Tori Radvan’s path to the Pitt-Johnstown softball team wasn’t full of twists and turns. It was a straight-forward, relatively easy recruiting process for Mountain Cats coach Niki Cognigni-Pecora and the multi-sport standout from Freeport.

Radvan’s older sister, Kristie, played first base for UPJ and was one of the top hitters in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, so Tori regularly attended games when the schedule permitted.

“I was super close with the family, and I think we all kind of knew this would end up happening,” Cognigni-Pecora said.

What happened after Radvan, who helped Freeport’s volleyball team win a PIAA title in 2018 and a WPIAL title in ‘19, arrived on campus was anything but expected.

Initially, the plan was for Radvan to serve as a backup shortstop. She practiced there and at third base, hoping to eventually crack the lineup. Radvan impressed with her powerful bat and defensive abilities, and the UPJ staff also realized she could even pitch if needed.

But Pitt-Johnstown needed Radvan to become a regular when Kristie tore an ACL in a game against IUP. All of a sudden, Tori was starting at an unfamiliar position — first base — and replacing her sister in the lineup.

“Playing first base was definitely something different. Growing up, I always played on the left side of the infield. This was completely different,” Radvan said. “But I really felt bad when (Kristie) tore her ACL. I also tore my ACL in high school, so I could help her with going through it.”

Big sister also offered some advice when Radvan became UPJ’s starter at first base.

“She told me to just have confidence in myself,” Radvan said.

Radvan quickly adjusted and put together a solid freshman season, playing in 24 games (22 starts) and batting .257 with three doubles, a triple, 15 RBIs, 12 runs and four home runs, which tied for the team lead.

If Radvan thought she had settled into first base, well, those plans were altered this season.

She played at first base, but Radvan also saw at second and was one of Pitt-Johnstown’s better pitchers, which came about because injuries and other unforeseen circumstances forced the coaching staff to search for options.

“Honestly, Tori is the definition of a utility player for us,” Cognigni-Pecora said. “She plays first base, second base and, obviously, can pitch for us. We’ve even practiced her at third base, though we haven’t played her there yet. … I didn’t expect her to become a full-fledged utility player, but she’s one of those girls who doesn’t care where she plays. She’s a ‘Hey coach Niki, where can I play today’ type of player.”

And not surprisingly, Radvan played every role well for the Division II Mountain Cats (18-21 overall, 6-10 PSAC-West), who won nine more games than last season.

Radvan batted .264 (29 for 110) in 38 games (all starts). She had eight extra-base hits — three home runs, three doubles and two triples — in addition to 14 RBIs and 17 runs. She led the team with eight hit by pitches.

As a pitcher, Radvan finished with a hard-luck 2-7 record, but pitched well, particularly in conference play. Her 1.52 ERA in PSAC games topped the pitching staff.

Defensively, Radvan has two errors in 140 chances.

“I want to do better, especially hitting and helping the team out any way I can,” Radvan said. “I feel like the team keeps getting better, and we want to help change the program.”

Loaded with players from the WPIAL, Pitt-Johnstown has set a goal of making its first PSAC postseason tournament as soon as possible. And though Radvan, who is studying to become an occupational therapist, prefers playing second base, she’ll take the field anywhere if it adds to the Mountain Cats’ win total.

“I’m really excited we get two more years of Tori after this,” Cognigni-Pecora said. “It’s exciting because she’s full of potential.”

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