The SOL/BAL won a pair of games in Carpenter Cup play on Wednesday to advance to the title game, which was suspended because of rain.
What a difference two days can make.
Playing for a championship was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind when members of the SOL/BAL left FDR Park on Monday after compiling a 1-1-1 record on day one of Carpenter Cup play.
“I was actually really surprised because it seems like (the SOL) is one of the better conferences, and struggling like that was surprising,” Central Bucks South junior Tara Tumasz said. “Monday we were trying to get used to each other because we didn’t really have many practices because of the weather.”
The squad’s biggest concern was whether their stay in the tournament was over after one day or if they’d survive and advance to Wednesday’s playoffs.
They didn’t get that answer until Wednesday morning when Monday’s final two games – postponed because of the weather – were played.
With their team’s fate resting on the outcome of those games, coach Heather Boyer and assistant coach Rick Torresani made an early trip to Philadelphia.
“We needed to get an idea what was developing so we could get the word to our players as soon as possible,” Boyer said. “At 9:45, we knew we were in. The tiebreaker was literally 0.125 – that’s the margin that got us in.
“We allowed 21 runs in 16 innings, and Delaware County allowed 23 runs in 16 innings. It came down to literally a tenth of a point. At that point, we still didn’t know if we were a three or four seed.”
The players needed to be there by 11 in case the SOL/BAL bumped up to the third seed and played at 11:30. That didn’t happen, but that time spent waiting for the 1:30 game may have been beneficial.
“It was a good time to get to know each other – just talk to everyone, just learn a little bit more about each other, which was nice,” North Penn junior Victoria Juckniewicz said. “I think that Monday – no one seemed to really get to know each other, but I think everything just clicked today. Everyone started to have a good time, and once we started having a good time, the softball started up.”
And once it started, the only thing that stopped the momentum was a torrential downpour that forced the suspension of the championship game with the SOL/BAL on top 8-0 after two innings.
“A lot of this tournament is about coming together as a unit,” Boyer said. “And the faster you do that, the more successful you are.
“I think there was still some of those getting-to-know-you kind of situations on Monday even though we had a couple of workouts the week before. Sometimes high school girls can be funny like that. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable about breaking out of your shell and getting to know people and figuring out a way to work together.”
The SOL/BAL faced its toughest challenge when it took on top-seeded Delaware North and West Virginia Tech commit Kourtney McNatt, whose 12-1 record at Appoquinimink High school included a perfect seven-inning game in a 3-0 win over then previously unbeaten Mount Pleasant.
The SOL/BAL set the tone for the game and the day with a run in the top of the first when North Penn junior Amanda Greaney delivered an RBI double that plated Souderton junior Sam Nuneviller, who had singled.
Delaware North got that run back in the bottom of the inning, but the SOL/BAL took a lead it would not lose with a run in the fourth and added another in the fifth to go on top 3-1. Delaware North made it a 3-2 game with a run in the bottom of the fifth, but SOL/BAL scored three in the top of the seventh to go on top 6-2. Upper Dublin’s Korynn Bishop’s two-run single highlighted the inning.
Delaware North scored two in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn’t enough as the SOL/BAL earned the big win. Greaney’s 2-for-3 effort led the SOL/BAL and included a double and two RBIs. The SOL/BAL managed just four hits but benefitted from five Delaware North errors.
Mady Volpe, who earned the win, allowed four hits and one run in four innings. Abby Burns closed out the game.
“Knowing we were the four seed and we were able to beat the one seed, and we did it with little difficulty – I think it gave us a confidence booster,” Tumasz said.
That quarterfinal win over top-seeded Delaware North set the SOL/BAL on a good path.
“We knew that had two good pitchers that were left handed, but our girls were able to put together quality at-bats, and we played outstanding defense today,” Boyer said. “In fact, I don’t know that we had an error today as opposed to Monday when we had a bunch, which was uncharacteristic for this squad.
“I had told them pre-tournament when we picked the team – I have been doing this for 15 years, and I was confident that with this group we could win this. Not every crew I bring down do I feel that confident about. This one I did, so I was a little surprised when we went 1-1-1. Today I think they really showed the level of softball they can play and the caliber of players they are.”
