The WPIAL softball playoffs started Tuesday and yesterday for most teams. For the Shaler Area Titans, it seems like they have been in the playoffs for more than a month.

The Titans struggled out of the gate in Section 3-AAAA play, dropping three of their first five games. That made every game from there on out almost a must-win situation.

The Titans responded by winning 12 of their past 13, including a 7-1 run against section opponents. The run vaulted them into a four-way tie with Seneca Valley, North Hills and North Allegheny for the section title.

The late-season run impressed the right people. The WPIAL softball committee awarded the Titans a first-round bye. They'll play Trinity, a 9-0 first-round victor against McKeesport, in the quarterfinals.

"We have been in the playoffs for 12 games now," said Shaler coach Skip Palmer with a laugh. "When you are 2-3 in the section, you know you have to basically win out. Our girls are ready for the playoffs, we have been in it for a while already."

There were some holes to fill after graduation last year and players were moved to different positions. For example, Chelsea Siar's move from second base to shortstop. Palmer brought up freshman Samantha Montoya to play second base and she has been more than adequate. In fact, she leads the team with four home runs.

For the third year in a row, senior Megan Daley has been pitching to senior catcher Stevie Stanek. After seeing limited time pitching as a sophomore, Daley has been the starter the past two seasons. She compiled a 15-2 mark last year and is 13-3 this season.

"The regular season started out a little rough," Daley said. "We were a young team on the field, defensively and offensively. For me it was also a little difficult. I wasn't hitting my spots.

"I believe that bad start was a wake-up call for the younger starters. It was their first year on the varsity and they just weren't in the groove of playing yet."

Shaler dominated in the regular season last year, going 16-2 and 11-1 in section play to take the title and earn a bye in the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, the Titans were stunned by Peters Township, 1-0, in 14 innings. Daley pitched a complete game.

"That game is constantly brought up, even now," Palmer said. "I learned a lot from that game as a coach. I made at least 30 mistakes that day.

"We are going into the playoffs with a bye, just like last year, but we are taking a different approach this time. We are picking up as many scrimmages as we can. Last year, we had a couple days off and I am not giving them that many days off this year. "

Peters Township finally got on the board last year in the top of the 14th inning with a single, a sacrifice bunt and a double. It ended a run of postseason dominance for Shaler after going to the PIAA championship game three consecutive seasons from 2004-2006. The Titans won PIAA titles in 2004 and 2006, and took home the WPIAL championship in 2005.

The playoffs will start Monday for Shaler. In preparation for the game Palmer has arranged scrimmages against Deer Lakes, Knoch and Vincentian.

At third base Erin Fieldhouse is a three-year starter for the Titans. Sophomore Abby Nichter provides an extra arm if Shaler would need it.

"I always keep an extra pitcher. We always have another one on the rope and Abby pitches all the practices and [non-section] games," Palmer said.

"She will be ready to go as soon as we start the next season. That's exactly what Meg did as a sophomore. Abby is going to be just as good or better, she is ready."

Senior Becca Lynch started in left last year and has moved to center this season. Jenna Conrad, another senior, is the designated hitter.

Despite having a better regular-season record last year, Palmer likes his team's chances this year.

"We are hitting the ball much better this year. I like our chances this year, even more than I did last year," he said.

"I have always been the person who says that defense wins championships. Our two [PIAA] championships are because we played great defense. Our four losses were because we didn't play good defense, but lately we have been."