NEW TRIPOLI - Pen Argyl's Kassy Beckage hit a sharp grounder to North Schuylkill third baseman Robyn Orth, who bent down, picked the ball off the dirt and threw to first baseman Chase Stokes for the game's final out.

It was a rather routine ending to a nearly perfect two-day performance from the Spartans. They not only finished what they started Tuesday, but also ended three years of postseason frustration.

Kayla Bolinsky was 3-for-3, including an inside-the-park homer, while Cassie Lapotsky retired nine of the final 11 hitters she faced, as North Schuylkill made quick work of the Green Knights with a 7-2 victory in the District 11 Class AA semifinals Wednesday afternoon at Northwestern Lehigh High School.

The contest resumed in the bottom of the fifth after the game was suspended by rain Tuesday. The break didn't bother the fourth-seeded Spartans (14-8), who needed about 35 minutes to advance to the their first district final since 1984.

The top-seeded Green Knights (20-3), the Colonial League and defending district champs, have been North Schuylkill's biggest recent playoff nemesis after beating the Spartans in the semifinals in 2009 (6-0) and in 2011 (2-1). North Schuylkill fell to Palmerton 4-2 in 8 innings in the district quarterfinals in 2010.

"They broke our hearts last year, and we broke their hearts this year," senior Madison Newhouser said. "They are a great team, but we were better today."

The Spartans move on to face No. 2 Pine Grove (23-2) in the championship game at 1 this afternoon at Blue Mountain's Patton Field. It will be the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the Cardinals winning 6-0 on April 20 and 4-2 in 11 innings on May 10.

After a slow start at the plate against Pen Arygl starter Emily Smull, North Schuylkill finished with 11 hits. No player was hotter at the plate than Bolinsky, a junior.

Hitting out of the No. 9 spot, she led off the second, third and fifth innings by getting on base all three times and scoring three runs.

"She came through," North Schuylkill coach Dominick Grasso said. "We had first-inning blahs but after that everything was fine. Our kids came up when they had to come up."

Tuesday, Bolinsky started the third with a bunt single and scored on a two-run single by Newhouser that tied the game at 2. It was the start of a five-run inning that gave North Schuylkill the lead for good. Bolinsky led off the fourth with a triple and later come home on a bloop single to center by Nadya Spotts.

Bolinsky ripped the first pitch she saw Wednesday in the bottom of the sixth over the head of the right fielder and raced all the way around to score. It was her first home run of the season.

"She had the best game of her career," Newhouser said. "She did it all today."

Bri Schlauch, Spotts and Newhouser had two hits apiece. Newhouser had a two-run single in the third to give the Spartans a 3-2 lead.

"We waited," Lapotsky said. "We really saw the ball a lot better the second time around. When one person hits, we get a chain going."

After a rough first inning, when she allowed a two-run triple to Beckage and threw 27 pitches, Lapotsky settled down. She wasn't overpowering, striking out four, but hit her spots. She finished with a six-hitter and walked only two, both in the first inning.

Lapotsky threw 96 pitches, 66 for strikes. The only baserunners she allowed during Wednesday's resumption were a two-out double to Smull in the fifth and Alyssa Weaver reaching on a one-out error in the seventh.

"The first inning I was just trying to throw strikes and trying to find the strike zone," Lapotsky said. "I told myself in the second inning, 'If you are going to get strikeouts and throw a good game, you have to hit your spots and throw all your pitches. You just have to get it done.' "

All the Spartans did.

The win was the perfect birthday present for Newhouser, although a day late, after she turned 18 on Tuesday.

"That's all I wanted," she said.

North Schuylkill also dedicated the win to assistant coach Jack Dalton, who developed blood clots and went to Lehigh Valley Hospital on Sunday. The Spartans gathered around in a huddle after the game and called Dalton on a cell phone.

"We had a lot of reasons to win," Lapotsky said. "We just played with a lot of heart today."

With no time to celebrate, and the district title game against the Cardinals today, the Spartans went back to school Wednesday evening and worked on hitting in their batting cages.

"We saw (Pine Grove's Ethel Santai), they saw me. It is all going to come down to hitting," Lapotsky said.

WILLIAMSPORT - What a gamble. What a payoff. What a finish.

Southern Columbia, trailing Muncy 2-1 Wednesday at Elm Park in Williamsport, a field the Tigers have never had much luck at, made sure its season didn't end in the same place it had so many times before with a 3-2 win that vaulted the Tigers into the District 4 Class A championship game and an automatic berth in the state playoffs for the first time in the program's history.

"That was something," Southern Columbia head coach Al Cihocki said.

"We got it done and we'll play for the district title. We've never played for a district title because we've always lost this game here," Cihocki said about the team's arch-nemesis - the semifinals. "At least we're getting a shot at it."

The Tigers will play Northeast Bradford, a 6-1 winner over Wyalusing, today at Elm Park at noon. The time was moved up because Northeast Bradford has its graduation commencement scheduled for this evening.

With one out, Southern's Mallory Tomaschik, limping slightly as she ran because of a turned ankle in the top of the seventh on a play that gave Muncy the lead, hit a triple over the head of the Indians' leftfielder.

Kayla Lavella, who had safely reached base twice, flied out to Muncy's shortstop for the second out.

Taylor Hoffman then drew a walk and made it to second on a single by Erin Troup, who was also celebrating her birthday, that scored Tomaschik to tie the game.

Taylor Hoffman was then pulled for pinch runner Nicole Hoffman, who was given the sign to steal on the first pitch to Mary McGinley. As Hoffman slid, the throw from Muncy's catcher got away from the third baseman and the ball skittered away, allowing Hoffman to score the winning run.

"They had it in the bag, but Mal popped that one and Troup came through," Cihocki said. "That was one great ballgame and the kids played tough.

"I figured maybe they'd throw it the heck away, so let her go and they did (throw it away). We were gambling."

Tomaschik also pitched a gem of a game. The junior, who guided the Tigers to 18 wins in the regular season, allowed just three hits and struck out 11 Indians' batters.

The post-game celebration wasn't an instant cure for her ankle, but Tomaschik was too happy to let it bother her. She also had a tremendous amount of confidence in her teammates because they'd beaten Muncy, a fellow Heartland Conference Division III team, four straight times.

"We were all really excited," Tomaschik said. "We just made the state playoffs and no Southern team has ever done that. We knew we had a pretty good chance because we've seen them so many times the past two years."

Muncy got on the scoreboard first when Crystal Good tripled to center and then scored on a passed ball in the fourth inning.

Southern tied it in the bottom of the fifth when Lavella reached on a single and scored when Taylor Hoffman hit a towering shot that would have easily cleared a normal softball fence but was held to a triple inside Elm Park's 320-foot fence.

Game Summary

MUNCY (AB-R-H-BI) - Ja. Jones 2-0-0-0, Good 3-1-1-0, Cole 3-0-0-0, Dauberman 3-0-0-0, Lamoreaux 3-0-0-0, Kaustenbauter 3-0-0-0, Jo. Jones 2-1-1-0, Ebner 3-0-1-1, Ruby 3-0-0-0. Totals 25-2-3-1.

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA (AB-R-H-BI) - Blass 4-0-1-0, Tomaschik 3-1-1-0, Lavella 4-1-1-0, T. Hoffman 3-0-1-0, N. Hoffman 0-1-0-0, Troup 4-0-1-1, McGinley 3-0-2-0, Lupold 3-0-0-0, Yoder 3-0-1-0, Reigle 3-0-1-0, Chaundy 0-0-0-0. Totals 30-3-9-1.

Muncy 000 100 1 - 2 3 2

Southern 000 010 2 - 3 9 1

Extra-base hits: 2B - Ebner, McGinley. 3B - Good, Tomaschik, T. Hoffman.

