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The Mars baseball team is still searching for consistency—but signs of something stronger are starting to emerge.
Returning home on April 9 provided exactly what the Fightin’ Planets needed. Mars rolled to an 11–1 win over Beaver Falls in six innings, putting together one of its most complete performances of the season.
The offense came alive with eight hits, while sophomore Carson Fowkes delivered a key go-ahead run. On the mound, junior Zach Hugus turned in a dominant performance.
“It was great to see our bats come alive in combination with Zach Hugus giving us a great performance,” Bednar said.
It was exactly the kind of complete game Head coach Jason Thompson has been waiting to see.
Baseball Finding Identity
I sat down this week with Head coach Jason Thompson and assistant coach Andy Bednar for one-on-one interviews with The 228 Times.
The Mars Boys High School Baseball team competes in WPIAL Section 3 – 5A.
“Preparation is key for us. For example, a team that we are playing today with New Castle, they play a lot of small ball. Running, bunting, moving runners so yesterday’s practice primarily focused on getting much needed outs when they do run,” explained coach Bednar.
In other action this season, Mars split a home-and-home series with the New Castle Hurricanes in section play, earning a 4–3 win before dropping a 4–1 decision.
The Mars Baseball team won at home Monday 4-3 giving the Hurricanes their first loss of the season then traveled to Flaherty Field in New Castle where they lost 4-1.
The Hurricanes have started the 2026 campaign strong. (1-1 in section play, 5-1 overall)
Paul Malley, who is 2-0 on the year, picked up the win on the mound for New Castle.
New Castle coach Bill Cook said of the win by Malley. “He wants the ball and those are the kind of kids that you want to be around.”
Looking for their sixth win on the year, the Hurricanes will host the Beaver Bobcats, who have lost three games in a row.
Mars pitcher Zachary Hugus was credited with the loss. Hugus pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up five hits, three walks, two strikeouts and two runs, both of which were earned.
The loss against New Castle marked the Fightin’ Planets season low in scoring.
The season has already featured ups and downs. In Florida, Mars dropped an 8–7 extra-inning game to St. Petersburg Green Devils before bouncing back with a 15–5 win over Kennedy Catholic Gaels (NY). A day later, they fell 9–3 to Illinois powerhouse Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs from Mahomet, IL
Mahomet-Seymour pitcher Austin Wike didn’t allow a single earned run in five innings pitched.
Mars lost both home at home games to the Pine-Richland Rams 6-3 away followed by a 11-6 loss at home. The Fightin’ Planets have now lost nine games in a row to the Rams.
On March 26th, the baseball team snapped the three-game losing streak at home by defeating the North Hills Indians 5-2.
Leadership has come from a mix of experienced upperclassmen and emerging young talent.
“Division 1 recruit to Mount S. Mary’s, infielder Danny Murray is only a junior, but he is definitely one of our leaders,” coach Bednar said. “He’s not a real loud guy, but he leads by example by the way he plays, works out and practices.”
“We have several other seniors as well. Branden Schmitt, Colin Krafjack, and Grady Speigle, who have been in our program for a few years that we’re counting on,” Coach Bednar explained, “We have some young talent from our JV team that we like to mix in to gain varsity experience as well.”
Thompson said the team is “kind of growing together” after graduating six of eight starters, with junior shortstop Daniel Murrasy and senior third baseman Grady Speigle stepping into leadership roles.
The coaching staff preaches fundamentals. “Fundamentals will win some games for us this year,” Coach Bednar said.
Mars traveled on Tuesday April 7th to Freeport for a 4:15PM matchup.
The team picked up their third straight defeat at the hands of the Freeport Yellowjackets in a 6-2 loss. As for Freeport, the win keeps their undefeated season going at 13-0.
If Mars can continue to pair timely hitting with strong pitching, this is a team that could still make a push as the season unfolds.
