Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Thursday.
Non-league
NORTH PENN 4, CONESTOGA 1
Brandi Groarke – in complete command in the circle – took a shutout into the top of the sixth inning when the visiting Pioneers plated their only run (unearned). By that time, the Knights had a 4-1 lead, and Groarke was on her way to the complete game win, allowing just two hits and no earned runs while striking out nine and walking two.
The Knights took a 1-0 lead in the second when Smink, who drew a leadoff walk, scored on Alana Battavio’s two-out double to center field.
In the bottom of the fifth, Cailin Halfpenny led off with a single, and Gabriella Brigidi drew a one-out walk. Both runners advanced on Olivia Iseman’s sacrifice, and Tallie Smink emptied the bases when- with two outs – she smashed three-run home run to center field for a 4-0 lead that was more than enough for Groarke.
By the numbers: North Penn: Tallie Smink (1-for-2, HR, 3RBIs, 2R), Alana Battavio (1-for-2, 2B, 1RBI), Brandi Groarke (W) (7.0 IP, 2H, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 9K) (1-for-3, 2B)
North Penn coach Rick Torresani:
–The game: “Before our season started and I was trying to get our 2026 schedule together, I wanted to play teams that we have not played in a while. So, I was lucky enough to be able to get on the schedule two teams from the Central League and the PAC. Conestoga and Haverford have always been at the top of the Central and Perk Valley and Methacton at the top of the PAC.
“Today, both teams played extremely well. Both pitchers had command of their pitches, and each team played really good defense. We just happened to get two timely hits with runners on base. Alana Battavio hit a double in the gap with a girl on, and we were able to score the first run in the second inning, and then Tallie Smink – with two girls on base – hit a rocket over the right field fence to score three runs in the fifth inning.”
–Props: “Brandi Groarke only gave up two hits and had nine K’s with one intentional walk. Brandi threw great in Alabama and came out today and continued her command of the zone.”
Up next: North Penn will travel to Methacton for a non-league game Saturday (1pm).
Conestoga 000 001 0 1-2-0
North Penn 010 030 x 4-4-1
PENNSBURY 9, PENNRIDGE 6 (8 innings)
Freshman Paige Fidishun – just back from a bout with the flu – had herself quite a debut, hitting a two-run double in the top of the eighth in a three-run Falcon uprising and also earning the complete game win in her debut.
“She was a little bit weak, but she toughened through it, there’s no doubt about it,” Pennsbury coach Frank McSherry said.
With the two teams deadlocked 6-6 after seven innings, Liv Czerniak and Bella Morales led off the top of the eighth with back-to-back singles. With two outs, Fidishun lined a double to center that brought home a pair, and Aubrey Bedell’s single plated a third run, giving the Falcons a 9-6 lead they would not lose.
The seventh inning also had its share of drama. The Falcons, who trailed 5-4 after six, put a pair of runs on the board in the top of the inning, benefitting from a pair of Pennridge miscues, an RBI single by Jenna Thompson, an intentional walk to Jaylynn Rodweller and a single by Fidishun. The Rams evened the score in the bottom of the inning.
Rodweller – in her debut after missing her entire season last year with an injury – smashed a solo home run and also had a double. Bella Morales reached base on all five trips to the plate.
By the numbers: Pennsbury: Jenna Thompson (2-for-5, 1RBI, 1R), Jaylynn Rodweller 2-for-3, 2B, HR, 2RBIs, 1R), Paige Fidishun (3-for-4, 2B, 2RBIs), Bella Morales (4-for-5, 3R), Syd Kandravi (2-for-4, 2B, 1RBI, 1R)
Pennridge: Payton Keyser (2-for-5, HR, 3BIS, 1R), Jadyn Gulbinski (2-for-4, 1R), Jules Pliszka (2-for-5, 1RBI, 1R)
Pennridge coach Crystalrae States:
This was our first outing of the season, and an exciting way to get started. Madison (Heinrich) threw a strong game. Payton had a 3-run homer for our team to take the lead. The girls rallied every inning with a back-and-forth game. We have a lot of upside, and I think we are the team to watch this year.”
Up next: Pennsbury will travel to Coatesville for a non-league game Friday, and Pennridge will host Perkiomen Valley on Friday.