IP H R ER BB K

Muncy

Kaustenbauter 6.2 9 3 2 2 10

Southern

Tomaschik 7 3 2 2 2 11

Kulpmont Football/Baseball Association

Meetings, first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Registration for Cougars football and cheerleading will be held Wednesday, June 13 and Monday, June 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kulpmont borough hall. Registraion fees apply and first time players and cheerleaders must bring a copy of birth certificate. For more information, call 205-4226.

Coal Runnings

Running club, meets at 5:30 p.m. each Monday at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium parking lot. Open to runners of all ages. More on Facebook at coalrunnings.

Red Tornado Touchdown Club

Mandatory meeting for all parents of the varsity, junior varsity and freshman football players, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 5 in the high school LGL. Fundraisers for the upcoming 2012 football season will be handed out at this time.

Hunter Safety Education

At Zerbe Rod & Gun Club, June 2 and 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Shamokin AYSO

Registration for Fall 2012-Spring 2013, Fridays, June 8 and 15, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day, at the Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St., Shamokin. Register by June 15, fee is $32. Regular registration after June 15 is $40. Uniform fee is $25. For information, visit www.shamokinayso.org or call Cathy at 573-4345.

Lourdes Regional Basketball Camp

Will be held June 11 to 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The camp is open to boys and girls entering second through ninth grades. The cost of the camp is $75 by June 2. The camp does have a limit. Applications can be picked up at Lourdes athletic office or by calling Pete Long at 644-5218.

4th Annual Mighty Masser 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, June 2, at Kemp Memorial Stadium, Coal Township, to benefit The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Race begins at 9:30. Entry fee is $20. Early registration fee is $15. Race T-shirt to the first 100 registered participants. Deadline for early registration is May 11. Prizes to the first place overall male and female finishers. Awards to the top three finishers in each of eight male and female age groups. Register online at www.raceforum.com/mightymasser or www.Active.com. Refreshments following race. For questions or more information, call Joe Alexander at 570-644-1499.

Mount Carmel Jets

Registration for the AMFL, Sundays, June 3 and 24, 6 p.m. each day, at the old Mount Carmel Area gym, Fourth and Vine streets. For boys ages 6-15 for the 2012 school year. Registration fee is $40. All players must provide a copy of their birth certificate and insurance information.

Mount Carmel 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, June 9 with registration at 8 a.m. and race beginning at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Third and Oak streets in Mount Carmel. The event is sponsored by Union National Bank in cooperation with the Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee. There will be seven separate categories for both males and females. Registration cost is $15 for runners and walkers who want a t-shirt, and $5 for walkers who do not want a t-shirt.

Shamokin Area Football Reserved Seats

Cost for five home games is $27.50. Senior citizen discount for five home games is $10. Those interested should call 648-5731, ext. 3533.

S-CT Little League All-Star Tryouts

Any player residing in the Shamokin or Mount Carmel school districts and has met the Little League regular season participation requirements is eligible to tryout for the league's all-star teams. Tryouts for the 11-12 year old team will occur Friday, June 15 at 5 p.m. at the Faust Field and Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 9-10 year old team will occur Monday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 10-11 year old team will occur Tuesday, June 19 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Any postponement due to rain will push back the entire schedule one day. Players should wear their regular season uniform and bring three proofs of residence and original birth certificate. For more information, contact Dr. Miller at 644-5050.

Little Shamokin Indians

Registration for football and cheerleading, Sunday, June 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at O'Briens Pizza for kids ages six through sixth grade. Fee is $30 for a single player or $50 for a family and a birth certificate is required. The organization will also be ordering new helmets and cheerleaders will be getting new warm-up gear for the upcoming season. Players and cheerleaders should attend the registration for sizing. The organization is also looking for someone to be the head of the concession stand. Anyone interested should attend the meeting at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Wes Tillett at 898-6378 or Nicole Bozza at 847-0371.

Romanoski Sports Hall of Fame

Meeting, Monday, June 4, 6 p.m. at Brewser's Sports Grille. The public is welcome.

SCA basketball camp

Southern Columbia boys and girls basketball camp will be held July 9-12 from 8 a.m.-12 noon each day. Camp is for students entering second through ninth grades. Cost is $85. For more information contact Dave Yost (854-2908) or Kevin Collins (933-0305).

Linksters

At Blue Mountain

1. (291) Tim Salem 83-(-14)-69, Stiney Kruel 84-(-15)-69, Duke Pototsky 106-(-30)-76, Don Adams 96-(-19)-77.

2. (292) Frank Bartosic 84-(-13)-71, George Brommer 87-(-14)-63, Henry Whetstone 89-(-16)-73, Tom Umbenhauer 89-(-14)-75.

3. (300) Bill Butkey 85-(-12)-73, Frank Hlavaty 98-(-14)-84, Chick Schaeffer 90-(-19)-71, Ron Schneck 90-(-18)-72.

4. (307) Matt Ebling 84-(-13)-71, Pete Lengle 105-(-18)-87, Ray Bartosic 97-(-17)-80, Bill Griffin 92-(-23)-69.

Closest to pin: No. 2, George Brommer; No. 5, Bill Griffin; No. 10, George Brommer; No. 12, Stiney Kruel; No. 16, Duke Pototsky.

Blind holes: Stiney Kruel 24.

Birdies: Bill Butkey, Tom Umbenhauer, Matt Ebling 2, Stiney Kruel, Don Adams.

WILLIAMSPORT - Southern Columbia did everything right Thursday in its District 4 Class A final with Northeast Bradford.

The Tigers used a big hit to score first. The defense didn't commit a single error, and pitcher Mallory Tomaschik didn't walk a batter.

Everything was lined up for Southern Columbia to win its first-ever district title.

And then with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Panthers took it all away with an inside-the-park home run with one on to win the title 2-1 at Williamsport's Elm Park.

It's only the Tigers' third loss of the season, and while they were hoping for more than a runner-up finish, they'll move on to the state playoffs to play District 11 champion and defending state champ Minersville Monday at 2 p.m. at Blue Mountain.

"This is the furthest we've ever been," Southern Columbia head coach Al Cihocki said. "It's been a good year. They've hit the ball well all year, and the three games we've lost were by one run."

Southern Columbia led off the game by loading the bases. Kirstin Blass reached on an error and Mallory Tomaschik grounded into a fielder's choice where both runners were safe after a high throw by the Panthers' shortstop. Kayla Lavella then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up and Taylor Hoffman reached base after a fielder's choice that saw no throw because of the runner at third.

All three runners however remained on base after Northeast Bradford's Chelsie Souto struck out the next two batters. The Panthers' hurler finished with 14 strikeouts, and lived on teasing Southern's hitters with a high fastball that must have looked like a beach ball until it was too late.

"We had the opportunity in the first inning with the bases loaded," Cihocki said. "If we get a hit there, it's two runs and we're winning the ballgame.

"We told the kids to get up there and swing the bat."

Meanwhile, Southern's defense was able to handle its opportunities cleanly and the offense cashed in on its next chance.

Blass led off the third inning by reaching on an infield single, but when Tomaschik again grounded to the shortstop, Blass was forced out at second.

Then with two outs and the count at 2-2, Taylor Hoffman again unloaded a hit into the gap in right field that scored Tomaschik.

The lead held until Northeast Bradford's Maddy Johnson reached on an infield single and Calla Martin, who already had two singles in her hitting line, laced a Tomaschik pitch over the outfielder's head and raced around for a two-run inside-the-park home run.

It was more than enough support for Souto, who allowed just one more Southern hitter to reach base and the Panthers had their second district title in five years.

