Current News and Events
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With the disappointment of the cancelled 2019-2020 softball season, there was one positive takeaway. The time away from the ball field has made the girls realize how much they love the game and they will hopefully enjoy it that much more when they can play together again. This team not only showed promise for another successful season but their heart and enthusiasm for the game is most impressive.
These are the makings for a much anticipated comeback season in 2021!
These are the makings for a much anticipated comeback season in 2021!
Shoutout to Amanda Fischer: Our only senior this year would have undoubtedly helped pave the way to another playoff run.
Amanda, we are anxious to see your achievements both on and off the field at IUP. Best of luck and we will miss you!
Amanda, we are anxious to see your achievements both on and off the field at IUP. Best of luck and we will miss you!
As the Lady Knights prepare for a new season, the outstanding accomplishments of last year's team are not forgotten.
2019 Section 3 AAAA Champions!
AND
The first softball team in Knoch High School history to make the PIAA State Playoffs!
The banner in the gymnasium has been updated and our returning players took advantage of the photo opportunity!
Still so proud of you girls!!!
2019 Section 3 AAAA Champions!
AND
The first softball team in Knoch High School history to make the PIAA State Playoffs!
The banner in the gymnasium has been updated and our returning players took advantage of the photo opportunity!
Still so proud of you girls!!!
The Knoch varsity team recently hosted a softball skills clinic for Kindergarten through 5th grade.
What a fun afternoon! With the focus on softball basic skills while having a great time, we hope these young girls continue their interest in softball, play in recreational leagues and one day become a Lady Knight!
What a fun afternoon! With the focus on softball basic skills while having a great time, we hope these young girls continue their interest in softball, play in recreational leagues and one day become a Lady Knight!
Bingo Night was a success!
THANK YOU to everyone that came out to support the Knoch softball team's fundraiser at Xtra Innings, especially the player families, coaches and Xtra Innings staff! We couldn't have done it without you!
Interested in playing softball with the Lady Knights this spring? Email us your info at knochsoftball@gmail.com. We would love to include you in our Booster emails with information about meetings, practices and events leading to the start of our spring season. We are anticipating another exciting year!
Why not join the fun?!?
Why not join the fun?!?
Congratulations to our Knoch Lady Knights (18-1, 10-0) for their 2019 Section 3 AAAA Championship!
as well as
Being the first team in school history to make the PIAA state playoffs!
as well as
Being the first team in school history to make the PIAA state playoffs!
IN THE PRESS...

History-making Knights!
Knoch softball bests Jaguars, 7-2, reaches PIAA playoffs for 1st time
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
May 29, 2019
High School Softball
GREENSBURG — The spin on Isabella Bucy's pitches is a little different.
The results she got with it Tuesday were a lot different.
Thomas Jefferson's junior left-hander was rocked for 13 hits by Knoch in the WPIAL 4A softball consolation game at Seton Hill University. The Knights' 7-2 victory put Knoch (18-2) in the PIAA Tournament for the first time in the program's history.
“It's awesome ... fantastic,” Knoch pitcher Amanda Fischer said. “People don't even know where Knoch is. They ask us and we always say Butler. It's a lot easier.”
The Knights made hitting look easy in this game. Bucy entered the contest having allowed only two runs in her last four games and five total hits in the Jaguars' previous two playoff games.
“They just out-hit us,” TJ coach Heidi Karcher said. “They were putting swings on balls that we weren't expecting, based on what we've seen of them.”
Knoch senior first baseman Erin Luffy plays travel ball with Bucy “and she explained to us the spin she puts on the ball.” Knoch coach Gary Coe said.
Luffy hit a towering home run to left in the fifth inning against her summer teammate, giving the Knights a 5-2 lead at the time...
READ MORE
Knoch softball bests Jaguars, 7-2, reaches PIAA playoffs for 1st time
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
May 29, 2019
High School Softball
GREENSBURG — The spin on Isabella Bucy's pitches is a little different.
The results she got with it Tuesday were a lot different.
Thomas Jefferson's junior left-hander was rocked for 13 hits by Knoch in the WPIAL 4A softball consolation game at Seton Hill University. The Knights' 7-2 victory put Knoch (18-2) in the PIAA Tournament for the first time in the program's history.
“It's awesome ... fantastic,” Knoch pitcher Amanda Fischer said. “People don't even know where Knoch is. They ask us and we always say Butler. It's a lot easier.”
The Knights made hitting look easy in this game. Bucy entered the contest having allowed only two runs in her last four games and five total hits in the Jaguars' previous two playoff games.
“They just out-hit us,” TJ coach Heidi Karcher said. “They were putting swings on balls that we weren't expecting, based on what we've seen of them.”
Knoch senior first baseman Erin Luffy plays travel ball with Bucy “and she explained to us the spin she puts on the ball.” Knoch coach Gary Coe said.
Luffy hit a towering home run to left in the fifth inning against her summer teammate, giving the Knights a 5-2 lead at the time...
READ MORE