Pennsbury 100 012 23 9-12-3
Pennridge 002 003 10 6-10-7
BENSALEM 16, ST HUBERT 9
The visiting Owls took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the third when St. Hubert erupted for four runs to pull to within one. Bensalem answered with five in the top of the fourth to go on top 10-4. Highlights of the inning included a two-run triple by Aubrey Merz, an RBI double by Sydney Daut and an RBI single by Reece Colgan.
St. Hubert’s put four on the board in the bottom of the fourth to make it a 10-8 game, but Bensalem answered with four of its own in the top of the fifth on its way to the win.
Daut and Dana Oliverio led the Owls’ 19-hit attack with four hits each. Gina Oliverio set the tone for a big offensive performance for the Owls with a two-run home run in the second.
All told, the Owls had six extra-base hits.
By the numbers: Bensalem: Sydney Daut (4-or-5, 2 2B, 3RBIs, 4R), Dana Oliverio (4-for-5, 3RBIs), Gina Oliverio (2-for-4, HR, 2RBIs, 3R), Veronica Pachucki (2-for-4), Aubrey Merz (2-for-5, 2B, 3B, 2RBIs, 2R), Abbie Krevolin (2-for-5, 2B, 3RBIs, 1R).
Bensalem coach Dan Schram:
“Nice group of kids, and they’re working very hard. They are a fun group to work with. One for the Owls today. Back to practice tomorrow.”
Up next: Bensalem will open league play next Thursday at Council Rock South.
Bensalem 221 540 2 16-19-2
St. Hubert 004 410 0 9-12-1
SPRINGFIELD TWP 7, HARRY S TRUMAN 6
The Spartans rode the productive day at the plate by Natalie Hartman – just a home run shy of the cycle – to a hard-fought win over the visiting Tigers.
Hartman’s two-run triple highlighted a four-run first for the Spartans, who added single runs in the second, third and fourth innings.
The Tigers – sparked by the 3-hit effort of Melanie Mahler – scored runs in five of seven innings. Her triple and steal of home made it a 6-5 game in the top of the fourth.
By the numbers: Springfield Twp: Natalie Hartman (3-for-3, 2B, 3B, 4 RBIs, 1R), Juju Cooney (2-for-3, 2R), Molly McGuckin (0-for-1, 3R)
Harry S Truman: Melanie Mahler (3-for-3, 3B, 1RBI, 3R), T aylorCarney (2-or-4, 2B, 1RBI), Braelyn Horan (2-for-3, 2B, 1R).
Springfield Twp coach Heather Gehlhaus:
–The game: “The team earned a hard-fought win with a strong, complete performance. Shoutout to Truman for going the distance and delivering a solid seven-inning game. The girls competed from start to finish and consistently rose to the moment, doing their jobs in most situations.”
–Props: “Natalie Hartman led the offense with an outstanding day at the plate, recording a single, double, and triple while driving in four runs. The top of the lineup set the tone by getting on base and applying constant pressure.
“Another shoutout to freshman Bea Lyons, who stepped into an unfamiliar role due to injury and came up big with several incredible defensive plays. Our pitchers did a great job setting the tone and putting the team in a position to succeed.
“Overall, this was a true team win with contributions across the board, both offensively and defensively.”
Up next: Springfield Twp will be on the road for Monday’s SOL opener at Lower Moreland, and Harry S Truman will host St. Hubert’s in a non-league game Monday.
Harry S Truman 121 101 0 6-5-2
Springfield Twp 411 100 x 7-7-4
LOWER MORELAND 8, LOWER MERION 6
Sparked by a two-run home run by Maddie Menchhofer, the Lions took an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first only to watch it disappear quickly, and it was the Aces – after a three-run outburst in the top of the fourth – taking a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the inning.
That’s when the Lions erupted for four runs to take a lead they would not lose. The Lions managed just one hit in the inning – a single by Olivia Fey, but they benefitted from five walks and a hit batter.
Menchhofer led the Lions with an impressive 3-for-3 day at the plate that included a double, home run and four RBIs.
By the numbers: Lower Moreland: Maddie Menchhofer (3-for-3, 2B, HR, 4RBIs, 1R), Lily Seiner (2-for-3, 1RBI, 2R), Ani Zucker (1-for-2, 2B, 1RBI).