"Mal pitched one heck of a ballgame and we made one mistake and the kid tattooed it with one person on," Cihocki said. "We get that out and we win. It's one of those things."

Game Summary

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA (AB-R-H-BI) - Blass 3-0-1-0, Tomaschik 3-1-0-0, Lavella 2-0-0-0, T. Hoffman 2-0-1-1, N. Hoffman 0-0-0-0, Troup 3-0-0-0, McGinley 3-0-0-0, Lupold 3-0-0-0, Yoder 3-0-0-0, Reigle 2-0-0-0, Vought 1-0-0-0, Chaundy 0-0-0-0. Totals 25-1-2-1.

NORTHEAST BRADFORD (AB-R-H-BI) - Martin 3-1-3-2, Holbert 3-0-0-0, Phillips 3-0-2-0, Carlsen 3-0-0-0, Emick 3-0-0-0, Brown 3-0-0-0, Souto 2-0-0-0, Goodwin 2-0-0-0, Johnson 2-1-1-0, Coleman 0-0-0-0. Totals 24-2-6-2.

Southern 001 000 0 - 1 2 0

NEB 000 020 x - 2 6 2

Extra-base hits: 2B - T. Hoffman. HR - Martin.

IP H R ER BB K

Southern Columbia

Tomaschik 6 6 2 2 0 5

Northeast Bradford

Souto 7 2 1 1 1 14

ELYSBURG - The Northumberland County Recreation Commission's 15th annual golf tournament, a four-player scramble, will be held Friday, June 15, at Knoebel's Three Ponds Golf Club.

Tee time is 1 p.m.

Entry fee is $50 per golfer for Three Ponds members, $60 for non-members. Fee includes lunch, green and cart fees and dinner. Sponsors are also needed for the tournament at various levels.

Funds from the tournament go to the recreation commission, which promotes and enhances recreational activities in the county and surrounding areas. The commission each year presents a scholar athlete award to a female and male student from each school within the county.

For registration information, contact Northumberland County Recreation Commission, c/o Pat Mack, 57 Mountain Road, Shamokin, 17872, or call Mack at 570-274-6490 or Ed Hovenstine at 570-850-9219.

Kulpmont Football/Baseball Association

Meetings, first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Registration for Cougars football and cheerleading will be held Wednesday, June 13 and Monday, June 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kulpmont borough hall. Registraion fees apply and first time players and cheerleaders must bring a copy of birth certificate. For more information, call 205-4226.

Coal Runnings

Running club, meets at 5:30 p.m. each Monday at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium parking lot. Open to runners of all ages. More on Facebook at coalrunnings.

Red Tornado Touchdown Club

Mandatory meeting for all parents of the varsity, junior varsity and freshman football players, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 5 in the high school LGL. Fundraisers for the upcoming 2012 football season will be handed out at this time.

Hunter Safety Education

At Zerbe Rod & Gun Club, June 2 and 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Shamokin AYSO

Registration for Fall 2012-Spring 2013, Fridays, June 8 and 15, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day, at the Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St., Shamokin. Register by June 15, fee is $32. Regular registration after June 15 is $40. Uniform fee is $25. For information, visit www.shamokinayso.org or call Cathy at 573-4345.

Lourdes Regional Basketball Camp

Will be held June 11 to 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The camp is open to boys and girls entering second through ninth grades. The cost of the camp is $75 by June 2. The camp does have a limit. Applications can be picked up at Lourdes athletic office or by calling Pete Long at 644-5218.

4th Annual Mighty Masser 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, June 2, at Kemp Memorial Stadium, Coal Township, to benefit The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Race begins at 9:30. Entry fee is $20. Early registration fee is $15. Race T-shirt to the first 100 registered participants. Deadline for early registration is May 11. Prizes to the first place overall male and female finishers. Awards to the top three finishers in each of eight male and female age groups. Register online at www.raceforum.com/mightymasser or www.Active.com. Refreshments following race. For questions or more information, call Joe Alexander at 570-644-1499.

Mount Carmel Jets

Registration for the AMFL, Sundays, June 3 and 24, 6 p.m. each day, at the old Mount Carmel Area gym, Fourth and Vine streets. For boys ages 6-15 for the 2012 school year. Registration fee is $40. All players must provide a copy of their birth certificate and insurance information.

Mount Carmel 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, June 9 with registration at 8 a.m. and race beginning at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Third and Oak streets in Mount Carmel. The event is sponsored by Union National Bank in cooperation with the Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee. There will be seven separate categories for both males and females. Registration cost is $15 for runners and walkers who want a t-shirt, and $5 for walkers who do not want a t-shirt.

Shamokin Area Football Reserved Seats

Cost for five home games is $27.50. Senior citizen discount for five home games is $10. Those interested should call 648-5731, ext. 3533.

S-CT Little League All-Star Tryouts

Any player residing in the Shamokin or Mount Carmel school districts and has met the Little League regular season participation requirements is eligible to tryout for the league's all-star teams. Tryouts for the 11-12 year old team will occur Friday, June 15 at 5 p.m. at the Faust Field and Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 9-10 year old team will occur Monday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 10-11 year old team will occur Tuesday, June 19 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Any postponement due to rain will push back the entire schedule one day. Players should wear their regular season uniform and bring three proofs of residence and original birth certificate. For more information, contact Dr. Miller at 644-5050.

Little Shamokin Indians

Registration for football and cheerleading, Sunday, June 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at O'Briens Pizza for kids ages six through sixth grade. Fee is $30 for a single player or $50 for a family and a birth certificate is required. The organization will also be ordering new helmets and cheerleaders will be getting new warm-up gear for the upcoming season. Players and cheerleaders should attend the registration for sizing. The organization is also looking for someone to be the head of the concession stand. Anyone interested should attend the meeting at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Wes Tillett at 898-6378 or Nicole Bozza at 847-0371.

Romanoski Sports Hall of Fame

Meeting, Monday, June 4, 6 p.m. at Brewser's Sports Grille. The public is welcome.

SCA basketball camp

Southern Columbia boys and girls basketball camp will be held July 9-12 from 8 a.m.-12 noon each day. Camp is for students entering second through ninth grades. Cost is $85. For more information contact Dave Yost (854-2908) or Kevin Collins (933-0305).

ASA Class B tournament

The Susquehanna Fast Pitch Umpires Association will host an ASA Class B tournament for U12, U14, U16 and U18 age groups in the Milton area July 14-15. Please call Bill Ditchey at 570-847-8863 or e-mail to svumpires@gmail.com for more information.

In a rare appearance, the super late models will be throwing rooster tales at Schuylkill County's Big Diamond Speedway tonight as the kickoff event of the Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speedweeks 2012 series.

Consecutive race nights finds the Series heading to Hagerstown, Winchester, Va., Roaring Knob, Dog Hollow and Lincoln Speedways. Each feature winner will collect $5,000 per event.

Many of the area's top stars including Jeff Rine, Scott and Andy Haus, Jim and Dylan Yoder, Steve Campbell and others will compete against touring pros such as Josh Richards, Rick Eckert, Jimmy Mars and Vic Coffey. More than 40 drivers are expected to compete for qualifying spots for the 40-lap main event.

The weekly 358 modifieds and roadrunners will share the card will the full bodied stockers. Gates open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 8:15.

Mention the word "storm" to a race fan and he quickly shakes from the thoughts of a rainout, but this coming week the "Eastern Storm" is a welcome addition to the race calendar, as the stars of the USAC AmsOil Sprint Car National Championship Series will be making their annual trek through the east coast.

Series' points leader Jon Stanbrough heads a talented group to the east, as Levi Jones, Robert Ballou, Jerry Coons Jr., Casey Shuman, Bobby East and last week's Indy 500 rookie Bryan Clauson and many more will thrill fans with their wild, non-stop action.