Tough Stretch Ahead
Upcoming Mars Baseball Schedule
The team will face Fox Chapel High School for a two-game home at home series on Monday April 13th and Tuesday April 14th.
“We have three section series left on our schedule against three unbelievable teams,” said coach Thompson. “We have Fox Chapel, who have two division one arms. Our most heated rivalry over the past six year with West Allegheny and we end our season against Shaler, the defending WPIAL champion.”
Mars faces a challenging stretch against the teams Coach Thompson highlighted.
“We were in this position last year and we were able to scrap and put some wins together,” Coach Thompson said. “I think this team is built to do the same this year.”
Monday April 13th they will be at Fox Chapel High School at 3:45 PM.
Tuesday April 14th they will return home to face off against Fox Chapel at 4:00 PM.
Monday April 27th at 4:30 PM they will be at Donaldson Elementary School in Oakdale, PA versus West Allegheny High School.
Tuesday April 28th at 4:00 PM Mars will take on West Allegheny High School at the Mars Athletic Complex.
Monday May 4th at 4:00 PM at Shaler High School.
Tuesday May 5th at 4:00 PM at the MAC verses Shaler High School.
Track & Field Highlights
The Mars Area High School Coed Track & Field had a meet on Monday March 23rd against Hampton in which the girls team won, and the boys team lost.
On Saturday March 28th, Mars competed in the Butler County Invitational that was held at Seneca Valley High School and they had quite a few athletes’ place.
Two freshmen in their first year on the team placed; Carly McKenna took second place in the girls 400 meter, and Audrey Lyker took 3rd place in the girls 300 hurdle.
Other notable girls who placed at the Invitational were two seniors Riley Carrel took third place in the girls Pole Vault and Maddie George in the girls 800 meter.
The Mars boys’ team had multiple athletes that placed at the Invitational as well. Sophomore James Watenpool took third place in both the boys 100 and 300 hurdles.
Senior Ayden Yocum placed third in the boys 400 meter along with fellow senior Colton Rearick who took third place in the boys 1600 meter.
The Mars boys relay team that consisted of Senior Colton Rearick, Sophomore Grady Knauf, Senior Hudson Shipler and Junior Sam Argotti took second in the 4×800.
The Mars coed track and field team had a remarkable meet at home against Armstrong with both teams winning by a big margin. The girls won their meet 92-57 and the boys won 95-55.
Three event first place winners included Senior Colton Rearick with wins in the boys 800, 1600 and 3200 meters, Senior Riley Carrel in the girls’ pole vault, long jump and triple jump, and freshman Monica Grunden in the girls 4×800 relay, 800 and 1600 meters.
Two event first place winners included sophomore James Watenpool in both the 110 and 300 hurdles, Freshman Carly McKenna in both the 100 and 400 meters, senior Madeline “Maddie” George in the 4×400 and 800 meter, and sophomore Emma Bloom in the 110 and 300 hurdles.
Other notable performances at the meet versus Armstrong were Freshman Noah Wilson and junior Max Argotti, who both had exceptional performances and personal records in the 400-meter, freshman Alyssa Genis, who took second place in the long jump and 100-meter dash and was also a part of the first place 4×100 relay team, Smyth Dunaway in his third year with the team won the long jump with a huge personal record and in his debut in the 200 meter he took second place.
The Mars coed track and field team competed at Valley High School in New Kensington, Pa on Thursday April 9th at 3:30PM.
Boys Lacrosse Recap
On Monday March 30th, the Boys Lacrosse team traveled to Knoch High School Stadium to face off against the Knights.
Mars enjoyed a decisive victory verses the Knights by a score of 21-2.
A comeback by the boys Lacrosse team fell short on Thursday April 2nd verses the Hampton Talbots at Fridley Field by a final score of 11-9.
The boys Lacrosse team rebounded with a win against Indiana Area High School on Wednesday April 8th.
Mars won 16-1 and dominated from the opening face-off.
Grant Weaver scored six goals and had two assists, while grabbing every ground ball in his vicinity.
