Continuing Serra’s tradition on pause

By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com

Logan Exler stood down the third base line at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park staring down at his PIAA silver medal with a dejected look on his face.

The Serra Catholic pitcher had just thrown four shutout innings in relief as the Eagles suffered a 3-2 loss to Devon Prep in the PIAA Class 2A championship game in State College. The defeat came weeks after Serra suffered another tough loss in the form of an 11-2 setback against Seton LaSalle in the WPIAL championship game.

“I put everything that I had to win it but we came up short,” Exler said of the state championship contest. “It did take a while to get over that game but losing made me more determined than ever to come back stronger and help Serra get back to the WPIAL and PIAA championship. I just wished we were given that chance back.”

Fresh off a 23-win season, Serra head coach Brian Dzurenda had his team focused on replicating last year’s success with hopes of adding those elusive title victories this spring.

Instead, the COVID-19 pandemic altered the Eagles’ plans, causing the cancellation of the season.

“Losing in both the WPIAL and PIAA championship games left us with a feeling that we wanted to get back there and prove that it wasn’t just a fluke,” Exler said. “We had everyone back except Pat (Brennan) and (Tyler) Lemak, and we were more determined than ever to win a ring this year.

“I’m glad that I decided to attend Serra and it’s been an honor to be a part of such a wonderful high school program, I just wish that we got a chance to add another title to that winning tradition this year.”

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