So, a bases-loaded, no-out jam while pitching is nothing. Batting with two outs and two strikes and her team trailing by a run late in the game? That’s a walk in the park.

Make no mistake, Williamsport graduate Ashlyn Robinson is as tough, poised and mature as she is talented. And that blend helped her become the area’s best softball player this season.

Fearless, a fantastic leader and consummate teammate, Robinson excelled as a pitcher, hitter and fielder. No matter the situation, the future fire fighter stayed cool. She helped Williamsport capture a third straight district championship, a second consecutive HAC-I title and Robinson now can add Sun-Gazette Player of the Year to her awards collection.

Robinson conquered a loaded field, but as great as that field is, the Committee had little trouble choosing Robinson as the top player.

Ashlyn Robinson (11) of Williamsport celebrates after she gets the last out against Jersey Shore in Williamsport Thursday evening. Williamsport won 13-1. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

A year after ace Bailey Livermore graduated, Robinson stepped into the pitching circle full time and mowed through a series of excellent opponents, going 17-4 with a 2.63 ERA and 131 strikeouts. Robinson was even better in the playoffs, going 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA, while averaging a strikeout per inning.

What made Robinson especially good, aside from excellent movement on her pitches, was her ability to stay calm no matter what. The right-hander so often did her best work in tense situations and/or big games and her 17 wins were the most by an area pitcher, including two district wins in which she did not allow an earned run. And whether things were going well or getting hairy, Robinson never changed her demeanor; always believing she would win the battle. So many times, she did.

Conversely, Robinson was unflappable in high-pressure batting scenarios. Not only did Robinson hit .475 with runners in scoring position, but she also drove in 15 runs with two outs. Overall, Robinson hit a team-best .481 with 38 hits, 34 RBIs, a home run and four doubles against a loaded schedule.

A four-year starter, Robinson already is a two-time all-state selection at two different positions (outfield and first base) and helped Williamsport win three straight district championships for the first time this century. She compiled a .538 on-base percentage; hit safely in 20 of 23 games and collected 11 multi-hit games.

Robinson was a model of consistency all four years, producing 131 hits while hitting .452. Whatever Williamsport needed, seemingly whenever it needed it, Robinson delivered. It’s not just what Robinson did but how she did it which will be her lasting legacy.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Loyalsock pitcher Easton Waller (12) fields a pop-up for an out in the fourth inning against Southern Columbia. Waller was named Sun-Gazette Pitcher of the Year for 2026 and Williamsport’s Ashlyn Robinson was named Sun-Gazette Player of the Year in softball.

Selfless, hard-working and determined, Robinson made both herself and her team better. She will join teammates Brenna Beck and Emma Vollman at Penn College next spring and what a triple threat the Wildcats are receiving.

It will be hard replacing Robinson’s production next year. But if Williamsport follows the example Robinson set, it could again be hard to beat.

Sun-Gazette Player of

the Year Nominees

Runner-up–Maddie Smith, Hughesville: A co-Sun-Gazette Basketball Player of the Year last winter, Smith nearly made it consecutive Player of the Year honors after putting together another spectacular softball season. Like Robinson, Smith did just about everything as Hughesville enjoyed one of its best years ever. A five-tool athlete who will play at Bucknell in 2027, Smith dominated at the plate, on the bases and in the pitching circle while playing shortstop, arguably, better than anyone in District 4.

Smith hit .470 with a .588 on-base percentage, four home runs, six triples, seven doubles, 16 RBIs and 28 runs. She also stole 24 bases and made just one error, producing a .986 fielding percentage.

Smith worked at shortstop and outfield when not playing basketball last winter, making what she did in the circle even more impressive. There, Smith went 6-2 with a 1.62 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings, allowing just 50 hits. Smith fanned at least eight batters nine times and threw a five-hitter in a 4-1 playoff win against North Penn-Liberty. Smith has hit .522 for her scholastic career and enters her senior season with 94 hits, 11 home runs, 22 doubles, 87 runs, 63 RBIs and 69 stolen bases. It’s not a coincidence either that Hughesville has had its three highest wins seasons since Smith arrived in 2024.

