Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Tuesday.
Non-league
ABINGTON 7, BENSALEM 6
Pinch hitter Bella Roma came off the bench in the bottom of seventh in a tie ball game to deliver the game’s biggest hit – a line drive single to left field that plated teammate Sami Clewell with a run that gave the Ghosts the thrilling walk-off win.
“It was awesome,” Abington coach Tina Hesdon said. “I gave her the game ball.”
The Ghosts found themselves in a position to win it, thanks in no small part of sophomore center fielder Mia Lucke who was a perfect 2-for-2 with a pair of home runs, four RBIs and three runs scored.
By the numbers: Abington: Mia Lucke (2-for-2, 2 HR, 4 RBIs, 3R), Mallory Beal (2-for-3, 3B, RBI)
Bensalem: Dana Oliverio (2-for-4, RBI, R), Sydney Daut (2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R), Adrianna Vargas (2-for-3, R)
Key innings: Bottom of third: With the game deadlocked 2-2, Paige Holden hit a leadoff single, and Lucke followed with a two-run blast to center field. Clewell drew a walk and scored on Beal’s two-out single. (5-2)
Top of the fourth: A four-run inning by the Owls included a leadoff double by Daut, singles by Vargas, Abbie Krevolin (RBI), Veronica Pachuucki (RBI) and Oliverio (RBI) (6-5)
Bottom of seventh: Lucke walked to lead off inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Clewell singled to center to plate Lucke with the tying run. Grace Meehan followed with a single. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, setting the stage for Roma’s RBI single (7-6)
Abington coach Tina Hesdon: “The entire team just kept in it the entire time, which is so amazing. They came out this year with a new outlook on the season and positive vibes, and it really showed on the field. We finished our season that way last year, and we just picked right back up, and it was so great to see.”
–Roma delivers in clutch: “I put Bella in to pinch hit, and she hit a smoking line drive down the third base line. I said to her – it’s the most difficult thing to come into a game, to be put in that situation with all the pressure and then to produce. What an amazing job on her part. I’m so proud of her.”
–Props: “I’m so proud of Mia Lucke. After her second home run, they didn’t give her much to hit, and rightly so because her first two at-bats she hit towering home runs. She’s a quiet kid, and she just found her voice this year too, so she’s really coming into her own as a leader and a player.”
Up next: Abington (1-0) will travel to Central Bucks East for a non-league game Thursday.
Bensalem 200 400 0 6-10-0
Abington 203 000 2 7-10-2
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 9, NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 3
The Indians pounded out 17 hits, and Olivia Schlindwein scattered three hits and did not allow an earned run in the complete game win in the circle.
Kayla Ripper had herself a day out of the leadoff spot collecting three hits, two stolen bases and scoring three runs. Mia Kiskurno also had three hits and a pair of RBIs while four players had two hits each.
By the numbers: Council Rock North: Kayla Ripper (3-for-4, 2 SB, 3R), Mia Kiskurno (3-for-4, SB, 2RBI, R), Olivia Schlindwein (2-for-4, SB, R), Chelsea Seiler (2-for-4, RBI), Sierra Klein (2-for-4, SB, 2 RBIs, Alison Bodick (2-for-5, 2RBI, 2R).
Olivia Schlindwein (7 IP, 3H, 3R, 0ER, 3BB, 5K).
Key innings: Top of first: Four straight singles by Ripper, Schlindwein, Seiler and Klein (RBI) set the tone for a big offensive day. (1-0)
Top of second: With two outs, Ripper legged out a bunt single, Schlindwein followed with a single. Ripper, who stole second, scored on an error. (2-0)
Top of third: The Indians capitalized on an error as well as a two-run single by Bodick and an RBI single by Kiskurno. (5-0)
Council Rock North coach Susan Yee on the game: “I was really proud of how our girls played together today, and particularly proud of their approach at the plate. Nobody tried to do too much, they just counted on each other to string together singles, and that approach paid off. Just a complete team effort which is always fun to see and be a part of.