The tour kicks off Tuesday at Grandview Speedway with the Jesse Hockett Classic 40 along with the ARDC midgets, with a rain date of Wednesday. New Egypt (N.J.0 Speedway hosts the wingless sprinters and big block modifieds on Thursday. The Storm hits Big Diamond on Friday night, June 8 along with the modifieds and roadrunners; with the finale being the next night at Port Royal Speedway.

Williams Grove hosts a two-day weekend. The United Racing Company (URC) sprint cars visit the Mechanicsburg oval tonight, joining the 410 sprint cars on the racing card. Tomorrow's Saturday Night Series will be the Bill Heckert Memorial for the Super Sportsman class along with the limited late models and street stocks.

In other area action this weekend, Selinsgrove Speedway will present a show of 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners; Port Royal will host the 410 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and Enduro dash cars; Grandview swings back into action following last week's rainout with a how of 358 modifieds, limited late models and sportsman class; and the Lincoln Speedway slate includes the 410 sprint cars, 358 sprinters and thundercars.

The 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series will visit the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., for the ninth of 23 events on the season schedule this weekend.

The 43rd Annual Toyota Supernationals will begin qualifying action today with professional sessions at 3:45 and 6:15, and continue through tomorrow (noon and 2:30), setting the fields for Sunday's eliminations, which begin at 11 a.m.

Defending event winners are Spencer Massey (Top Fuel), Mike Neff (Funny Car), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Bike).

Massey is the current T/F points leader in the Full Throttle World Championship points chase. Robert Hight leads the F/C battle, Greg Anderson tops the P/S cars and New Jersey native Eddie Krawiec leads the P/S Bike contingent.

ESPN2 will provide qualifying coverage at 4:30 Saturday and two-and-a-half hours of elimination action on Sunday afternoon at 4:30.

Softball

Class A

Quarterfinals, May 24

Wyalusing 5, Montgomery 0

Muncy 3, St. John Neumann 1

Southern Columbia 8, Cowanesque Valley 1

Semifinals, May 29

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Northeast Bradford 6, Wyalusing 1

Southern Columbia 3, Muncy 2

Championship, May 31

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Northeast Bradford 2, Southern Columbia 1

Class AA

Opening Round, May 22

Loyalsock 11, Lourdes 0

Central Columbia 10, Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech 0

Wellsboro 6, South Williamsport 5

Quarterfinals, May 24

Warrior Run 5, Central 1

Bloomsburg 4, Towanda 0

Troy 5, Wellsboro 1

Mifflinburg 2, Loyalsock 1

Semifinals, May 29

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Mifflinburg 6, Troy 0

Warrior Run 4, Bloomsburg 3

Championship, May 31

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Warrior Run 2, Mifflinburg 0

Class AAA

Quarterfinals, May 24

Athens 2, Selinsgrove 1

Semifinals, May 29

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Athens 2, Jersey Shore 0

Milton 4, Danville 0

Championship, May 31

at Elm Park, Williamsport

Milton 6, Athens 3

Baseball

Class A

Quarterfinals, May 22

Sullivan 4, Muncy 2

Sayre 6, St. John Neumann 5

Semifinals, May 26

at Bowman Field, Williamsport

Montgomery 5, Sullivan County 4 in 8 innings

Canton 5, Sayre 1

Championship, June 1

at Bowman Field, Williamsport

Montgomery vs. Canton, postponed to today

Class AA

Opening Round, May 22

Hughesville 8, Troy 4

Danville 7, Towanda 2

Montoursville 5, Wellsboro 1

Quarterfinals, May 25

Loyalsock 6, Hughesville 1

Central Columbia 4, Bloomsburg 3

Danville 5, Wyalusing 0

South Williamsport 4, Montoursville 1

Semifinals, May 31

at Bowman Field, Williamsport

Loyalsock 5, Central Columbia 3

South Williamsport 3, Danville 2

Championship, June 1

at Bowman Field, Williamsport

Loyalsock vs. South Williamsport, postponed to today

Class AAA

Championship, May 30 at Bowman Field, Williamsport

Jersey Shore 5, Milton 0

Linksters

At Pine Meadows

1. (225) - Joe McGovern 89-(-19)-70, Don Adams 96-(-19)-77, Matt Ebling 91-(-13)-78.

2. (230) - Todd Dreher 87-(-12)-75, Chick Schaeffer 88-(-18)-70, Pete Lengle 104-(-19)-85.

3. (232) - Tom Umbenhauer 87-(-13)-74, George Brommer 95-(-15)-80, Bill Griffin 100-(-22)-78.

4. (236) - Tom Takach 84-(-10)-74, Stiney Kruel 96-(-15)-81, George Blum 102-(-21)-81.; (236) - Bill Butkey 90-(-13)-77, Ray Bartosic 100-(-17)-83, Gary Leibensperger 99-(-23)-76.

6. (238) - Ed Novack 90-(-12)-78, Henry Whetstone 93-(-16)-77, Rich Rohrer 105-(-22)-83.

7. (239) - Tim Salem 90-(-14)-76, Paul Becker 89-(-14)-75, Ron Schneck 106-(-18)-78.

Par 3s: Tom Umbenhauer, No. 7; Ed Novack, No. 9; Frank Bartosic, No. 13; George Blum, No. 17.

Blind holes: Tom Takach 26.

Birdies: Paul Becker, Chick Schaeffer, Bill Butkey, Frank Bartosic, Joe McGovern, Ed Novack, Todd Dreher, Tom Umbenhauer 2.

Saturday, June 2

S-CT Little League

Majors

Union National Bank vs. S & K at Ferndale, 10 a.m.

5Cs vs. Assist Home Care at Ferndale, noon

5Cs vs. Union National Bank at Ferndale, 2 p.m.

Spangenberg's vs. Cabrini Powerking at Anthracite, 10 a.m.

Rob's Roofing vs. Black Diamond Electric at Anthracite, noon

Cabrini Powerking vs. Black Diamond Electric at Anthracite, 2 p.m.

Angie's Haircuts vs. K of C at Faust, 10 a.m.

Monday, June 4

S-CT Little League

Rookie

Steinharts vs. Jack Williams at Jasmine Stoud Field, 5:30 p.m.

Kelley's vs. Lichty's Treats at Jasmine Stoud Field, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 5

S-CT Little League

Minors

Olcese vs. Brady Fire Co. at Ferndale, 6 p.m.

Blue Ridge vs. Olvany's at Faust, 6 p.m.

T-Ball

Phoenix Rehab vs. Kiwanis, 5:30 p.m.

Two Guys vs. Medicine Shoppe, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 6

S-CT Little League

Rookie

Lichty's Treats vs. Steinharts at Jasmine Stoud Field, 5:30 p.m.

Kelly's vs. Jack Williams at Jasmine Stoud Field, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 7

S-CT Little League

Minors

Brady Fire Co. vs. Grace Lutheran at Faust, 6 p.m.

Olvany's vs. Olcese at Ferndale, 6 p.m.

T-Ball

Kiwanis vs. Medicine Shoppe, 5:30 p.m.

Two Guys vs. Phoenix Rehab, 6:30 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin-Mount Carmel's entry in the Susquehanna Valley American Legion League is scheduled to start play on Monday with a home game at Bunker Hill against Catawissa.

Last year's team, after going just 3-13 in the regular season, went 2-2 in the postseason playoffs, raising expectations for this season.

Joe Varano, former head coach at Mount Carmel, is back for his 11th season as head coach, with Dave Langton, Jimmy Lesko and Charles "Chip" Klingerman assistant coaches.