Second runners-up–Kinsley Cannode, Williamsport and Camdyn Weaver, Central Mountain: Cannode feels like a near-lock for all-state honors after emerging as one of the state’s best center fielders, both offensively and defensively. The sophomore followed up an excellent freshman season by going to another level this past spring. Cannode hit .458 with a team-high .583 on-base percentage and belted an area-high nine home runs. She added two triples, six doubles, an area-high 40 runs and 30 RBIs. Cannode hit in 20 of 23 games, produced 10 multi-hit performances and was a weapon in center field, making several hit-saving catches while cutting down runners on the bases with her rifle-like arm. Making that especially impressive is that Cannode played mostly shortstop before high school.

Few players were hitting as well as Weaver down the stretch as the versatile junior went on a rampage. Generating seven straight multi-hit performances to close the season, Weaver finished at .537 with six home runs, 41 RBIs, eight doubles, five triples and 25 runs. A three-year starter who also pitched well, Weaver had a .576 on-base percentage and also ended her year with six consecutive multi-RBI games. In the circle, Weaver went 7-3 with a 3.12 ERA, striking out 94 in 92 innings as a young Central Mountain team enjoyed another strong season.

Sun-Gazette Pitcher

of the Year

Second runners-up–Ashlyn Robinson, Williamsport and Elyna Booth, North Penn-Liberty: Most of Robinson’s pitching resume was listed above, but she also threw six shutouts and put together a 20-inning scoreless streak late in the regular season and into the postseason. Booth overpowered opponents for a second straight season, going 13-5 with a 1.38 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings pitched. Booth shutdown some of the NTL’s best teams, tossed seven shutouts and won eight straight starts at one point. Over the last two years, Booth went 23-9 with a 1.31 ERA and 351 strikeouts in 219 1/3 innings.

First runner-up–Julie Friel, Montoursville: Friel had been good the past two seasons, but became great as a senior. A dedicated offseason helped Friel increase her velocity and she became one of the area’s strikeout leaders, fanning 169 in 118 innings, tying for second in that category. Friel with 10-7 with a 1.96 ERA, throwing six shutouts, including against Towanda in the district quarterfinals. Friel struck out 10 or more batters 12 times, including at least 12 in her final five starts. Growing stronger as the season progressed, Friel helped Montoursville reach the district semifinals and closed her career with 318 strikeouts, fanning 25 in 14 playoff innings.

Pitcher of the Year–Easton Waller, Loyalsock: This was a close call between four terrific pitchers, but Waller’s performance against Abington Heights helped put her over the top. The Comets reached the Class 5A state championship and lost only one game before that–to Loyalsock. There, Waller overwhelmed the Eastern Region’s best 5A team, striking out 14 in a Lancer win. That was one of several marvelous Waller performances this season with the sophomore going 10-4 with a save and a 2.16 ERA. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed just 57 hits in 97 1/3 innings, striking out 164. Waller produced 10 games with 10 or more strikeouts and fanned 12 in the district quarterfinals, while not allowing an earned run. Through two seasons, Waller has 275 strikeouts and her best likely is yet to come.

Sun-Gazette

All-Star Team

Starting Lineup

1. Maddie Smith, IF, Hughesville; 2. Kinsley Cannode, OF, Williamsport; 3. Brenna Beck, IF, Williamsport (.475, .521 obp, 11 2B, 2 3B, .486 with risp, 31 RBIs, 29R, 22-game hit streak, 10 multi-hit games, 6 games with 3 hits or more, just 2 Ks .403 career, 122 hits); 4. Camdyn Weaver, OF, Central Mountain; 5. Ashlyn Robinson, IF, Williamsport; 6. Dani Miller, IF, Jersey Shore; (.461, .506 obp, 5 HR, 4 3B, 5 2B, 23 RBIs, 35R, 136 career hits); 7. Easton Waller, P, Loyalsock (.413, .532 obp, 4 HR, 2 3B, 7 2B, 17 RBIs, 32R, 12-game hit streak, 7 multi-hit games, 69 career-hits, 65 runs, 28 SB in 2 years); 8. Eva Sockman, C, Bucktail (.554, HR, 5 3B, 17 2B, area-high 44 RBIs, 19R, 13 multi-hit games, 0 Es, career numbers: .550, 9 HR, 43 2B, 147 RBIs, 137 H, 88R); 9. Zoe Furman, OF, Montgomery (.463, .591 obp, 5 HR, 8 3B, 5 2B, 36 RBIs, 45R, .667 with 5 RBIs in 3 playoff games, 11 multi-hit games, 24 SB, .977 fielding; career numbers: .453, 77 H, 85R, 68 RBIs, 53 SB in 3 years)