“Mabel (Klossner) is a fantastic pitcher and also fields her position extremely well, so the girls’ plate approach was absolutely crucial today to be able to come away with a win. To have nine different girls all get a hit really showed how they bought in to the team concept and each player just doing their part. New Hope is not the New Hope of old. They are young and hungry, have fantastic pitching, and a staff that is constantly talking and teaching. They are going to make some noise.”
Up next: Council Rock North (1-1) will travel to North Penn Thursday for a non-league game, and New Hope-Solebury (0-2) will host Central Bucks West in a non-league game Thursday.
Council Rock North 113 031 0 9-17-1
New Hope-Solebury 000 200 1 3-3-3
NESHAMINY 3, NORTH PENN 1
Neshaminy opened its season with a big road win over the defending state champion Knights.
The visiting Redskins took a 1-0 lead in the second and added a pair in the third inning when Morgan Leonhauser smashed a two-run home run.
Addie Pennisi and Molly Ambrosius combined for the five-hitter. The Knights plated their lone run in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Brandi Groarke.
Tuesday’s game is the first of four road games to open the season for the Redskins and the first of three games in three days.
By the numbers: Neshaminy: Addie Pennisi (2-for-3, 2B, R), Morgan Leonhauser (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, R).
Addie Pennisi (4.0 IP 3H 0R, 2BB, 6K), Molly Ambrosius (3.0 IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 3K)
North Penn: Felicia Connolly (7 IP, 7H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 15K)
Key innings: Top of second: Pennisi hit a one-out single to left, stole second and scored when Erica Dalton doubled to left (1-0)
Top of third: With one out, Zahmira Coppola-Miller singled to center, and Leonhauser followed with a two-run home run to left field (3-0)
Bottom of seventh: Cailin Halfpenny lined a one-out single to center and advanced to third on a bunt single by Gabriella Brigidi. Halfpenny scored on a sac fly by Brandi Groarke (3-1)
Neshaminy coach Sarah Martoccio: “North Penn is a great team, and we know that any time we play them – we have to come out with all we have. The beginning of the season is tough for all the teams. We’re still trying to work out some of the kinks, figure out some things we’re moving around.
“We definitely could have had a better day. We had some things that we’ll be focusing on and working on, but overall, I was really proud of the team win. Everyone up and down the lineup in some capacity played a role in it, which was really good to see.
“We threw two girls today. We’re fortunate to have a large pitching staff of young girls, and we’re planning to utilize that to our advantage.”
Up next: Neshaminy (1-0) will travel to Conwell Egan for a non-league game Wednesday, and North Penn (0-1) will host Council Rock North for a non-league game Thursday.
Neshaminy 012 000 0 3-7-2
North Penn 000 000 1 1-5-0
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 17, PENNSBURY 1 (4 innings)
Sophomore Alexis Griffin tossed a one-hitter in Tuesday’s abbreviated non-league game, and the Titans scored all the runs she would need and then some in a nine-run first.
Ella Wheeler drove in four runs and had a double and triple. Maura Fleming and Cam Lee each also had a pair of hits.
By the numbers: Central Bucks South: Maura Fleming (2-for-2, RBI, 2R), Ella Wheeler (2-for-3, 2B, 3B, 4RBI, R), Cam Lee (2-for-3, 2B, 2RBI, 3R)
Alexis Griffin (4.0 IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 6K)
Key inning: Bottom of first: A nine-run first saw the Titans capitalize on four walks, a hit batter, as well as an error. The inning included singles by Maddie Motley and Maura Fleming (RBI). Delivering the big blows in the inning were Lee – who lined a two-run double to center – and Wheeler, who ripped a two-run triple to center field. (9-0)
Central Bucks South coach Matt McLaughlin: “Overall, a really good rebound game for us. Super excited about what this year has in store as we have an extremely talented group and a powerful pitching trio. Most importantly, for the second game in a row, I was able to get every single player into the game for at least an at-bat or an inning in the field. That is what we strive to do at South. It doesn’t always work out, but when it does, it feels really good to see every player get a chance. Looking forward to reigning state champions, North Penn, on Saturday. So, two huge games ahead looking forward to the competition.”
