OLD FORGE — Pittston Area’s run at a 9-10 Section 5 softball title came to an end Thursday against Back Mountain.

The locals were only able to get two hits off Back Mountain’s Victoria Spaciano, while striking out 13 batters, in a 6-0 defeat in the title game. Back Mountain advances to the state tournament, which begins Tuesday in Wellsboro.

In the title game, Pittston Area’s Gianna Adams, who has been a force for the team during all-stars, struck out 12 batters. Isabella Giardina and Ava Callahan each had a hit in the loss.

But the offense was there for most of the tournament for Pittston Area.

Related Video

In the opener, the locals easily beat Old Forge, 17-2 on Monday. The next day, Pittston Area had its first crack at Back Mountain. Once again, Spaciano was the leader. She threw a two-hitter and struck out 12. She also singled, tripled and had three RBI.

Adams struck out 12 batters, while Callahan and Daniella Ranielli each had a hit.

Following a win over Wallenpaupack in an elimination game on Wednesday, Adams threw a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts in a 7-0 decision over Old Forge.

At the plate, Adams had two singles, while Callahan finished with a double and two singles. Cassie Hintze had two singles, and Jaylee Jenkins and Giardina each singled in the win.

Pittston Area was forced to beat Back Mountain twice to win the title.

Pittston Area’s Branca Fortini looks to her coach for signals as she gets ready to step into the box against Back Mountain.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_dispatch5_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Branca Fortini looks to her coach for signals as she gets ready to step into the box against Back Mountain. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area gets a pep talk from their coach after falling to Back Mountain, 7-2, in the Section 5 9-10 Softball Tournament at Old Forge Little League.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_dispatch3_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area gets a pep talk from their coach after falling to Back Mountain, 7-2, in the Section 5 9-10 Softball Tournament at Old Forge Little League. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Ava Callahan did the catching against Back Mountain.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_dispatch1_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Ava Callahan did the catching against Back Mountain. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Isabella Giardina made it to third base in the fifith inning with Back Mountain’s Ava Hudak standing guard.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_dispatch2_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Isabella Giardina made it to third base in the fifith inning with Back Mountain’s Ava Hudak standing guard. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston Area’s Kate Wywoda beats the throw to third in the sixth inning against Back Mountain.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_dispatch4_faa.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston Area’s Kate Wywoda beats the throw to third in the sixth inning against Back Mountain. Fred Adams | For Sunday Dispatch
Pittston Area falls in Section 5 tourney

By Nick Wagner

nwagner@timesleader.com

NEXT WEEK

Pittston Area’s Junior Baseball and 9-10 Softball team each played Friday, July 22 in the Section 5 playoffs. Scores of those games were not available at press time. Check back next week for results.

Reach Nick Wagner at 570-991-6406 or on Twitter @Dispatch_Nick