Up next: Lower Moreland will host Springfield Twp in Monday’s SOL opener.
Lower Merion 001 301 1 6-13-1
Lower Moreland 300 401 x. 8-8-0
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 4, DOWNINGTOWN WEST 3 (8 innings)
The visiting Titans showed their resiliency, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to knot the score in the sixth. They took a 3-2 lead in the top of the seventh only to see the Whippets even the score in the bottom of the inning.
They won it with a run in the top of the eighth. Delaney Theis and Keira Im led off the inning with back-to-back singles, and Theis scored from third when Maddie Motley lofted a sacrifice fly to center field.
Earlier, in the two-run sixth, the Titans benefitted from a walk and hit batter. Motley delivered the key hit, an RBI single that saw a second run cross the plate on a Downingtown West miscue.
In the top of the seventh, the Titans took a 3-2 lead on a West error on a single by Arianna Flores.
Alexis Griffin notched the complete game win, allowing five hits and three runs.
By the numbers: Central Bucks South: Maddie Motley (1-for-3 2RBIs)
Alexis Griffin (W) (8.0 IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 4BB, 2K)
Up next: Central Bucks South will host Perkiomen Valley in a non-league game Tuesday.
Central Bucks South 000 002 11 4-6-0
Downingtown West 002 000 10 3-5-3
SOUDERTON 16, EPISCOPAL ACADEMY 3 (6 innings)
The Indians put four runs on the board in the bottom of the first and led wire to wire in Thursday’s mercy rule win.
Kathryn Jones earned the win in the circle with two shutout innings in her start. She also had a huge day at the plate, contributing four hits. Ava Detwiler and Skyler Byrnes both had three-hit games. Byrnes and Katie Straub both hit home runs – Straub a solo shot in the second and Byrnes a solo blast in the fourth.
By the numbers: Souderton: Kathryn Jones (4-for-4, 2B, 1RBI, 2R), Ava Detwiler (3-for-4, 2B, 3RBIs, 3R), Skyler Byrnes (3-for-4, HR, 3RBIs, 3R), Kiera Fadden (2-for-4, 2B, 2RBIs, 1R), Katie Straub (2-for-2, HR, 3RBIs, 2R), Kendal Nelson (1-for-3, 2B, 2RBIs)
Kathryn Jones (W) (2.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K), Madi Mott (2.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 2K)
Up next: Souderton will host Owen J Roberts in a non-league game Monday.
Episcopal 003 000 3-6-2
Souderton 411 55x 16-17-0
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 17, WILLIAM TENNENT 5 (5 innings)
The Patriots pounded out 14 hits in Thursday’s abbreviated contest, taking care of business in a hurry with seven runs in the first and seven more in the second.
There were hitting stars galore in this one, and in the seven-run first, Carly Franklin, Sydney Hahn and Hailey Hickman each contributed two-run doubles.
In the second inning, Franklin and Hahn both hit home runs – Franklin a leadoff shot to left field and Hahn a two-run blast to left field.
By the numbers: Carly Franklin (3-for-4, 2 2B, HR, 3RBIs, 3R), Sydney Hahn (2-for-3, 2B, HR, 4RBIs, 2R), Hailey Helmstetter (2-for-3, 2RBIs, 3R), Elena Bhatt (2-for-3, 1RBI, 2R), Hailey Hickman (1-for-1, 2B, 2RBIs, 3R), Sarah Zmuda (1-for-3, 2B, 3RBIs)
Up next: Central Bucks East will host Villa Joseph Marie in a non-league game Mondya.
Central Bucks East 770 21 17-14-1
William Tennent 031 01 5-5-3
CONWELL-EGAN 4, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 3
The Golden Hawks came up just short on the scoreboard, but coach Scott Molle saw a lot of things he liked from his young squad. Freshman Ashley Curtier had herself quite a debut, finishing a perfect for 4-for-4 at the plate.
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Ashlyn Curtier (4-for-4, 1RBI), Paige Brady (2B, 2RBI), Jenna Pesapane (2-for-4)
Council Rock South coach Scott Molle:
–The game: “As a team, (we) showed impressive discipline at the plate, not recording a single strikeout all game, while also playing clean, error-free defense. Though there are areas to build on, the effort and execution left the coaching staff encouraged in the season’s first outing.
