Norwin Little League team bows out of state tournament
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It wasn’t how the Norwin Little League team wanted to end the season.
The squad reached the 9-11-year-old Pennsylvania State Tournament in Hermitage. After topping DuBois, 11-1, in the opening round, Norwin fell to Keystone, 4-3. The team’s season then came to a close with a 20-2 loss to Aston-Middleton.
While it was disappointing, the Norwin players had plenty to be proud of this season.
“In Little League, you win or you don’t move on,” coach Jason Faust said. “There is no tomorrow. Other types of baseball, you can look ahead to the other tournaments or the next game. That makes the excitement to win and the disappointment of losing so much higher. These kids were always pulling for each other and lifting each other up.”
The team’s loss to Keystone was a battle that went back and forth. Norwin loaded the bases three times but was unable to find the timely hit. The game also was affected by the pitching rotation. While other teams had 12 or 13 players, Norwin had 10.
“We kind of exhausted a lot of our pitching,” Faust said. “The next game we played is one of those games you just want to forget. The result really didn’t show the effort the team put in. We just ran out of pitching. One of our pitchers couldn’t go because of arm discomfort. Having a roster of only 10 did put us a bit of a disadvantage.”
Norwin started the season strong by winning the District 4 tournament with victories over Moon and Ingomar. The team next won the Section 2 tournament by beating West Point and Carmichaels. It was the third straight season the team reach the Little League state tournament.
“We put together the charter a few years ago and didn’t know what to expect out of Little League,” Faust said. “Our coaches had to learn the different strategies and rules that apply to Little League but not travel or other types of baseball. We are so proud of the boys to represent the community like they have.”
Members of the team included Caden Sivrich, Gavin Bodura, Jake Knight, Trevor Vitsas, Tyler Faust, Josh Lenart, Alex Graney, Luca Butera, Dante Marino and Jonathan Tapocik. Nick Sivrich and Tom Knight were also on the coaching staff.
“It all comes back to the chemistry,” Faust said. “They give 100 percent every play in the field, batting and cheering on teammates.”
It didn’t take long for the team to look ahead to next summer. Soon after the season-ending loss, the players were talking about the opportunities ahead. The Norwin squad will move up to the 12U level and have a chance to play for a spot at the Little League World Series in Williamsport.
“Right afterward, my son was already talking about next year,” Faust said. “They were disappointed it was over but ready to work even harder for next year. There are a few kids who haven’t played Little League who could join the team. I expect a bigger roster. We’ll be ready to get back to the state tournament.”