

The deficit grew to five runs before North Hills finally got the bats going in the bottom of the fourth. A three-run inning followed by a two-run inning in the fifth pulled the Indians back into the game.

After surrendering two more runs, North Hills needed three runs in the bottom of the seventh to avoid an upset at the hands of the Planets. The girls didn’t get three – they got four. 

Senior Kaylee Bischoff delivered the walk-off hit to cap a four-run seventh inning and propel North Hills to the second round. It wasn’t the game most were expecting, but it was a win for the Indians nonetheless.

The next game will be against the ten-seed, Thomas Jefferson, after they upset South Fayette on Monday. That game will be at 2:00 on Wednesday, May 15, at Gateway High School.

Tickets for Wednesday’s WPIAL postseason game are $7 at the gate. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online via the GoFan website in advance, especially students, who can get their tickets for $5 online. 

For more information on the championship brackets, tickets, and more, visit the WPIAL website.