Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Thursday. New Hope-Solebury/Hatboro-Horsham photos courtesy of Karla Donohoe. Check back for a gallery. (Pennsbury photo courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography) CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ SOFTBALL GALLERIES.
Non-league
PENNSBURY 6, NORTH PENN 5
The Falcons came up with a huge road win, but it was not without its share of drama.
Trailing 4-3 heading into the top of the seventh, the Falcons put three runs on the board in an inning that included a single by Bella Morales – who scored on a wild pitch, a double into the wind in left field by Jenna Thompson, and a booming two-out, two-run home run to center field by Chloe Link.
“She hit a rocket,” Pennsbury coach Frank McSherry said.
Trailing by two, Brandi Groarke and Felicia Connolly gave the Knights life with back-to-back one-out singles. Pennsbury’s Kylie Dressel coaxed a fly ball to left field for the inning’s second out, but Alana Battavio followed with a single to center, plating the runner from second and setting the stage for a game-saving play by center fielder Jenna Thompson.
“Their kid scored from second, but JT did the smart thing and threw to Syd Kandravi at third base – that’s the tying run, and we don’t want her 60 feet away,” McSherry said. “We got her in a rundown, and that was it. The end of the game. Our kid executed the rundown well.
“This was really an exciting win for us – we needed that.”
By the numbers: Pennsbury: Bella Morales (2-for-4, 1R), Chloe Link (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 3RBIs, 2R)
Kylie Dressel (W) (7.0 IP, 12H, 5R, 5ER, 2BB, 3K)
North Penn: Cailin Halfpenny (2-for-2, 2R), Tallie Smink (2-for-4, 2B, 1R), Mady Archer (2-for-4, 1RBI), Brandi Groarke (2-for-3, 1RBI, 2R), Felicia Connolly (2-for-4)
Felicia Connolly (L) (7.0 IP, 8, 6R, 1ER, 2BB, 11K)
By the inning: Top of first: The Falcons plated an unearned run.
Bottom of first: The Knights evened the score, thanks to singles by Cailin Halfpenny, Mady Archer and Bella Groarke (RBI).
Bottom of third: A walk to Halfpenny, who moved to second on a wild pitch, a single by Tallie Smink and an RBI single by Archer gave the Knights a 2-1 lead.
Bottom of fifth: Groarke drew a one-out walk, stole second and scored on a two-out single by Gabby Battavio to give NP a 4-1 lead.
Top of sixth: Ryen Rittersbach reached base on an error to lead off inning and scored on Link’s double. Maddie Ruckel singled home a run to pull the Falcons to within one, 4-3, setting the stage for the dramatic seventh.
Pennsbury coach Frank McSherry: “The kids played well. We said this was the most fun bus ride home that we’ve had all season. The JV won by a run too 7-6, so both teams were happy coming home.”
Up next: Pennsbury (5-5, 2-3 SOL) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh in a non-league game Tuesday, and North Penn (4-4, 4-1 SOL) is scheduled to travel to Perkiomen Valley for a non-league game Saturday (11 am).
Pennsbury 100 002 3 6-8-0
North Penn 101 020 1 5-12-2
SOUDERTON 5, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 3
Trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Indians plated four runs in the sixth to earn the come-from-behind win over the Patriot Division’s top squad. The win came 24 hours after a hard-fought 5-3 win over Central Bucks South that also saw the Indians rally from behind late in the game.
Josi Tolentino hit her second home run in as many days and also had a double. Kiera Fadden had a pair of hits out of the leadoff spot and two RBIs.
Skyler Byrnes earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Ava Detwiler, who allowed one earned run in five strong innings.
Kayla Ripper had a big day out of the leadoff spot for the Indians, finishing 3-for-4 with a run scored.
By the numbers: Souderton: Kiera Fadden (2-for-4, 2RBI), Josi Tolentino (2-for-3, 2B, HR, 1RBI, 1R) Kendal Nelson (2B, 1RBI), Kathryn Jones (3B)
Ava Detwiler (5.0 IP, 5H, 3R, 1ER, 2BB, 5K), Skyler Byrnes (W) (2.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 4K)
Council Rock North: Kayla Ripper (3-for-4, 1R)
Key innings: Top of fifth: The Indians tacked on what looked like an important insurance run. Zoe Hornstein led off with a single and moved up to second on a sacrifice bunt by Mia Kiskurno. Ripper singled to put runners on the corners, and Hornstein scored when Olivia Schlindwein singled to put the Indians on top 3-1.
Top of sixth: Trailing 3-1, the Indians erupted for four runs. Ava Detwiler led off with a single, and Tolentino followed with a double. Detwiler scored on Emma Messmer’s fielder’s choice, and then Byrnes was safe on an error. Kendal Nelson lined a double to center that brought home Messmer, and with two outs, Fadden lined a single to center that plated a pair and put the Indians on top 5-3.
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “This was by far the biggest challenge for our girls to have to play two top-quality teams in consecutive days. We have been doing a good job of getting leads but not doing enough to put teams away early in the game. We found ourselves behind again after taking an early lead. All the credit goes to our girls for never giving up. They are built for pressure situations, and we had another night where almost everyone in our lineup came up with a big hit. I couldn’t be prouder of this group of gritty girls.”