Knoch takes down Thomas Jefferson to reach PIAA Class 4A softball playoffs
By: William Whalen
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 | 6:23 PM
There was plenty of weather swirling around Seton Hill’s softball field Tuesday afternoon. Spotty showers showed up for a few minutes, and a random lightning strike suspended play for 30 minutes.
What proved to be more disrupting were the straight-line winds created from the pitcher’s circle by Knoch’s Amanda Fischer and the thunder from the Knights’ bats as No. 3-seeded Knoch downed No. 4 Thomas Jefferson, 7-2, in the WPIAL Class 4A third-place consolation game.
“Not that we ever doubted it, but there were several questions from media guys, ‘Can you guys be ready since you guys lost the other day?’ ” Knoch coach Gary Coe said. “The infield and outfield were dancing in between innings. They’ve been a loose group all season.”
The win puts Knoch (18-2) into the PIAA playoffs for first time in school history. The Knights will play the District 10 champion Monday at a time and site to be determined...
READ MORE
By: William Whalen
Tuesday, May 28, 2019 | 6:23 PM
There was plenty of weather swirling around Seton Hill’s softball field Tuesday afternoon. Spotty showers showed up for a few minutes, and a random lightning strike suspended play for 30 minutes.
What proved to be more disrupting were the straight-line winds created from the pitcher’s circle by Knoch’s Amanda Fischer and the thunder from the Knights’ bats as No. 3-seeded Knoch downed No. 4 Thomas Jefferson, 7-2, in the WPIAL Class 4A third-place consolation game.
“Not that we ever doubted it, but there were several questions from media guys, ‘Can you guys be ready since you guys lost the other day?’ ” Knoch coach Gary Coe said. “The infield and outfield were dancing in between innings. They’ve been a loose group all season.”
The win puts Knoch (18-2) into the PIAA playoffs for first time in school history. The Knights will play the District 10 champion Monday at a time and site to be determined...
READ MORE

Knoch softball team 1 win from 1st berth in state tournament
By: Michael Love
Monday, May 27, 2019 | 4:11 PM
The Knoch softball team had its eyes on a WPIAL 4A title, but a 4-0 semifinal loss to Elizabeth Forward last week curtailed that goal.
However, the Knights knew their season wasn’t over and turned their focus to making the state playoffs for the first time in program history.
Knoch can make that happen Tuesday when it faces Thomas Jefferson in the third-place consolation game at 3 p.m. at Seton Hill. The winner advances to the PIAA tournament...
READ MORE
By: Michael Love
Monday, May 27, 2019 | 4:11 PM
The Knoch softball team had its eyes on a WPIAL 4A title, but a 4-0 semifinal loss to Elizabeth Forward last week curtailed that goal.
However, the Knights knew their season wasn’t over and turned their focus to making the state playoffs for the first time in program history.
Knoch can make that happen Tuesday when it faces Thomas Jefferson in the third-place consolation game at 3 p.m. at Seton Hill. The winner advances to the PIAA tournament...
READ MORE