Starting Rotation

Easton Waller, Loyalsock; Julie Friel, Montoursville; Elyna Booth, North Penn-Liberty; Ashlyn Robinson, Williamsport; Ady Frantz, Wellsboro (9-11, 2.69 ERA, 113 IP, 68 H, area-high 217 Ks, 11 games with 10+Ks, .453 average, .500 obp, HR, 6 3B, 7 2B, 26 RBIs)

Bullpen

Lexi Frey, Jersey Shore (10-4, 4.25 ERA, 85 2/3 IP, 91 Ks;.471 average, 4 2B, 22 RBIs); Kenna Thomas, Williamson (7-4, 1.25 ERA, 78 1/3 IP, 102 Ks); Ava Hartman, Montgomery (8-4, 3.22 ERA, 78 2/3 IP, 57 Ks, 2 runs allowed in 2 D4 playoff wins); Carrie Ditty, Bucktail (10-4, 3.38 ERA, 60 IP, 51 H, 82 Ks); Lilah LeBarron, Cowanesque Valley (5-6, 3.30 ERA, 86 1/3 IP, 93 Ks)

First-Team Reserves

Kayleigh Sheleman, IF, Montoursville (.426, .549 obp, 5 HR, 2 3B, 10 2B, 29 RBIs, 21R, 9 multi-hit games, 3-4, 2 HR in playoffs. Career: .487, 26 HR, 25 2B, 102 H, 106 RBIs, 76R); Haley Litzelman, North Penn-Liberty (.518, .562 obp, 3 HR, 3 3B, 5 2B, 23 RBIs, 17R, .971 fielding; Career numbers: .418, 107 H, 10 HR, 27 2B, 76R, 35 SB); Emma Vollman, IF, Williamsport (.471, .563 obp, 3 HR, 1 3B, 8 2B, .350 with risp, 17 RBIs, 39R, 15 SB, hit in 18 of 21 games, 11 multi-hit games; Career .359, 93 hits); Kendall Wagner, IF, Bucktail (area-best .625, .697 obp, 5 HR, 15 2B, 4 3B, 43 RBIs, 37R, 17 game hit streak, 16 multi-hit games. Career: .481, 11 HR, 32 2B, 113 H, 130 RBIs, 96R); Madisyn Miller, IF, Montgomery (.500, .588 obp, 3 HR, 3 3B, 11 2B, 34 RBIs, 33R, .12 multi-hit games, 990 fielding; Career: .517, 123 H, 132 RBIs, 111R); Mikaiya Hills, IF, South Williamsport (.556, .600, HR, 3B, 5 2B, 7 RBIs, 27R, .778 risp, 11 SB, 110-plus career hits); Maura Woland, IF, Warrior Run (.395, .471 obp, 4 HR, 3B, 8 2B, 28 RBIs, 26R, 11 multi-hit games; Career: .400, 110 H, 76 RBIs, 91R); Mya Lehman, OF, Jersey Shore (.391, .444 obp, 3 HR, 2 3B, 6 2B, 24 RBIs, 12R); Maddie Pinkerton, OF, South (.400, .414 obp, HR, 2 3B, 3 2B, 13 RBIs, 15R, .571 risp, 10 SB); Julia Kaczynski, OF, North Penn-Liberty (.446, 9 2B, 20R, 7 multi-hit games, 0 errors); Addison Greger, C, Montgomery (.431, .500 obp, HR, 3 3B, 7 2B, 22 RBIs, 33R, 7 multi-hit games, .971 fielding)