“With a talented but youthful roster, (we) understand there will be a learning curve. However, based on the opening performance, the foundation is clearly in place for a competitive and successful season.”
–Props: “Freshman shortstop Ashlyn Curtier made an immediate impact in her varsity debut, going a perfect 4-for-4 with an RBI. She also handled every defensive chance that came her way, showcasing poise and consistency. Her performance drew early comparisons from the coaching staff to last year’s standout freshman, Jenna Pesapane, signaling a bright future ahead.
“Left fielder Paige Brady provided an early spark offensively, delivering a two-RBI double in the first inning to get the Golden Hawks on the board. Known for her work ethic and energy, Brady’s performance is a sign of what could be a breakout season at the plate.
“In the circle, sophomore Natalie Neubauer turned in a strong first varsity start. She recorded five strikeouts without issuing a walk, demonstrating control and composure against a tough opponent. Her development will be a key piece for South as the season progresses.
“Jenna Pesapane picked up right where she left off last season, going 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot and consistently making solid contact. She just missed a three-run home run and remained steady defensively at third base, continuing to be a reliable presence for us.
“Freshman Avery Ochs also made her mark, recording her first varsity hit while showing strength and confidence at the plate. Her offensive upside adds another exciting element to the lineup.”
Up next: Council Rock South will travel to Easton for a non-league game Friday.
Council Rock South 200 100 0 3-11-0
Conwell-Egan 021 010 x 4-9-1
PERKIOMEN VALLEY 10, PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 8
Things looked promising after the Colonials – sparked by a two-run home run from Anna Powel – opened up a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. The Vikings answered with six runs in the bottom of the inning to take a lead they would not lose.
Powel’s 3-for-3 day at the plate included a pair of home runs and four RBIs. Lori Flannery was 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and run scored. Also adding two hits were Gia Bono (2-for-4, 1RBI, 2R) and Liv Brodzinski (2-for-4, 1R).
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Mike Perez:
–The game: “I’m proud of the way we came out hitting the ball in the top of the first. But PV has a powerful lineup and took some frustrations out on us in the bottom half of the inning and into the second inning.
“We have a young team, and we are still trying to find our groove. We need to realize it’s a long game and teams will have runs. We got down early and went flat. But I was happy with the fight we showed late in the game to claw back.
“The weather seems to be warming a little, so hopefully we can get a few outdoor practices to work on things. The season is early and we’ve yet to put together a full game. We have too much talent on the roster to stay down too long. We will keep working on things and figuring it all out to get back on track.”
–Perez’s 3 Stars of the Game:
Anna Powel (3-for-3, 2HR, 3R, 4RBIs) “She’s been on base all eight at-bats this season! She’s really locked in at the plate, putting together some great of bats and hitting the ball really hard.”
Emma Keely (4.1 innings in relief, 2H, 0ER, 6K) “The second game in a row, she came in in a sticky situation. She really did an amazing job to quiet down a lineup that was on fire to start the game! She moved the ball really well and changed speeds to keep them off balance.”
Lori Flannery (2-for-4 w 2 doubles, 1R, 1RBI) “Lori is a freshman with a very bright future ahead of her. She was making her first varsity start today, played a great centerfield and collected her first two hits of her high school career, both hard hit doubles. She also collected her first RBI on one of those doubles with two outs in a last inning rally.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will host Methacton in a non-league game Monday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 300 021 2 8-12-4
Perkiomen Valley 621 100 x 10-10-2
UPPER MERION 15, WISSAHICKON 5 (6 innings)
The Vikings led 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. They scored 10 runs over the next three innings to bring an early end to the non-league contest.
Juliet O’Farrell was 2-for-3 with two doubles, one RBI and one run scored to lead the Trojans. Mackenzie Melrath contributed a double and two RBIs, and Dani Marra was 1-for-3 with a double, RBI and run scored.
Up next: Wissahickon will travel to Central Bucks West for a non-league game Friday.
Wissahickon 000 203 5-7-2
Upper Merion 320 424 15-16-0
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