–Griffen on top of her game: “Tonight was a very well-pitched game by our sophomore pitcher Alexis Griffen, who threw a one hitter. She had a no-hitter going into the fourth inning, and that is about the only hit that was even squared up. Her ball was moving very well today – up and down, and her velocity was humming. Her changeup is devastating when she gets it deep in her palm.
–Big bats: “All of the bats were on fire today, but the two standouts were Ella Wheeler and Cam Lee, who were driving balls hard into both gaps. Both had multiple hits and multiple RBIs.”
Up next: Central Bucks South (1-1) will travel to Council Rock South for a non-league game Wednesday, and Pennsbury (0-1) will host Methacton in a non-league game Wednesday.
Pennsbury 001 0 1-1-3
Central Bucks South 920 6 17-9-1
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 7, VILLA JOSEPH MARIE 0
Lexi Waring and Julia Scannapieco combined for a seven-inning no-hitter in Tuesday’s non-league game. Waring retired all nine batters she faced in three perfect innings, striking out 6. Scannapieco fanned nine and walked a pair in four shutout innings.
For good measure, the duo combined for four of their team’s seven hits for the Hawks, who scored all of their runs in the first two innings.
By the numbers: Julia Scannapieco (2-for-3, 2B, 2R), Lexi Waring (2-for-2, RBI)
Lexi Waring (3 IP, 0H, 0R, 6K), Julia Scannapieco (4 IP, 0H, 0R, 2BB, 9K)
Key innings: Bottom of first: Scannapieco lined a single to left to lead off the inning and moved up to second on a passed ball. She scored when Waring grounded a one-out single to center. Paige Brady drew a walk, and Sophia Salamon hit an RBI single. The inning also included an RBI groundout by Shannon Williams and a steal of home by Faith Ortman. (4-0)
Bottom of second: The Golden Hawks scored three runs with two out. Scannapieco lined a double to center and scored on Jenna Pesapane’s single to center. Waring singled, and an error allowed a pair of runs to cross the plate (7-0)
Council Rock South coach Scott Molle: “Our defense delivered another exceptional performance, successfully executing every play that came their way. As a coaching staff, we stress the importance of stellar defense in securing victories, and our team has consistently excelled in this area throughout our first two games.
“We have a younger lineup this year, and they have been adjusting well in their varsity roles. I can’t say enough about how our seniors are leading them along the way. We can’t wait to see how this team keeps playing this year and look to keep playing good softball.
“We face a quick turnaround for game three tomorrow against CB South, our second of three games in four days.”
A pair of aces: “Lexi Waring and Julia Scannapieco combined to pitch a no-hitter today with both pitchers effectively neutralizing Villa Joe’s hitters. Both Lexi and Julia achieved multiple hits at the plate.”
–Props: “Jenna Pesapane, Lexi Waring, Sophia Salamon, and Shannon Williams all contributed RBIs and showcased quality at-bats early in the game.
Up next: Council Rock South (2-0) will be on the road at Central Bucks South for a non-league game Wednesday.
Villa Joseph Marie 000 000 0 0-0-2
Council Rock South 430 000 x. 7-7-0
UPPER MORELAND 6, DOCK MENNONITE 5
The Golden Bears picked up their third win in as many games in the young season, and this one was a thriller.
Trailing 5-4 heading into the top of the seventh, the Bears rallied to plate a pair. Sofia Magagna delivered a sacrifice fly that plated Steph Jones, who had walked. Joslyn McCellan lofted a sacrifice fly to left field that plated Kelly Bates, who singled earlier in the inning.
Upper Moreland coach Melanie Martino: “Dock Mennonite is always a close game for us. Both their pitchers did a good job today. The game was back and forth for most of the game.