Second Team

Lola English, IF, Bucktail (.417, .545 obp, 2 HR, 2 3B, 7 2B, 19 RBIs, 36R, 27 SB; Career: .474, 7 HR, 22 2B, 109 H, 72 RBIs, 145 R); Kinsie Phillips, IF, Loyalsock (.348, .446 obp, 6 HR, 5 2B, 28 RBIs, 23R, 7 multi-hit games, 11 HR, 61 RBIs in 2 years); Lynna Clark, IF, Jersey Shore (.444, .527 obp, 3B, 5 2B, 16 RBIs, 22R); Katelyn Solomon, IF, Williamsport (.318, .387 obp, 3 HR, 4 2B, 21 RBIs, 15R, .375 with risp); Ashlynn Barlett, OF (.333, .373 obp, 3 HR, 3 3B, 4 2B, 19 RBIs, 22R, 0 errors, 10 SB); Emily George, OF, Montoursville (.347, .429 obp, 2 HR, 4 3B, 4 2B, 11 RBIs, 24R, 11 SB); Makenna Stone, IF, Bucktail (.373, .507 obp, 6 2B, 15 RBIs, 33R, 105 career hits); Makenzie Heffner, OF, Warrior Run (.357, .451 obp, 4 HR, 2 2B, 18 RBIs, 19R); Zeraya Wilson, C, Cowanesque Valley (.492, .577 obp, HR, 3B, 7 2B, 19 RBIs, 34R, 13 SB, hits in 18 of 20 games, 8 multi-hit games); Shyla Fulp, C, Loyalsock (.300, .419 obp, 12 RBIs, 15R, .989 fielding); Emilia Viveiros, P (9-9, 3.88 ERA, 86 2/3 IP, 74 Ks, 39 career wins, 341 Ks); Rebekah Conway, OF, Bucktail (.388, .522 obp, 5 2B, 18 RBIs, 16R)

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Second runners-up–Annika Harding, South and Chloe Gordner, Montgomery: Harding played a key role in South’s impressive second-half turnaround this season, delivering key hits at crucial times. She hit .320 and compiled a .386 on-base percentage, while driving in nine runs. The third baseman was especially strong in run-scoring opportunities, hitting .500 with runners in scoring position. Gordner moved from Texas two years ago and supplied a consistent bat in the middle of Montgomery’s lineup, hitting .410 with 16 RBIs and four runs. Gordner drove in three runs in a district championship win against Bucktail and produced a .490 on-base percentage.

First runner-up–Laney Yonkin, Montoursville: When Friel did not pitch, Montoursville still had an ace up its sleeve. Yonkin shined throughout her sophomore season, going 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA. She threw outstanding softball at the Williamsport Tournament and struck out 33 in 30 2/3 innings overall. Yonkin threw a gem against Loyalsock and gives Montoursville a strong pitcher to build around moving forward. She also was among the team’s batting leaders, driving in 17 runs.

And the winner is … Mackenzie Litchard, Warrior Run: Talk about a pitcher peaking at the perfect time. Litchard was magnificent late in the season and into the playoffs, helping take Warrior Run from 7-9 to the 3A state tournament. The junior right-hander stifled Loyalsock and Montoursville in district playoff upsets before throwing a four-hitter and striking out seven against perennial power house Mid-Valley in states. Litchard struck out 19 in 15 innings in the two district playoff wins and also heated up offensively. One of three returning pitchers next season, Litchard’s emergence played a monstrous role in Warrior Run achieving what it did and she finished with 104 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings.

Newcomer of the Year

Second runners-up–Payton Penncyoff, Williamsport and Trinity Belle, Montoursville: A pitcher’s worst nightmare at times, Pennycoff often produced long at-bats which forced them throw six or more pitches. The freshman catcher provided excellent defense, rarely letting balls get past her, and also hit .359 during the regular season. Her development gave coaches the confidence to move Pennycoff to fifth in the order and she rewarded that trust with a .486 on-base percentage, which included 17 walks. Belle also wasted no time making a major impact, immediately setting in at both shortstop and near the top of Montoursville’s lineup. The freshman hit .303, collecting 23 hits and scoring 16 runs. Belle hit four doubles and stole nine bases. She also displayed a veteran-like poise and is one of several exciting young players Montoursville is developing.