A defensive force on the other side of the field was Wyatt Wilson, who played tough defense and was dominant in the clearing game helping to jump start the offense for the Fightin’ Planets.
Upcoming Mars Boys Lacrosse Schedule
The Mars Fightin’ Planets play Monday April 13th against Moon Area Senior High School at 6:00 PM before starting a three-game road trip.
Thursday April 16th at 5:30 PM verses Upper St. Clair at Upper St. Clair High School.
Saturday April 18th at 1:00 PM against Mount Lebanon High School at Mount Lebanon high School field.
Tuesday April 21st at 5:30 PM against North Catholic High School in Cranberry Township, PA.
Lady Planets Dominating
The Mars Lady Planets Girls Lacrosse team has been dominant in their start to the 2026 season on both sides of the ball. Teamwork and execution have been the name of the game for them.
This team is executing at a high-level.
“We’ve done a really good job dominating on both sides of the field, offensively and defensively,” head coach Abby Latona explained. “Our team is putting an emphasis on possessing the ball, executing our plays and playing lock-down defense.”
Their offense is pouring in goals on one side of the field while their defense has kept opponents out of the net on the other side of the field.
On Wednesday April 1st, Mars beat the North Catholic Lady Trojans 20-0. Mars enjoyed well-balanced scoring throughout their lineup.
Senior captain Anna McGrath, who led all scorers with four goals. Fellow captain junior Hailey Long added three goals.
Two goal scorers were Ella DePaoli, Lucy Balazs, Makenna Weaver, Katie Blake and Reanna Schmitt.
Additionally, Tess McGrath, Sydney Truver and Lily Wilson each chipped in a goal.
The whole defense including the goalies have been solid for the Lady Planets. Defensively, they are truly living the ‘As One’ team mantra and executing at a high-level.
“Defensively as a unit, we are playing strong.” Added coach Latona. “I’ll give them all a shoutout. Our core four defenders are Maddie Peterson, Niki Lefcakis, Ella Depaoli, and Keira Raishart with Julia Lego leading in the cage.”
The week started at home at the Mars Athletic Complex for the Lady Planets against Shady Side Academy on Monday April 6th at 6:00 PM.
“We are looking forward to a competitive week with three games; one being played against the two-time Ohio State Champions.” Coach Latona said.
The Lady Planets walked away with a convincing win against Shadyside Academy. Mars won 16-2.
Offensively Mars continues to spread the ball to multiple goal scorers in their team first approach.
Junior Katie Blake continues to use her quickness and speed to find openings in the defenses. She led all Mars goal scorers with six goals.
Anna McGrath and Lucy Balazs each had a pair of goals. Lola Seideneck and Jenna Smith both contributed a goal each in the lopsided win over Shady Side.
Goalie Julia Lego had another strong performance in the net for Mars recording six saves.
This week the Lady Planets are entering the meat of their competitive schedule.
On Thursday April 9th they traveled to face South Fayette High School in McDonald, PA at 6:30 PM.
The Lady Planets captured another convincing 2A section match up win by defeating South Fayette 18-5.
Junior Lucy Balazs controlled the game and the ball for Mars by capturing twelve draw controls to help ignite their explosive offense.
Junior Hailey Long led all Mars scorers with nine goals. The Lady Planets enjoyed goal scoring contributions from seven other players.
Anna McGrath and Katie Blake had two goals apiece. Mars had five other Lady Planets contribute with a goal: Lucy Balazs, Lola Seideneck, Ella DePaoli, Alexa Knowton, and Tess McGrath.
Finally, they will finish off the week at home verses the 2X Ohio State Champion Olentangy High School Lady Braves from Lewis Center, Ohio at 11:30 AM on Saturday April 11th.
In my opinion, come out and watch this team play, you won’t be disappointed.
Every game and every practice the Lady Planets play with pride, grit, determination, and a highly contagious positive attitude.