“We got in the board in the third when freshman Sofia Magagna singled, scoring two runs. Sofia also had a key sac fly in the seventh. Joslyn McCellan came up big again for us with a sac fly bringing in Kelly Bates.
“Delaney Stout continues to do a great job in the circle with pitching back-to-back games she still struck out 13 batters today.
“Also picking up some key hits for us today was Melissa Torpey, Jordyn Gibbs and Lianna Adames.”
Up next: Upper Moreland (3-0) will travel to William Tennent next Tuesday for its SOL opener.
Upper Moreland 003 001 2 6
Dock Mennonite 000 302 0 5
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 15, SPRINGFIELD TWP 1 (5 innings)
The Spartans took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Patriots erased that with 10 runs in the bottom of the third.
Ten East players contributed hits with Hailey Helmstetter collecting a pair to lead the 11-hit attack.
Sarah Zmuda allowed just one run and four hits in five innings to earn the win.
By the numbers: Hailey Helmstetter (2-for-4, 3 RBIs, 2R)
Sarah Zmuda (5.0 IP, 4H 1R 1ER, 5BB, 5K)
Key inning: Top of third: Trailing 1-0, the Patriots erupted for 10 runs in the top of the third. Highlights of the inning included an RBI double to center by Maggie Funston and singles by Helmstetter (RBI), Hewitt (RBI), Carly Franklin (RBI) and Devine (2 RBIs). They also benefitted from four walks and a pair of errors.
Up next: Central Bucks East (2-0) will host Abington in a non-league game Thursday, and Springfield Twp (0-1) will host Wissahickon on Wednesday in a non-league game.
Springfield Twp 100 00 1-4-5
Central Bucks East 0010 14 16-11-0
UPPER PERKIOMEN 10, QUAKERTOWN 9
The Panthers lost a slugfest on Tuesday, coming up just short when the Tribe broke a 9-9 tie with a run in the bottom of the seventh for the walk-off win.
The game started out on a promising note for the Panthers, who put four runs on the board in the top of the first. They capitalized on a costly miscue. Carli Maha’s double was the big blow of the inning.
The two teams kept exchanging best shots, and the Panthers broke an 8-8 tie in the top of the sixth when Leah Schwalm doubled and scored on Ellie Hilton’s single to left field.
Upper Perk evened the score in the bottom of the inning and won it in the seventh.
Leah Schwalm’s 4-for-4 effort at the plate with a run scored led the Panthers’ 11-hit attack. Gianna Santangelo was 2-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Kayla Scheibenhofer was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Up next: Quakertown (0-1) will travel to Boyertown for a non-league game Wednesday.
Quakertown 402 201 0 9-11-1
Upper Perkiomen 223 101 1 10-12-5
BOYERTOWN 13, PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 3 (6 innings)
Boyertown scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and blew the game open with seven runs in the second on their way to the non-league win over the visiting Colonials.
“Credit to Boyertown – they came out ready to play today and we did not,” PW coach Mike Perez said. “Kyra (Neiswender) did a great job in the circle keeping us off balance early, and (Lindsay) Matthias and (Rielynn) Carey had great days at the plate.
“Our youth and inexperience continues to show, but we’ll keep working through it and get back on track. We’re back at home tomorrow for another tough game vs Perk Valley.”
Neiswender allowed just one hit in three shutout innings. She did not walk a batter and struck out four. Matthias finished a productive day at the plate 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs while Carey was 3-for-3 out of the leadoff spot with a double, triple, home run, three runs scored and three RBIs. She finished just a single shy of hitting for the cycle.
Offensive highlights for the Colonials included a 2-for-3 effort at the plate by freshman third baseman Gio Bono, who hit the first home run of her high school career. Her two-run blast to left field came in the fourth inning. Bono scored two of PW’s three runs. Zoey Robinson was 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh (0-2) will host Perkiomen Valley on Wednesday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 000 201 3-6-3
Boyertown 270 022 13-12-0
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