First runners-up–Ramona Kroll, Montgomery and Aubree Reichard, Jersey Shore: Kroll kept mashing more and more as the season went on, helping anchor a bottom of the lineup which was among the district’s strongest all year. Kroll hit .426, scored 24 runs and drove in 18 more. The freshman third baseman produced four multi-hit games and also played outstanding defense, especially in the playoffs. Montgomery and Jersey Shore mirror each other in terms of how many freshmen came up big this season, so it seems fitting that its third baseman joins Montgomery’s on this list. Despite missing time with a concussion, Reichard showed no rust upon her return and picked up where she had left off early in the season. A player who also likely will factor into the team’s pitching plans next year, Reichard hit .367 with a .421 on-base percentage. She added six doubles, two triples, scored 15 runs and added nine RBIs.

And the winner is … Kenna Fisher, Hughesville: It took just one game for Fisher to show why she may be a rising star. In her first high school game last March, Fisher went 2 for 3 with a double and four RBIs. She never really slowed down either, giving Hughesville another weapon in the lineup and at third base. A hitter with a keen eye and strong discipline, Fisher hit .361 with a .480 on-base percentage. She homered twice, tripled, slammed seven doubles and drove in 13 runs. Fisher also scored 20 times and manufactured six multi-hit games. One of several freshmen who excelled for Hughesville this spring, Fisher is a big reason the future looks mighty bright there.

Coach of the Year

Second runners-up–Dave Dimoff, Hughesville; Chris Lorson, Jersey Shore and Mark Evans, Warrior Run: As was the case during basketball season, the Committee had a lot of great coaches to consider, so it’s a bit of a log jam here. Spoiler alert: it will be the same Monday with the baseball coaches. Anyway, Dimoff helped make sure that Hughesville’s historic 2025 season was no fluke. The Spartans won 15 games–the second-highest total in program history–reached the district semifinals and gave champion Mifflinburg its toughest district playoff game there. Hughesville made huge strides as the season progressed and the Spartans are 42-14 since starting the 2024 season 2-6.

Lorson fielded one of the area’s younger teams but again helped Jersey Shore reach the District 4 Class AAAA championship, something it has done in three of his four years there. Jersey Shore finished second in the HAC-I behind Williamsport and earned the top seed for districts with a strong late-season push. With so many young players returning next season, a strong foundation for continued success is in place.

Evans again helped Warrior Run shock the District 4 world. In a near repeat of 2023, his team rallied to reach the postseason, then pulled off two big upsets, downing Loyalsock and Montoursville to reach both the district championship and state tournament. Warrior Run defeated teams that it went 0-4 against during the regular season, showcasing its growth, and won six straight games after falling to 7-9. It was the second time in four years Warrior Run reached states after being seeded lower than No. 5.

First runner-up–Chris Glenn, Montgomery: Since arriving in 2018, Glenn has helped transform Montgomery into a perennial district title contender also capable of making state tournament noise as it did in 2022 when it won the state championship. While that 2022 team was comprised of mostly three and four-year starting seniors, the 2026 team was a fusion of experience, youth and depth. Again, Glenn had his team playing its best at the best time as it steamrolled its way to its third district championship in six years. Montgomery also shared the Mid-Penn West Division championship, defeating co-champ Bucktail in the district final. The Raiders went 16-7 and outscored two district opponents, 22-2.

Coach of the Year–Scott Stugart, Williamsport: Two years at Williamsport and two Coach of the Year honors. Stugart and his staff have done brilliant work since arriving last year and helped Williamsport become the area’s best team this year by a wide margin. The Millionaires went 19-4 against a demanding schedule, were unbeaten in league play and cruised to a third straight district championship. Williamsport also won its first state tournament game since 2022. He’s as competitive as anyone, but Stugart also remains calm and positive no matter the situation and that seems to translate to his players. That likely was a major factor in Williamsport rallying from five late-game deficits to win this season. Included were walk-off wins against Loyalsock, Mifflin County and South Western in states as Williamsport enjoyed its best season this decade.