Knight-mare for the opposition
Knoch softball dominates section with 10-0 record
John EnriettoEagle Staff Writer
May 8, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — When Gary Coe took over as Knoch's varsity softball coach last off-season, he knew what he was inheriting.
The program went a combined 45-13 over the previous three seasons, yet graduated six seniors from last year. Coe's first team has only two seniors back from the previous season.
“I knew Tim (Knappenberger) was stepping down and they needed a coach,” Coe said. “I was a volunteer assistant last year, though I wasn't here all that much.
“I had been coaching travel ball and thought it would be fun to coach this group.”
Fun is what it has been.
And successful.
Since scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh to stun Ambridge, 10-9, in their Section 3-4A opener, the Knights have reeled off nine straight section wins. They've outscored the opposition 92-6 during that stretch.
READ MORE
Knoch softball dominates section with 10-0 record
John EnriettoEagle Staff Writer
May 8, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — When Gary Coe took over as Knoch's varsity softball coach last off-season, he knew what he was inheriting.
The program went a combined 45-13 over the previous three seasons, yet graduated six seniors from last year. Coe's first team has only two seniors back from the previous season.
“I knew Tim (Knappenberger) was stepping down and they needed a coach,” Coe said. “I was a volunteer assistant last year, though I wasn't here all that much.
“I had been coaching travel ball and thought it would be fun to coach this group.”
Fun is what it has been.
And successful.
Since scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh to stun Ambridge, 10-9, in their Section 3-4A opener, the Knights have reeled off nine straight section wins. They've outscored the opposition 92-6 during that stretch.
READ MORE

Simply Dominant
Knoch softball stays undefeated in section play with 10-0 triumph
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
May 2, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — The beat — or should we say beatings — go on.
Amanda Fischer struck out 11 in tossing a one-hit shutout Wednesday as Knoch's varsity softball team rolled past New Castle, 10-0, at Laura Doerr Park. Fischer recorded 10 straight outs via the strikeout at one point against a New Castle team that had scored a combined 21 runs in its last two games.
“She kept getting us on her riser. We couldn't touch it,” Red Hurricane coach Laurie Lidak said.
It seems no one can touch the Knights (15-1, 9-0) these days. Knoch has won its last eight games — all section contests — by the combined score of 83-5...
READ MORE
Knoch softball stays undefeated in section play with 10-0 triumph
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
May 2, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — The beat — or should we say beatings — go on.
Amanda Fischer struck out 11 in tossing a one-hit shutout Wednesday as Knoch's varsity softball team rolled past New Castle, 10-0, at Laura Doerr Park. Fischer recorded 10 straight outs via the strikeout at one point against a New Castle team that had scored a combined 21 runs in its last two games.
“She kept getting us on her riser. We couldn't touch it,” Red Hurricane coach Laurie Lidak said.
It seems no one can touch the Knights (15-1, 9-0) these days. Knoch has won its last eight games — all section contests — by the combined score of 83-5...
READ MORE

Knoch softball rolling through competition in Section 3-4A
By: Michael Love
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 7:43 PM
The Knoch softball team dug itself a sizable hole in its Section 3-4A opener April 2 at Ambridge.
The Knights trailed 6-1 after three innings and 9-4 heading to the seventh But the team rallied in its final at-bat, scoring six runs to claim a dramatic 10-9 victory. Sophomore Bailey Rickenbrode’s two-run walk-off double capped the come-from-behind win.
Since then, Knoch has steamrolled its way through its section competition to a 6-0 record and is 10-1 overall...
READ MORE
By: Michael Love
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 | 7:43 PM
The Knoch softball team dug itself a sizable hole in its Section 3-4A opener April 2 at Ambridge.
The Knights trailed 6-1 after three innings and 9-4 heading to the seventh But the team rallied in its final at-bat, scoring six runs to claim a dramatic 10-9 victory. Sophomore Bailey Rickenbrode’s two-run walk-off double capped the come-from-behind win.
Since then, Knoch has steamrolled its way through its section competition to a 6-0 record and is 10-1 overall...
READ MORE

