NTL SOFTBALL: NEB HAS SEASON TO REMEMBER IN 2025 (2025-06-20)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
The Northeast Bradford softball team saved their best for last in 2025 as the senior dominated group clinched the NTL Small School title, won the District IV, Class A title, and made a run all the way to the state finals - all within the final month of the season.

“I am beyond proud of the girls,” said coach MaKaylah Leljedal. “It was so great to be a part of the team who has made it the farthest in school history! It was amazing to see the community come through and support us. It was such an amazing atmosphere. Although, well fell short in the championship game I honestly could not have asked for more from these girls! They are an amazing group of young ladies on and off the field.”

NEB opened with a big 13-2 win over their nemesis CV, but then fell to Williamson (4-0).

A 4-game win streak followed as they beat Sayre (22-3), Canton (14-4), Sayre (11-1), and Susquehanna (12-2).

That was followed by two close losses to Wyalusing (8-7) and Towanda (4-2), then another close win over CV (2-1). They would have losses to South Williamsport (11-0) and Athens (4-0) after that.

Two more key divisional wins over Williamson (12-7) and Canton (12-0) put them in the driver’s seat for the league title.

After losses to Troy (12-1) and NPL (3-0) they beat Benton (15-0), then wrapped up the league title with a win over Wellsboro (7-6).

They opened district play with a 4-1 win over Sullivan County in the semifinals, then rolled past Bucktail 9-0 in the finals.

In the state playoffs they beat Greenwood (17-2) in the opener, then eked out wins over Dock Mennonite (4-3) and Claysburg-Kimmel in the quarter and semifinals.

In the state finals they lost to a hot hitting team in Union (12-2).

“This season was so much fun,” Leljedal said. “From the very first practice to the very last game, we were having so much fun together. I think the strong relationships that we built really helped us in the playoffs. The girls were in it together and they had so much fun while they were doing it. We are losing a six out of our nine starters for next year. That group of girls have made such an impact at Northeast. They will certainly be missed.”

Hannah Berger hit .450 to lead NEB at the plate, with 15-RBI, four doubles, 24 runs scored, and a home run, as Orissa Gardner (.424) had five doubles, a home run, 13 runs scored, and 19-RBI.

Kelsea Moore (.387) had two home runs, a team high seven doubles, 19-RBI, and 17 runs scored, with Kiarra DeLancey (.329) getting three doubles, a team high three triples, and 23 runs scored.

Makenna Callear (.323) had five doubles, 15 runs scored, and 11-RBI, as Toni Herb (.323) had 12-RBI, five doubles, and 18 runs scored.

In the circle Callear had a 2.74 ERA with 73 strikeouts against 27 walks in 61 1/3-innings pitched.

Moore tossed 71 2/3-innings with a 3.52 ERA as she struck out 97 against 36 walks.

NEB started six seniors - Berger, Moore, Callear, DeLancey, Herb, and Zaelea Lane - losing them for next year, along with Abby Keeney. They’ve been the backbone of the team for the last three seasons, and it will be a new look team for the Maroon and Gray.

“Next year will definitely be different than this year but I hope to continue to help the team grow and build those relationships,” Leljedal said.

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