JEFFERSON TWP — When it comes to capable pitchers in the WPIAL softball playoffs, two are better than one.

That’s the luxury Knoch coach Tim Knappenberger is working with as the Knights (15-3) prepare for the Class AAA tournament, which begins next week.

Senior Jessi Reed and sophomore Celia Knappenberger have seen an equal amount of time in the circle this season. They combined for a six-hit shutout in a 7-0 victory over Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic at Laura Doerr Park Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m confident in either one whether they are starting or coming in to relieve,” said Coach Knappenberger. “That’s nice because it gives me options.”

Reed is a four-year member of the varsity team.

“She’s a leader on the field for us,” said Coach Knappenberger. “She fields her position and changes speeds well. I’m very happy with her performance this season.”

Reed is 8-2 on the season. She settled for a three-inning save in Tuesday’s game, relieving Celia Knappenberger after the latter pitched the first four innings, after which the Knights held a 4-0 lead.

“Celia is a really good pitcher and she left me in good standing when I went in to pitch,” said Reed. “I actually like coming in when a game is close, but I felt pretty good today.”

Her role as the team’s starting catcher offers junior Avery Keller a unique perspective on her battery mates.

“They both have different styles, differences in the way they warm up,” Keller said. “But it’s a lot of fun catching both of them. I have confidence that both can get the job done.”

Celia Knappenberger saw varsity innings last year and that helped prepare her for the increased work load this spring. She is now 7-1 on the season.

“Speed is always a factor when you reach the high school level,” she said. “I wanted to gain more speed with my pitches this year and keep hitters off balance. There’s always room for improvement, but I’m happy with how I’ve done.”

Reed has an arsenal of five pitches — drop, curveball, screwball, change-up and fastball.

“The major difference in the two is that Jessi’s (out-pitch) is her drop, while Celia’s is her curveball,” said Coach Knappenberger, who admires more than just his pitchers’ physical talents.

“I have not seen any ego out of either one this season,” he said. “When one is in the field, she’s encouraging the other in the circle. They have been very complementary toward each other. They’ve both been out there and they understand that you need that encouragement.”

CWNC 000 000 0 — 0 6 1

Knoch 004 003 x — 7 10 0

W: Celia Knappenberger 4 IP (2K, 0BB). L: Alayna Derzak 6 IP (2K, 4BB). S: Jessi Reed 3 IP (2K, 2BB).

CW North Catholic (13-4): Bridget Hudson 1B, Alayna Derzak 1B 2B, Tayjah White 1B, Lillia Smyers 2-1B

Knoch (15-3): Sydney Natili 1B R, Monica Gourley 1B 2B 2R 2RBI, Jessi Reed 1B R RBI, Avery Keller 2-2B 2RBI, Taylor Lesseski 1B, Makenzie McDowell 3B R, Chalee Durand 1B 2B 2R RBI

Next: WPIAL playoffs, TBD