In Wednesday’s semifinal, the SOL/BAL rolled to a 10-0 rout over Delaware South in six innings. Sparked by a bunt single by Nuneviller, singles by Greaney (RBI) and Tara Tumasz as well as Volpe’s RBI double, the SOL/BAL opened up a 2-0 lead in the first. They added three more runs in the second. Pennsbury freshman Quinn McGonigle led off with a single, an error on PW junior Kammy Kropinski’s sacrifice bunt set the stage for a sacrifice bunt by Victoria Juckniewicz that put a pair of runners in scoring position.
A fly ball off the bat of Bean Hughes was misplayed, allowing a pair of runs to score. Tumasz followed with an RBI single, and the SOL/BAL led 5-0 after two innings. In the fourth, Nuneviller drew a leadoff walk, and Hughes followed with a single. Both runners scored on Greaney’s two-run single.
A two-run triple by Tumasz highlighted a three-run sixth, and Pennridge sophomore Madison Silber’s RBI groundout gave the SOL/BAL its final margin of victory.
Greaney was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs, and Tumasz was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. Hughes was 2-for-4 with three runs scored.
Volpe, who notched the win, allowed just one hit in four shutout innings. She struck out five and walked one. Burns did not allow a hit in two scoreless innings. She walked one.
“I think that Mady’s pitching was a lot more on today than it was on Monday, and the defense kind of fed off of that, and we wanted to do our best for her and the same with Abby (Burns),” Juckniewicz said. “This is fun, especially after a tough loss (in the state quarterfinals) with our North Penn team. It’s fun to actually come out and play with a few of those same girls and win something, and it’s fun with all the other girls from the league.”
The SOL/BAL was rolling in its title game against Jersey Shore, opening up an 8-0 after two innings when the game was suspended because of a downpour.
Boyer had high praise for her pitchers.
“On Monday, they both held great composure and really battled even though both of them weren’t getting pitches that they’re typically used to getting,” Boyer said. “Today there was a different persona on the field.
“You could see the Mady Volpe presence of what’s been throughout this season for North Penn was definitely back, and she was more dominant and was getting batters to hit her pitches.
“Abby (Burns) did a great job of locating her spots, keeping the ball down, forcing ground ball outs. She fielded her position beautifully. She had a couple of really nice plays off the mound.
“Sometimes you look at it, and you expect these kids with the talent level they demonstrate that they’re much older than they are, and they’re not. Abby just finished her ninth grade year. That poise is really impressive for both of them, and it’s fun to watch and see them compete.”
Boyer also had high praise for their batterymate.
“A shoutout to Amanda Greaney – she called Abby Burns’ games and did a great job, so she’s really done a good job of getting to know Abby quickly and knowing what works, what doesn’t work and what combinations to throw, which is important for a catcher to develop that chemistry with their batterymate,” Boyer said.
The SOL/BAL’s flawless defense was also a key to its success.
“Bean had another outstanding defensive day at short,” Boyer said. “It’s just unbelievable to watch some of the plays she made – diving for balls in the five-six hole and coming up throwing and getting the outs – it’s ridiculous.
“Victoria Juckniewicz played a heck of a third base today. We call them web gems – just amazing defensive plays . She snagged a line drive that was hit so hard – I don’t know how it didn’t knock her glove her. That was amazing, and then a couple of batters later, she gets this bee-bee one-hopper that she (snagged) and fired over to first base.
“Tara Tumasz had some really good offensive spots in our games today, and just seeing some of the defensive contributions of some of our outfielders. All around up and down the lineup, it’s been fun. Everybody is finding ways to piece things together.”
The SOL/BAL’s extended stay in the Carpenter Cup has allowed rivals to develop friendships, including players from both sides of one of the SOL Continental’s most intense rivalries between CB South and North Penn.
“I think it’s really fun,” Tumasz said. “They’re people I’m bonding with.”
