The Mounties recently completed their second straight undefeated regular season at 18-0 and clinched the No. 1 seed while the Lady Spartans started the season 2-6 and went on a 10-1 run to finish 12-7 and grab the last spot in the 3A field.

That slow start includes Hughesville’s season opener when they were topped by the Mounties 11-1 in six innings. 

The Spartans’ 12 wins didn’t include a victory over a .500 team and the teams Hughesville beat were a combined 43-135.

In the Mounties’ win over the Spartans, sophomore Haley Litzelman threw six innings and allowed one unearned run on three base hits and two walks while striking out 10 Hughesville batters. 

Liberty collected 13 base hits in the game, led by Mackenzi Tice’s three hits and two apiece by Litzelman, Saige Lehman, Payton Chapel, Mckenna Lightner and Megan Spohn. 

The Mounties saw both of Hughesville’s pitchers in their first meeting, as freshman Madelynne Smith threw two innings and gave up seven earned runs on five Mountie base hits and four walks. Senior Loralie Bennett pitched the final three innings and gave up four runs on eight hits and a walk. 

With a win, the Mounties will advance to the Class 3A semifinals which will be played at Elm Park in Williamsport on Friday against the winner of the No. 4 Midd-West and No. 5 Lourdes Regional game. 

Tickets are not required for North Penn-Liberty’s home game in Mansfield on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.