Team members include Danny Lesko, catcher; Corey Langton, outfielder-pitcher; Zach Tocyloski, pitcher-infielder; Jacob Jones, first base-pitcher; Michael Pupo, third base-pitcher; Jon Miller, pitcher-outfielder; Troy Grinaway, infielder-pitcher; Ryan Burns, pitcher-outfielder-first base; Austin Fry, shortstop-pitcher; Paul Gurba, outfielder-pitcher-infielder; Nate Malett, infielder; Theo Deptula, outfielder; Brody Young, first base; Mike Rodarmel, outfielder; Julian Dietrick, outfielder; Levi Craft, pitcher.

The schedule:

All games at 5:45 p.m. unless noted

June 4 - CATAWISSA

June 6 - at Selinsgrove

June 7 - BLOOMSBURG

June 9 - Kip Snyder Tournament at Line Mountain

June 11 - at Danville

June 13 - at Sunbury-Norry (doubleheader)

June 16 - at Berwick, 5 p.m.

June 22 - at Catawissa

June 23 - SELINSGROVE, 11 a.m.

June 25 - at Berwick

June 27 - DANVILLE

July 2 - BERWICK

July 6 - at Line Mountain

July 7 - at West Snyder

Another suspension for a major WWE star, fallout from the first of summer's live Impacts over at TNA and a significant departure from the company of an unsung employee are three key stories this week.

When Chris Jericho was suspended last week for his unscripted heel antics with the Brazilian flag, the question became who would replace him as an opponent for Randy Orton at the next WWE pay-per-view. Speculation was that Dolph Ziggler might be getting the high-profile opportunity.

This week, Randy Orton was suspended for 60 days for a second violation of the company's Wellness Policy. Now, both original opponents are gone from the scene and if Ziggler were to be inserted into the match, he would be the one without an opponent. That would be a shame for him as he is really an underrated talent who only needs the opportunity to show just how ready he is for the big stage.

With the Smackdown roster losing Orton for a couple of months, John Cena has been shifted over to work Smackdown shows. With Cena absent from Raw last Monday, the Memorial Day edition was the lowest rated show in quite some time and had to have the company looking for something or someone to use going forward that could change things for the better.

Don't expect any big name from TNA to show up suddenly on Raw. There is a lawsuit being filed by TNA alleging WWE has been tampering with contracted wrestlers (specifically Ric Flair) and a judge has issued a temporary injunction until the case will be heard in Knoxville June 11, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The first live Impact of the summer this past Thursday night saw Sting defeat champ Bobby Roode in a non-title bout to set up their championship match at next Sunday's Slammiversary ppv. Dixie Carter introduced Brooke Hogan as the new head of the Knockout Division and talked as if this was going to revolutionize women's wrestling. The bigger announcement made by the owner was that TNA will be getting into the Hall of Fame business and inducting the first member at Slammiversary.

TNA personality Don West, who served as an announcer until Taz took his spot, but was an incredible seller of TNA merchandise throughout recent years, has reportedly left TNA to take a job marketing the Wenatchee Wild hockey team in the northwest. West once worked for the Home Shopping Network and knows how to sell, sell, sell. It would appear to be a major loss for TNA.

Sin Cara returned from injury to work a WWE tour of Mexico and will be on Smackdown. It looks as if Lord Tensai is going to be re-packaged as he did not get over in the least in his recent role. Dr. Tom Pritchard has been let go from WWE developmental down in Florida. Looks like Bill DeMott will be taking his place as a head trainer at the FCW facility, which is undergoing numerous changes as Triple H looks to put his personal touch on things in the crucial process of creating the company's future stars.

When told that Minersville's softball team, with eight state titles, was to the spring what Southern Columbia's football team, six PIAA titles, was to the fall, Tigers' head softball coach Al Cihocki said, "I guess we'll have to be more like us then."

Cihocki is also an assistant coach on the football team, and while he's been on the sideline for plenty of playoff victories, today is the first time his softball team will play in the state tournament. In fact, it's the first time any Southern softball team has made it this far.

Fitting that it happens to be against a powerhouse program like Minersville.

The Tigers, who lost to Northeast Bradford 2-1 in the District 4 finals, and District 11 champion Miners kick off a doubleheader at 2 p.m. at Blue Mountain's Patton Field. The second game features Pine Grove and Nanticoke in AA action.

The Miners' defense of its eighth state title, won last year by beating Clarion 6-1, got off to a rocky start this year.

Minersville posted just a 3-4 record to begin 2012 and had trouble finding a replacement for pitcher Laykin Hughes.

True to their name, the Miners battled back and did their damage in the District 11 playoffs, thumping Marian Catholic 13-4, beating Tri-Valley, who had beaten Minersville twice during the regular season, 6-4, and then exacted revenge against Williams Valley, 7-5.

The Miners have 31 hits in those three postseason wins and are led offensively by junior Sarah Walasavage, who has a .526 batting average and 18 runs scored from her leadoff spot.

The Tigers may be new to the state playoffs, but showed no fear when faced with the prospect of extra innings against defending District 4 champ Muncy in the semifinals, and gave a Northeast Bradford team, which had been to the district finals for five straight years, all the Panthers could handle.

The key for Southern Columbia is to get runners on base for Mallory Tomaschik and Taylor Hoffman.

The pair have 11 home runs and 53 RBIs between them and their offensive production was key in both district games played at the big fields of Elm Park last week.

Now that the fences will be back to regulation depth, expect the Tigers to be back to their offensive ways.

Tomaschik has also showed the ability to limit opposing offenses during this playoff run by giving up just five runs in three games while striking out 29 batters in those 20 innings.

The winner of today's game gets the winner of today's game between District 12 champion GAMP and District 1 champion Bristol in Thursday's quarterfinals at a site and time to be announced.

CLASS A FIRST ROUND

Southern Columbia (20-3) vs. Minersville (16-7)

When: Today, 2 p.m.

Where: Blue Mountain's Patton Field

How they got here: Minersville defeated Williams Valley 7-5 in District 11 championship game. Southern Columbia fell to Northeast Bradford 2-1 in District 4 championship game.

Head coaches: Minersville - Dave Homa. Southern Columbia - Al Cihocki.

Projected lineups: Southern Columbia - SS Kirstin Blass, jr. (.500, 31 R, 15 SB, 4 DB, 3 TR, 13 RBI); P Mallory Tomaschik, jr. (.381, 30 R, 8 DB, 7 HR, 27 RBI; 20-3, 1.33 ERA, 142 IP, 161 K, 38 BB); 3B Kayla Lavella, jr. (.463, 29 R, 7 DB, 3 HR, 27 RBI); DP Taylor Hoffman, fr. (.510, 21 R, 13 DB, 4 HR, 26 RBI); LF Erin Troup, jr. (.191, 14 R, 16 RBI); C Mary McGinley (.266, 12 R, 5 DB, 8 RBI); 2B McKenna Lupold, soph. (.237, 14 R, 4 DB, 11 RBI); CF Erin Yoder, soph. (.189, 23 R, 7 RBI): RF Kim Reigle (.236, 12 R, 1 HR, 10 RBI); 1B Megan Chaundy, jr.

Minersville - LF Sarah Walasavage, jr. (.526, 18 R, 12 SB, 3 HR, 20 RBI); SS Reighly Melochick, soph. (.464, 21 R, 3 HR, 16 RBI); 3B Breanne Bentz, jr. (.355, 22 R, 3 HR, 24 RBI); 2B Lauren Leshko, sr. (.282, 16 R, 4 3B, 13 RBI); 1B Leah Leshko, soph. (.382, 15 R, 1 HR, 22 RBI); DP Jayme Kerrigan, fr. (.460, 12 R, 3 HR, 16 RBI); C Morgen Woodford, soph. (.243, 13 RBI); RF Maria Kostura, jr. (.353, 18 R, 1 HR, 13 RBI); CF Alyse Ryan, soph. (.333, 15 R, 1 HR, 12 RBI); P Riley Gerenda, soph. (14-6, 2.77 ERA, 111.1 IP, 135 K, 62 BB)

Danville's Jeff Rine continues to rewrite the late model record books at Selinsgrove Speedway. His most recent victory came on Saturday night at the Snyder County oval. It marked the 75th victory of his career at Selinsgrove, which leads all drivers in the late model division. It was his third win of the season.

