Valley View’s Maggie Hallett (11) makes the throw to first base in the PIAA softball quarterfinal matchup in Allentown on Thursday, June 4, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Valley View’s Maggie Hallett (11) smiles at Zoie Krupovich (12) during the PIAA Class 4A softball first round game in Archbald on Monday, June 1, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Valley View’s Maggie Hallett (11) makes the throw to first base in the PIAA softball quarterfinal matchup in Allentown on Thursday, June 4, 2026. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Maggie Hallett has the best view on the field for the remarkable pitching run Valley View senior Abbi Call has put together.
Right behind home plate.
The sophomore catcher worked the nine consecutive shutouts thrown by Call, a Clemson University commit. The Cougars have not allowed a run since the bottom of the fifth inning against Scranton Prep on May 5 — a span of 59 consecutive innings.
They take that streak into the PIAA Class 4A final against District 7 runner-up Blackhawk (15-5) on Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Nittany Lion Softball Park at Penn State University. District 2 champion Valley View (23-3) is seeking to repeat as state champion and capture its fourth title.
“It’s awesome to catch such a great pitcher,” Hallett said. “She hits all her spots, she never lets me down. Whenever she struggles a little bit, she always gets right back on it. She’s just an amazing pitcher.”
Coach Mia Wascura said Hallett deserves just as much credit for the scoreless streak as Call.
“To think of how far she has come as a person and a player,” Wascura said. “From a young, shy, timid, meek little freshman who had such an impactful role on the team. A catcher is a commander, a leader, a vocal enthusiast. Maggie at the beginning was none of them. But she learned how to be a vocal leader from Kalli Karwowski and Taylor Cawley.
“For as good as Abbi is, Maggie is a master artist behind the plate. Painting the best pictures she possibly can to help us get pitch calls. Not often does she get the biggest recognition, but everybody on the team appreciates the player and person she is. You’ll never hear her complain. ‘Anything you need, coach.’”
It actually has been a trying season for Hallett. Wascura said Hallett’s left hand is purple from catching the heat Call throws. She has other bumps and bruises, the result of foul tips and other demands of the position.
“I’ve been able to endure by just continuing to work my hardest back there,” Hallett said. “If I get hurt, I just play through it no matter what. I think that’s how I can help my team. If I get a little bruise, I can just keep going.”
However, Hallett had more than a little bruise when she and Call collided chasing a pop-up during the first inning of a game against Abington Heights on April 28. She suffered a concussion and as much as she didn’t want to sit, she missed two games.
“It was scary. I had no idea what was going on after it,” Hallett said. “It was really hard seeing everybody doing what I wanted to do. But it was great to have a little bit of rest because I knew I had to get healthy to be able to play again. I didn’t want to hurt myself even more or hurt the team. But it was really hard to not be able to play the sport I love.”
Not coincidentally, Valley View’s string of consecutive shutouts started when Hallett returned to the lineup.
Hallett originally was a third baseman. But when Wascura saw what a strong throwing arm she had, she converted her to catcher.
“I was really surprised. I was just going to help out the pitchers because they needed extra people to catch,” Hallett said. “So I really didn’t expect to be put in that position.
“I do like it now. I’ve started playing it in travel, too. It’s fun to be able to do it in school ball and travel.”
Besides the job she does behind the plate, Hallett also is a key part of the offense. She bats cleanup and is hitting .316 (24 for 76) with eight doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs.
The relationship between a pitcher and a catcher is built on trust. Wascura said Call and Hallett mesh well together.
“Abbi has to be able to trust Maggie and Maggie has to be able to trust Abbi,” Wascura said. “One can’t be the best version of themselves without the other. And they are gelling at the right time. It’s incredible to see them. When Abbi strikes someone out, Maggie is just as happy.
“My assistant Justin Stevens calls a great game. But I have no problem if Maggie feels she needs to shake off a pitch and call something else. Maggie has the authority to do that because her IQ of this game is just incredible.”
Back in the state final for the second straight year, Wascura’s message to her players is “Defend what’s yours.”
“This team (Blackhawk) really relies on their pitcher to propel them through,” Wascura said. “She’s got a good fastball, changeup, curve, screw, rise. She likes to hang out on that outside part of the plate. If that’s the case, my kids are ready for it. I don’t think they’re going to run on Maggie’s arm, they don’t steal too much. They try to put the ball in play. One through five we have to keep off base. Bottom of the lineup, Abbi has to mow and can’t waste anything. I’m very confident and hopeful we play our game and truly defend what is ours. We want to defend that title. We want it another year.”