Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Saturday.
SOL National
HARRY S TRUMAN 17, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 10
Truman celebrated the team’s eight seniors – Jalecia Blackston, Kaylie Garcia, Emily Kavulic, Madison Kavulic, Emily Merrigan, Mara McKeon, Jada Moran and Devin Ross – with a wild win over the visiting Indians, rallying from an early 7-0 deficit to earn the come-from-behind win.
“Truman showed a tremendous amount of heart and grit today,” Rock North coach Susan Yee said. “After getting down 7-0 early, they were never phased. That team battled and battled and you could see how much they believed in and supported, one another. Of course, I hate losing as much as any other coach, but it’s also nice to know that a hardworking group of girls from Truman was able to show the spirit of a team and battle back to put together what I’m sure was a very memorable Senior Day for their group.
“I think the attitudes from both teams created a playoff type atmosphere this afternoon, and while both teams would probably say that today wasn’t their cleanest game, I do think the adversity both teams faced today will ultimately help their mental toughness coming down the stretch this season.”
The Indians put three runs on the board in the top of the first, thanks to a three-run home run by Kat Hastings. They erupted for four more with a two-out rally in the top of a second inning that began with an Emma Zoldi single. Taylor Gearhart drew a free pass, and Molly Sheehy’s RBI single plated Zoldi. Hastings was walked intentionally to load the bases. Gabby Cohen cleared them with one swing of the bat – a line drive double to right center. With runners on second and third, Jalecia Blackston coaxed a popup to short to end the two-out rally.
Down 7-0, Truman began its comeback, putting five runs on the board in the bottom of the second. Blackston was safe on the first of three Indian miscues in the frame, and the Tigers scored two on an Emily Kavulic double. One out later, Mara McKeon drew a walk. Teyana Towner’s single plated a run, and three runs scored on Hannah Smith’s single. Courtney Nau’s RBI double made it a 7-5 game after two innings.
The Tigers tacked on an unearned run in the third without the benefit of a hit, and the score was deadlocked 7-7 when Smith opened the fourth with a solo home run to left.
CR North regained the lead with three runs in the fifth, thanks to an RBI single by Molly Sheehy and a two-run single by Hastings.
In the bottom half of the inning, the floodgates opened for Truman as they erupted for 10 runs to seal the victory. The inning included singles by Towner (RBI), McKeon (RBI), Blackston (RBI) and Emily Kavulic. Jada Moran (RBI) and Madison Kavulic (2 RBIs) each doubled.
“Although it was a sloppy game, it was evident that both teams brought a lot of heart to the field today,” Yee said. “Council Rock North was playing without five starters (missing 7 players total) and had several girls on the field who were playing their first varsity innings of their career. Despite entering the game with that daunting challenge, they came with energy and determination, and every player battled to the best of their ability.
“I was particularly proud of freshman Taylor Gearhart (typically our third baseman) who handled duties at first base and center field today without any practice in those positions. Additionally, senior Allie Roe logged her first varsity start and first varsity hit this afternoon as well. Overall, we had a lot of girls playing a variety of different positions and next to girls they aren’t used to working with, but they did so with great attitudes and hustle which is all any coach can ask for. The girls could have folded under the adversity, but the thought never crossed their mind, and that tenacity is going to take them far in life, well beyond the simple confines of a softball field.”
The Tigers were led by the dazzling 3-for-4 effort of Hannah Smith, who had a double, home run, six RBIs and three runs scored. Towner was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs. Emily Kavulic was 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and three runs scored.
For the Indians, Emma Zoldi (2-for-3), Molly Sheehy (3-for-5), Kat Hastings (2-for-4, HR) and Gabby Cohen (2-for-4, 2B).
Harry S Truman (8-5, 4-2 SOL) will travel to North Penn on Tuesday, and Council Rock North (5-7, 2-3) will host Pennridge on Tuesday.
Council Rock North 340 030 0 10
Harry S Truman 051 1100 x 17-12-8
Non-league
AVON GROVE 8, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 7
The visiting Titans took a 7-6 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning when – with one out – Melissa Sabastro hit a two-run double, giving the Red Devils the walk-off win.
Early on, things certainly looked promising for the Titans after they scored two runs in both the second and third innings to take an early 4-0 lead, but that was erased when the Red Devils scored five in the fourth.
Undaunted, the Titans answered with three runs in the fifth to go on top 7-5. Allie Franck had the inning’s big blow – a two-run home run. Avon Grove scored one in the bottom of the fifth to make it a 7-6 game and then won it with two in the seventh.
Braylee Webb was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, and Franck was 1-for-3 with home run and two RBIs. Jamie Marks was 1-for-2 with a double, RBI and run scored, and Nicole Pilla was 1-for-4 wtih a double.
Sabastro finished the game 3-for-4 with a double, 3 RBIs and a run scored.
Central Bucks South (5-7, 2-3) will travel to Souderton on Monday.
Central Bucks South 022 030 0 7-6-4
Avon Grove 000 510 2 8-6-1
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