He is a seven-time track champion and has won five straight. He is the point leader and an eighth title this season would tie him with Bobby Croop for most all-time. He passed Croop's all-time win mark of 69 last season.

Rine started 10th in the 25-lap main event on Saturday night and was into the runner-up spot in just five laps. He made the winning move off turn four on lap eight by Kyle Rhoads. Steve Campbell, Jim Yoder, Ken Trevitz and Dylan Yoder rounded out the top five behind Rine.

Carlisle's Jason Shultz won the 358 sprint feature by holding off Pat Cannon. It was his second win of the season. Early race leader Eric Tomecek, Cody Keller and Phil Walter completed the top five.

Rookie driver Hayes Mattern of Beavertown won his second pro stock feature of the season and Ricky Bender of Jolliett won his first roadrunner feature of the season.

Selinsgrove returns to action this Saturday with a 30-lap championship race for the late models paying $2,500 to win and $250 to start. The 358 sprints, pro stocks and roadrunners are also on the schedule. Racing starts at 7.

Fayetteville's Lance Dewease won the sprint car feature at Port Royal Speedway on Saturday night for his second win of the season and 96th of his career there. Cory Haas of York won the sprint car feature at Lincoln Speedway on Saturday night. It was his third win of the season. Andy Haus of Hamburg won the late models.

Steve Fannasy of Dauphin held off Frankie Herr to win the Bill Heckert Memorial for super sportsman at Williams Grove.

All local dirt track racing was rained out on Friday night.

Racing Recap

Hagerstown Speedway

Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speed Week

A-main, 40 laps: 1. Jamie Lathroum. 2. Tim McCreadie. 3. Dan Stone. 4. Rick Eckert. 5. Gregg Satterlee. 6. Roy Deese Jr. 7. Booper Bare. 8. Gary Stuhler. 9. D.J. Myers. 10. Jason Covert.

Heats: Stuhler, McCreadie, Marvin Winters, Jeremy Miller.

B-mains: Darryl Hills, Jerry Bard.

Pure Stocks, 15 laps: 1. Brian Miller. 2. Bruce Leibowitz. 3. Tony Catlett. 4. Charlie Pensinger. 5. Danny Beavers.

Lincoln Speedway

Sprints, 25 laps: 1. Cory Haas. 2. Jim Siegel. 3. Gerard McIntyre Jr. 4. Alan Krimes. 5. Logan Schuchart. 6. Danny Dietrich. 7. Fred Rahmer. 8. Kevin Nouse. 9. Brent Marks. 10. Brian Leppo.

Heats: Leppo, Nouse, Haas.

Consolation: Marks.

358 Sprints, 20 laps: 1. Mike Bittinger. 2. Austin Hogue. 3. Todd Rittenhouse Jr. 4. Matt Findley. 5. Niki Young. 6. Jeff Rohrbaugh. 7. Tim Wagaman. 8. Tyler Ross. 9. Jay Galloway. 10. Dale Hammaker.

Heats: Findley, Hogue, Rohrbaugh.

Consolation: Nick Palmerino.

Thundercars, 20 laps: 1. Brian Walls. 2. Brian Diehl. 3. Danny Beard. 4. Justin Mong. 5. Duane Watson.

Heats: Watson, Mikey Guise, Mike Slaybaugh.

Port Royal Speedway

Sprints, 25 laps: 1. Lance Dewease. 2. Greg Hodnett. 3. Chad Layton. 4. Mike Wagner. 5. Rick Lafferty. 6. Blane Heimbach. 7. Nate Snyder. 8. Daryn Pittman. 9. Curt Stroup. 10. Danny Holtgraver.

Heats: Daryl Stimeling, Curt Stroup, Sheldon Haudenschild.

Consolation: Bob Bennett.

Late Models, 20 laps: 1. Andy Haus. 2. Mike Lupfer. 3. Mitch Hack. 4. Chad Hollenbeck. 5. Scott Haus. 6. Scott Flickinger. 7. Terry Naugle. 8. Tim Wilson. 9. Brett Schadel. 10. Todd Snook.

Heats: Lupfer, Hollenbeck, Naugle.

Consolation: Lincoln Ritchey.

Pro Stocks, 15 laps: 1. Harold Ranck. 2. Shaun Miller. 3. John Heane. 4. Jason Schmidt. 5. Scott Landis.

Heats: Ranck, Heane.

Enduro Dash, 15 laps: 1. Jason Zook. 2. Brady Cauffman. 3. Ryan Leister. 4. Adam Yetter. 5. Craig Imes.

Selinsgrove Speedway

358 Sprints, 25 laps: 1. Jason Shultz. 2. Pat Cannon. 3. Eric Tomecek. 4. Cody Keller. 5. Phil Walter. 6. T.J. Stutts. 7. Mark Smith. 8. Derek Locke. 9. Bob Beidleman. 10. Larry Kelleher.

Heats: Cannon, Shultz, Josh Beard.

Late Models, 20 laps: 1. Jeff Rine. 2. Steve Campbell. 3. Jim Yoder. 4. Kenny Trevitz. 5. Dylan Yoder. 6. Donnie Schick. 7. Matt Cochran. 8. Jim Bernheisel. 9. Bryan Bernheisel. 10. Kyle Rhoads.

Heats: Campbell, B. Bernheisel.

Pro Stocks, 15 laps: 1. Hayes Mattern. 2. Jason Smith. 3. Tim Krape. 4. Nathan Long. 5. Frank Reisser.

Heats: Mattern, Krape.

Roadrunners, 12 laps: 1. Ricky Bender. 2. Dustin Snook. 3. Bob Bussey. 4. John Fowler. 5. Matt Lawrence.

Heats: Bruce Wyland Jr., Snook.

Susquehanna Speedway Park

358 Limited Late Models, 25 laps: 1. Justin Ehrhart. 2. J.R. Rodriguez. 3. Carl Billet. 4. Billy Wampler. 5. John Moser Jr. 6. Steve Billet. 7. Dan Zechman. 8. Denny Willey. 9. Matt Murphy. 10. Randy Christine Jr.

Heats: S. Billet, Christine Jr., Ehrhart.

Street Stocks, 20 laps: 1. Doug Bennett. 2. Mike Zeigler Jr. 3. Scott Thunberg. 4. Randy Zechman. 5. Jason Geesaman.

Heats: Zeigler Jr., Bennett.

Xtreme Stocks, 20 laps: 1. Chad Stine. 2. Adam Smith. 3. Pat McClane. 4. Rich Lomman. 5. Cameron Benyou.

Road Warriors, 15 laps: 1. Curt McDade. 2. Daryl Sipe. 3. Adam Peters. 4. Calvin Redding. 5. Thomas Thompson.

Vintage Cars, 12 laps: 1. Aaron Brommer. 2. Pernell Snyder. 3. Fred Krickbaum Jr. 4. Rick Pastor. 5. Larry Felty.

Williams Grove Speedway

Super Sportsman, Bill Heckert Memorial, 20 laps: 1. Steve Fannasy. 2. Frankie Herr. 3. Russ Mitten. 4. Rick Barr. 5. Carmen Perigo Jr. 6. Rich Eichelberger. 7. Scott Dellinger. 8. Gregg Foster. 9. Chris Meleason. 10. Jay Fannasy.