Comeback Kids
Knoch softball scores 6 in 7th to nip Ambridge
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
April 3, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — Down on the scoreboard? Maybe.
Down and out? Never.
“These girls don't know how to die,” Knoch softball coach Gary Coe said.
The Knights proved that again Tuesday at Laura Doerr Park, scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to shock Ambridge, 10-9, in a mutual Section 3-4A opener.
Knoch (3-0, 1-0) had come from behind to win its first two games of the season as well, but those rallies weren't quite like this.
READ MORE
Knoch softball scores 6 in 7th to nip Ambridge
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
April 3, 2019 High School Softball
JEFFERSON TWP — Down on the scoreboard? Maybe.
Down and out? Never.
“These girls don't know how to die,” Knoch softball coach Gary Coe said.
The Knights proved that again Tuesday at Laura Doerr Park, scoring six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to shock Ambridge, 10-9, in a mutual Section 3-4A opener.
Knoch (3-0, 1-0) had come from behind to win its first two games of the season as well, but those rallies weren't quite like this.
READ MORE

Fischer relief effort works for Knoch
Knights rally for 7-5 softball victory at Mars
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
March 30, 2019 High School Softball
ADAMS TWP — Amanda Fischer could have thrown harder.
She didn't care. “I was just concentrating on throwing strikes and giving my teammates hit balls they could field.”
Knoch's senior pitcher did exactly that, striking out seven and allowing only three hits in four innings of relief Friday at Mars. The effort enabled the Knights to register a come-from-behind 7-5 softball victory over the Planets...
READ MORE
Knights rally for 7-5 softball victory at Mars
John Enrietto
Eagle Staff Writer
March 30, 2019 High School Softball
ADAMS TWP — Amanda Fischer could have thrown harder.
She didn't care. “I was just concentrating on throwing strikes and giving my teammates hit balls they could field.”
Knoch's senior pitcher did exactly that, striking out seven and allowing only three hits in four innings of relief Friday at Mars. The effort enabled the Knights to register a come-from-behind 7-5 softball victory over the Planets...
READ MORE

Knoch softball eager to build on last season’s
long-awaited playoff victory
By: Jerin Steele
Friday, March 15, 2019 | 8:21 PM
LINK
Coming off a season in which it won a playoff game for the first time in 11 years, the Knoch softball team exudes optimism.
The Knights shared a section title two seasons ago and have been regular qualifiers for the postseason over the past five years, but getting that playoff drought erased was a big hurdle. Knoch lost six players to graduation, but the team expects to be competitive again with the return of standout seniors Erin Luffy and Monica Gourley and junior Amanda Fischer...
READ MORE
long-awaited playoff victory
By: Jerin Steele
Friday, March 15, 2019 | 8:21 PM
LINK
Coming off a season in which it won a playoff game for the first time in 11 years, the Knoch softball team exudes optimism.
The Knights shared a section title two seasons ago and have been regular qualifiers for the postseason over the past five years, but getting that playoff drought erased was a big hurdle. Knoch lost six players to graduation, but the team expects to be competitive again with the return of standout seniors Erin Luffy and Monica Gourley and junior Amanda Fischer...
READ MORE
THANKS FOR A GREAT BAR BINGO!
Thank you to everyone who pitched in to make this fundraiser a success, including our players, families, coaches, friends, and the staff of Xtra Innings.
We appreciate your support!
It was a great day at the first annual 2019 Knoch Softball Spring Skills Clinic!
Knoch players welcomed girls from the district to their Knights spring softball camp. The focus was softball fundamentals, as well as playing with passion and purpose. The goal of the camp was to cement the relationship between our school program and the community recreational leagues. Way to go, future Knights!
Knoch Lady Knights Return to Kentucky
The 2019 Knoch Knights will make their annual trip to the Pete Noll Tournament in Morningside, Kentucky the weekend of April 5th. While the sixteen team, three game guarantee format is familiar, there will be some new teams joining the fray. The Lady Knights took home first place in 2016 and 2017 before being rained out in 2018. Thank you to the Pete Noll Tournament Directors for always running a great tourney. Knoch Softball is thrilled to participate again this year. Good luck, girls!