This one mattered more to Lauren Walker.
She was facing a Susquehannock team that has won two consecutive PIAA Class AAA titles. She is more than just a little familiar with the competition. On Friday for the first time in her career, she had the chance to go up against the Warriors.
The sophomore ended up throwing a no-hitter to lead the Panthers to a 2-0 victory.
"I am still in shock," Walker said. "I was so pumped for this game and was just ready to go out there. I know some of the girls on the other team so I just wanted to come out and win."
Central advanced to the PIAA Class AAAA semifinals last year, making their own argument for being the best team in the area. Susquehannock won two state titles, but they did come in a lower classification. Friday's victory finally gives the Panthers true bragging rights, at least for now.
"It's not a rivalry thing," said right fielder Leah Herman, who drove in Central's only two runs of the game with a single in the sixth inning. "But it's always good to beat the big guys."
The Panthers and the Warriors will likely meet again in the YAIAA tournament, which is back this year after a lengthy absence. Central York is in first place in Division I and Susquehannock is on top of Division II (although tied in the loss column with New Oxford and Northeastern). If both teams win their divisions and earn victories in semifinal matchups, they will battle for the league title on May 14.
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