Fast Time: Foster, 19.906.

Heats: Scott Geesey, Doug Dodson, Bobby Hockenberry.

Dash: Herr.

358 Limited Late Models, 20 laps: 1. Gene Knaub. 2. Ralph Morgan Jr. 3. Randy Stoudt. 4. Wes Alleman. 5. Grant Adams. 6. Bobby Beard. 7. Charlie Schaffer. 8. Will Rowe. 9. Sam Gallagher. 10. Bernie Beard.

Heats: Stoudt, Bobby Beard, Bernie Beard.

Consolation: Todd Leonard.

Street Stocks, 15 laps: 1. Chad Smith. 2. John Greider. 3. Greg Diehl. 4. David Walsh. 5. Tim Drawbaugh. 6. Pat McNeal. 7. Doug Hoffman. 8. Brian Hauenstein. 9. Mike Corbin. 10. Kevin Sigler.

Heats: McNeal, David Walsh, Craig Morgan.

Consolation: Sam Rial.

World of Outlaws

I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.

A-main, 30 laps: 1. Craig Dollansky. 2. Chad Kemenah. 3. Jason Sides. 4. Steve Kinser. 5. Cody Darrah. 6. Donny Schatz. 7. Tim Shaffer. 8. Dale Blaney. 9. Kerry Madsen. 10. Kraig Kinser.

Fast Time: Darrah, 12.119.

Heats: S. Kinser, Shane Stewart, Kemenah.

Dash: David Gravel.

B-main: Sammy Swindell.

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., hosted the ninth stop of 23 on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Tour this weekend, and although interrupted by rain during eliminations, the 43rd Annual Toyota Supernationals were completed.

Steve Torrence scored his second Top Fuel crown of the season by defeating Brandon Bernstein in the final round. In Funny Car action, Don Schumacher Racing teammates battled it out. Johnny Gray took home the laurels by defeating Ron Capps, who lost traction in his NAPA Dodge.

Four-time world champion Greg Anderson debuted a brand new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro at Englishtown and padded his points lead by defeating teammate and 2011 world champion Jason Line. In the two-wheel world of P/S Bike, hometown hero and former Englishtown track manager Eddie Krawiec took an emotional win after Hector Arana Sr. red-lighted to give the automatic victory to the defending world champion Krawiec.

Other winners included Beaver Springs resident Franklin DiBartolomeo in super comp; Arnie Martel in comp eliminator; Brian Martel in super stock; Joe Santangelo in stock eliminator; Ray Sawyer in super gas; Peter Biondo in super street and Danny Rowe in pro modified.

The Series is off for a few weeks before returning to action at Bristol (Tennessee) Dragway, June 15-17.

Kulpmont Football/Baseball Association

Meetings, first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Registration for Cougars football and cheerleading will be held Wednesday, June 13 and Monday, June 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kulpmont borough hall. Registration fees apply and first time players and cheerleaders must bring a copy of birth certificate. For more information, call 205-4226.

Coal Runnings

Running club, meets at 5:30 p.m. each Monday at Shamokin Area's Kemp Memorial Stadium parking lot. Open to runners of all ages. More on Facebook at coalrunnings.

Red Tornado Touchdown Club

Mandatory meeting for all parents of the varsity, junior varsity and freshman football players, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 5 in the high school LGL. Fundraisers for the upcoming 2012 football season will be handed out at this time.

Shamokin AYSO

Registration for Fall 2012-Spring 2013, Fridays, June 8 and 15, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each day, at the Knights of Columbus, 400 E. Independence St., Shamokin. Register by June 15, fee is $32. Regular registration after June 15 is $40. Uniform fee is $25. For information, visit www.shamokinayso.org or call Cathy at 573-4345.

Lourdes Regional Basketball Camp

Will be held June 11 to 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The camp is open to boys and girls entering second through ninth grades. The cost of the camp is $75 by June 2. The camp does have a limit. Applications can be picked up at Lourdes athletic office or by calling Pete Long at 644-5218.

Mount Carmel Jets

Registration for the AMFL, Sunday, June 24, 6 p.m. at the old Mount Carmel Area gym, Fourth and Vine streets. For boys ages 6-15 for the 2012 school year. Registration fee is $40. All players must provide a copy of their birth certificate and insurance information.

Mount Carmel 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, June 9 with registration at 8 a.m. and race beginning at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Third and Oak streets in Mount Carmel. The event is sponsored by Union National Bank in cooperation with the Mount Carmel 150th Anniversary Committee. There will be seven separate categories for both males and females. Registration cost is $15 for runners and walkers who want a t-shirt, and $5 for walkers who do not want a t-shirt.

Shamokin Area Football Reserved Seats

Cost for five home games is $27.50. Senior citizen discount for five home games is $10. Those interested should call 648-5731, ext. 3533.

S-CT Little League All-Star Tryouts

Any player residing in the Shamokin or Mount Carmel school districts and has met the Little League regular season participation requirements is eligible to tryout for the league's all-star teams. Tryouts for the 11-12 year old team will occur Friday, June 15 at 5 p.m. at the Faust Field and Saturday, June 16 at 9 a.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 9-10 year old team will occur Monday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Tryouts for the 10-11 year old team will occur Tuesday, June 19 at 5 p.m. at the Ferndale Field. Any postponement due to rain will push back the entire schedule one day. Players should wear their regular season uniform and bring three proofs of residence and original birth certificate. For more information, contact Dr. Miller at 644-5050.

Little Shamokin Indians

Registration for football and cheerleading, Sunday, June 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. at O'Briens Pizza for kids ages six through sixth grade. Fee is $30 for a single player or $50 for a family and a birth certificate is required. The organization will also be ordering new helmets and cheerleaders will be getting new warm-up gear for the upcoming season. Players and cheerleaders should attend the registration for sizing. The organization is also looking for someone to be the head of the concession stand. Anyone interested should attend the meeting at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Wes Tillett at 898-6378 or Nicole Bozza at 847-0371.

SCA basketball camp

Southern Columbia boys and girls basketball camp will be held July 9-12 from 8 a.m.-12 noon each day. Camp is for students entering second through ninth grades. Cost is $85. For more information contact Dave Yost (854-2908) or Kevin Collins (933-0305).

ASA Class B tournament

The Susquehanna Fast Pitch Umpires Association will host an ASA Class B tournament for U12, U14, U16 and U18 age groups in the Milton area July 14-15. Please call Bill Ditchey at 570-847-8863 or e-mail to svumpires@gmail.com for more information.

ORWIGSBURG - Southern Columbia's Mallory Tomaschik ran her cleat over the ground in front of the pitching rubber, picked up the rosin bag, threw it down and then wiped her hand twice on her shorts.

The Tigers' pitcher knew how important the next pitch was and needed the right grip.

With two outs and the tying run on third and after having two pitches fouled off by Minersville's Morgen Woodford, Tomaschik reared back and let it fly. Woodford got the bat on the ball, but hit it in the air to second baseman McKenna Lupold.

The jumping, the cheers and the hugs were immediate. Southern, in its first-ever state playoff game, had defeated defending PIAA Class A champion Minersville 2-1 Monday at Blue Mountain's Patton Field.

"They were the defending champs; big work for us, but we came through and did it," Southern Columbia's Kirstin Blass said.

But the Tigers will have to wait to find out who they play. Monday's game between District 1 champion Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) and District 12 champ Bristol was postponed until today at 2 p.m. Southern's next game will be against the winner of that game Thursday at a site and time to be determined.

Blass got the game started with a single to right field, stole second base and scored on a single to center by Taylor Hoffman.