Juckniewicz added, “Especially players from CB South and Pennridge – it’s nice to be able to actually talk to them. When we play them next year, it will be more fun.
“I’ve been friends with Tara (Tumasz) a little bit, but it was nice to be able to play with her because she’s a great player. So is G (Gianna Iadonisi) from Pennridge.”
Tumasz as well as three other players on the SOL/BAL will be travelling to Ohio this weekend with their Rock Gold 18U – Caldwell squad.
All are hoping to be back by the time Monday’s title game is resumed. The start time has not been determined.
SOL/BAL 100 110 3 6-4-0
Delaware North 100 010 2 4-10-5
SOL/BAL (6) – Victoria Juckniewicz 4-1-0-0; Sam Nuneviller 2-1-1-0; Taylor Avery 0-1-0-0; Brianna Hughes 3-2-0-0; Amanda Greaney 3-0-2-2; Tara Tumasz 1-0-0-0; Madison Silber 2-0-0-0; Mady Volpe 1-0-0-0; Abby Burns 2-0-0-0; Korynn Bischoff 4-0-0-0; Quinn McGonigle 2-0-0-0; Halle Frederick 2-0-0-0; Kammy Kropinski 1-0-0-0; Caitlyn Martell 2-1-1-0; LauraRose Morelock 0-0-0-0; TOTALS 29-6-4-4.
Delaware North (4) – Tayler Vitola 4-2-3-0; Madison Bauerle 4-2-2-0; Mikayla Walsh 4-0-3-3; Peyton Vivian 3-0-0-0; Delani Sheehan 3-0-0-0; Madison Hoffman 2-0-0-0; Aleigha Saunders 1-0-1-0; Danielle Debenedictis 2-0-1-0; Hailey Brooks 1-0-0-0; Sara Moore 3-0-0-0; Kourtney McNatt 1-0-0-0; Gabriella Lano 1-0-0-0; TOTALS 29-4-10-4.
2B-Amanda Greaney, Madison Bauerle, Mikayla Walsh, Danielle DeBenedictis. 3B-Mikayla Walsh. SAC-Mady Volpe, Peyton Vivian. SB-Victoria Juckniewicz, Delani Sheehan, Tayler Vitola. LOB-SOL/BAL 8, Delaware North 7.
SOL/BAL IP H R ER BB SO
Mady Volpe (W) 4.0 4 1 1 2 4
Abby Burns 3.0 6 3 3 0 1
Delaware North IP H R ER BB SO
Kourtney McNatt (L) 5.1 4 3 2 2 9
Delani Sheehan 1.2 0 3 0 2 2
SOL/BAL 230 203 10-12-0
Delaware South 000 000 0-1-3
SOL/BAL (10) – Victoria Juckniewicz 3-0-0-0; Sam Nuneviller 2-3-0-0; Taylor Avery 0-0-0-0; Brianna Hughes 4-3-2-0; Amanda Greaney 3-2-3-2; Tara Tumasz 4-1-3-2; Mady Volpe 2-0-1-1; LauraRose Morelock 1-0-0-0; Abby Burns 0-0-0-0; Madison Silber 1-0-0-0; Korynn Bischoff 4-0-1-0; Quinn McGonigle 2-0-1-0; Halle Frederick 2-0-0-0; Kammy Kropinski 0-1-0-0; Caitlyn Martell 1-0-1-0; Gianna Iadonisi 0-0-0-0; TOTALS 29-10-12-6.
Delaware South (0) – Jessica Reed 3-0-0-0; Jada Evans 2-0-1-0; Autumn Boothe 2-0-0-0; Kate Evick 2-0-0-0; Kylie Kruger 1-0-0-0; Sierra Livingston 2-0-0-0; Saige Bullock 2-0-0-0; Savannah O’Shields 2-0-0-0; Aylana Gigliotti 1-0-0-0; Alexis Dowdy 1-0-0-0; TOTALS 18-0-1-0.
SAC-Victoria Juckniewitz, Kammy Kropinski. SB-Caitlyn Martell. LOB-SOL/BAL 6, Delaware South 0.
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