Blass singled again in the third inning but that was all Minersville pitcher Riley Gerenda gave up until the sixth inning.

Meanwhile, Tomaschik had little trouble with Miners not named Sarah Walasavage.

Tomaschik cruised through the first and second innings, but with two outs in the third Walasavage sent a 1-1 pitch to the wall in center for an inside-the-park home run to tie the game at 1-1.

From there, Tomaschik had little trouble. The only two other runners who reached base, sisters Lauren and Leah Leshko, were both hit by a pitch.

Southern had its chance to make history in the top of the sixth.

Blass led off with a double, her third hit, then Gerenda walked Kayla Lavella and wanted no part of Hoffman, who walked also to load the bases.

That brought Erin Troup to the plate.

Troup worked into a full count, fouled off two pitches and then with the infield in, blooped a hit to shallow center to score Blass.

"We played (Gerenda) in the summer twice when they were called the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, so we've seen her before," Blass said. "I was just going out and having fun because when I get nervous I don't really do good. I was trying to let it go, and the pressure was on them."

Tomaschik then set the top of the Miners' order down in order in the sixth and started the seventh inning by striking out Lauren Leshko, the Miners' cleanup hitter, for her ninth strikeout.

The junior hurler then hit Leah Leshko, who got into scoring position after a passed ball, and advanced to third on a groundout by Jayme Kerrigan.

Southern needed one out. Tomaschik could feel the pressure. Then Southern head coach Al Cihocki reminded her that she needed to cover home on a passed ball.

"I was really nervous," Tomaschik admitted. "Mary (McGinley) and I were talking and Ciho told us, 'no passed balls,' so that made it 10 times worse, but I just stayed confident and I knew we could do it."

Tomaschik stuck to her routine, pushed the dirt back in front of the pitching rubber, picked up the rosin bag and wiped her hand, twice, before each of her five pitches to Woodford.

"Every single pitch I put the dirt back," Tomaschik said. "I'm really superstitious about everything. I'm methodical and it has to be the same thing every time."

Cihocki, who was happy to finally win a one-run game this season against good competition, had nothing but praise for his players.

"I'm proud of the kids," he said. "We knew it was in the bag when it came down to Mal. She's done a good job and it seems like she's peaking at the right time. She got the job done and we got the runs we needed.

"She's throwing very well. Her speed is up and she's placing the ball better. She's not walking people. Her, Blass and that crew don't like losing." Cihocki thought a second and added, "I don't like losing either."

Game Summary

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA (AB-R-H-BI) - Blass 4-2-3-0, Tomaschik 3-0-0-0, Lavella 2-0-0-0, T. Hoffman 2-0-1-1, N. Hoffman 0-0-0-0, Troup 3-0-1-1, McGinley 3-0-0-0, Lupold 3-0-0-0, Yoder 3-0-0-0, Reigle 2-0-0-0, Vought 1-0-0-0, Chaundy 0-0-0-0. Totals 26-2-5-2.

MINERSVILLE (AB-R-H-BI) - Walasavage 3-1-1-1, Melochick 2-0-0-0, Bentz 3-0-0-0, La. Leshko 2-0-0-0, Le. Leshko 2-0-0-0, Kerrigan 3-0-0-0, Woodford 3-0-0-0, Kostura 2-0-0-0, Ryan 2-0-0-0, Gerenda 0-0-0-0. Totals 22-1-1-1.

Southern 100 001 0 - 2 5 0

Minersville 001 000 0 - 1 1 1

Extra-base hits: 2B - Blass. HR - Walasavage.

IP H R ER BB K

Southern Columbia

Tomaschik 7 1 1 1 0 9

Minersville

Gerenda 7 5 2 2 2 16

LONG POND - Dale Earnhardt Jr. is looking forward to checking out the repaved surface at Pocono Raceway.

What he is not excited about, however, is spending two extra days here.

"I don't think anybody is to be honest with you," Earnhardt Jr. said.

"(But) that's the schedule and we'll go up there and just run around in circles. We've got two race cars in the trailer, and we'll try to not tear either one of them up before the race starts."

In order to give the teams time to figure out the new surface, NASCAR scheduled two days of testing at Pocono. Rather than have the teams come in last month, it attached the test sessions to the Pocono 400 Presented by #NASCAR weekend.

Testing is scheduled today from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The grandstands will be closed both days. However, the infield will be open Thursday for campers who bought Fenceline RV, Reserved Infield RV or Early Bird RV tickets.

While some drivers aren't thrilled with having to spend two extra days at Pocono, Jeff Burton said it makes perfect sense.

"I'm a fan of that. I think that's the right way to do it," Burton said. "Everything you can learn (during the test), you can apply right now (on race weekend). And, no matter when the test is, it is the same for everybody. So why not do it around the event so we can spend less money in travel? There are some real benefits doing it the week of the race."

Earnhardt Jr. believes the real reason for NASCAR holding two days of testing is to make sure the cars put enough rubber down on the track. That makes the new surface less slippery and provides more grip. It also widens the racing groove, which makes for better racing.

"There's really no other excuse for being there the entire week," Earnhardt Jr. said. "We'll just go out there and try to learn what we can and use it as an opportunity to try some things we haven't been able to work into practice sessions this year."

If Mark Martin had his way, no race track would undergo a repaving project. He said new pavement doesn't always make for great racing the way older pavement does.

"It's incredibly fast. It's faster than we need to go in these cars," said Martin, who has six runnerup finishes in 50 career starts at Pocono. "It makes it hard to pass. It typically lends itself to one-lane racing worse than an old wore-out race track where you search around on a race track. If we can get away with not paving these places, the racing is typically better."

Greg Biffle said if he made a repave list, Pocono would have been at the top of it. The last time Pocono was repaved was 1995.

Most of the reviews from those drivers who participated in the Goodyear tire test at Pocono in April were favorable. So for the most part, everyone is heading to Pocono this week with an open mind.

"We have a day and a half of practice, which is good, but I have no idea how fast it will be or how different it will drive through the corners," Biffle said. "I am pretty anxious to get there and get on the track."

Denny Hamlin has been a driver who has dominated recently at Pocono.

In 12 career starts, he has an average finish of 9.7 with four wins and 639 laps led.

However, Hamlin said any advantage he might have had there has disappeared due to the repave.

"I'm going there with a lot of optimism that it's just a brand new track for everyone," Hamlin said "It's going to be the first one to figure it out wins."

SELINSGROVE - The Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships has signed on as the title sponsor of the Race of Champions Dirt Modified School's Out Shootout at Selinsgrove Speedway on Tuesday, June 19, said event promoter Joe Kaminski of JGK Motorsports.

Matt Lutze, chief operating officer of Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, said the company is pleased to be back as a title sponsor for a major event at Selinsgrove Speedway. He noted the RoC Icebreaker events, held in March for the past five years, have been very successful at Selinsgrove, and this first June event is expected to be as well.

The dealerships will be provide a pace car for the event and will include the speedway in a special promotion throughout the summer that will give Selinsgrove race fans the same opportunity as visitors to their dealerships to win a new car.

Lutze also noted what should be a fun event for kids as part of the race: pre-race track and pit tours on, appropriately, a school bus, courtesy of Stadium Dirt Designs Inc., Bear Gap. Driving the bus will be Phil Walter, a weekly Saturday night sprint car driver at the track.

The first "School's Out Special" RoC Modified feature event will be 35-laps in distance on the half-mile oval. It will be the seventh event of the 17-event RoC Modified 2012 Tour, with the series moving on the next night to Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown.

Selinsgrove's weekly roadrunners division has been added to the shootout night lineup.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. with racing starting at 7:30. There is no rain date.

For more information, call Kaminski at 274-0404.