Props: “Josi Tolentino had another big day at the plate with two hits, including a home run to get us on the board early. She has been working hard and always wants to stay after practice to hit. I am most proud of how much she has improved behind the plate. She threw out two more runners today to get us out of some jams.
“Ava Detwiler had her first start of the season on the mound and did a phenomenal job against a very good CR North lineup. She is a workhorse, and I am delighted to see her hard work pay off.
“Skyler Byrnes just came off a big win the day before and dug deep to pitch two scoreless innings for us. She gave us a chance to climb back in the game and got herself a win in the process.”
Council Rock North coach Susan Yee: “Souderton is young and dangerous. They are really coming into their own and proving they are a tough team to handle. They hit the ball well, have good pitching, and are well coached. They deserve a lot of credit for battling until the final out. They believe in themselves, and it shows. We are going to learn from today, move forward, and hopefully come back stronger next week.”
Up next: Souderton (7-2, 4-1 SOL) is scheduled to host Upper Perkiomen in a non-league game Friday, and Council Rock North (8-3, 5-0) will host Conwell-Egan in a non-league game Wednesday.
Council Rock North 002 010 0. 3-7-2
Souderton 010 004 x 5-8-3
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 9, NESHAMINY 8
The Titans won a come-from-behind thriller.
With two on and nobody out in the bottom of the seventh and the Titans trailing by one, Kate Muntz lined a double to left field, scoring a pair of runs – including the game-winner – to give the Titans the dramatic walk-off win.
“It was just an epic game,” CB South coach Matt McLaughlin said. “It was one of those games these girls will remember forever because it started off not going in our direction.
“Talk about a heavyweight fight – we were down 6-0, and we stormed back to make it 6-5. We end up tying the game in the sixth inning. The very next inning they come out and hit a home run, and they’re up 8-7. It just was back and forth. It was that one where it’s like, ‘Wow, look what we just did.’ Now they’re starting to believe it.”
The Titans had eight extra base hits, which included two doubles by Maddie Motley and one each from Erin Ruddell, Ella Wheeler, Muntz, Maura Fleming and Maddie McClintock. Wheeler had the other extra base hit – a home run.
For the Redskins, Zahmira Coppola-Miller and Jill Rickards both had two hits. Rickards had a home run, and Morgan Leonhauser hit a grand slam.
Brooke Taylor notched the win in relief for the Titans.
By the numbers: Central Bucks South: Ella Wheeler (2-for-3, 2B, HR, 1RBI, 3R), Maura Fleming (2-for-4, 2B, 1R), Maddie Motley (2-for-4, 2 2B, 2RBI, 1R), Maddie McClintock (2-for-4, 2B, 1R), Kate Muntz (2-for-4, 2B, 4RBI)
Brooke Taylor (W) (5.1 IP, 2H, 2R, 1ER, 2BB, 8K)
Neshaminy: Zahmira Coppola-Miller (2-for-3, 2RBI, 1R), Jill Rickards (2-for-3, HR, 1RBI, 1R), Morgan Leonhauser (HR, 4RBI)
Key innings: Bottom of seventh, McClintock reached base on leadoff single, and an error on Erin Ruddell’s sacrifice bunt puts runners on second and third for Muntz, who lined a two-run double to left giving the Titans the walk-off win.
Top of seventh: Rickards led off the inning with solo home run to give the ‘Skins an 8-7 lead.
Bottom of sixth: Trailing by one, Wheeler evened the score with a solo home run to left field, knotting the score 7-7.
Bottom of the third: Trailing 6-0, the Titans put four on the board. With one out, Wheeler walked, and Fleming followed with a single. Maddie Motley drove in two runs with a double to right field. Back-to-back Neshaminy miscues allowed a third run to cross the plate, and Muntz’s two-run single made it a 6-5 game.
Top of the second: The Redskins, who had a 2-0 lead, loaded the bases with two outs on three walks. Morgan Leonhauser cleared the bases with a grand slam to left field, giving Neshaminy a 6-0 kead,
Central Bucks South coach Matt McLaughlin: “We had one of our top pitchers on the mound (Maddie Motley), and she was getting squeezed. It was really difficult to watch the strikes not get called. You’re like, ‘Wow, the catcher didn’t even move her glove.’ That led to an early exit for her. I didn’t want to leave her out there because the strikes weren’t getting called and then a grand slam happened. In the second inning, we were down 6-0.
“So it’s 6-0 second inning, and it’s a high-powered offense. Neshaminy can put runs up – they can score, they can hit, so we make a pitching change, and we leave Maddie Motley in because she’s just incredible with the bat, and she had two big doubles in the game.
Nobody gave up when it was 6-0, no one looked like we were defeated. It was clearly a championship mindset with every single girl on the bench, including the ones who don’t get into the game and are just on the fence screaming for their friends. It’s just really cool to see this culture come together.
“Last night, when we lost to Souderton – a really tough loss. We had Alexis (Griffin) on the mound. She was lights-out against a great team. Unfortunately, we didn’t win that one. We faced four consecutive rainouts, so we hadn’t played in nine days, and we were probably a little rusty last night, but we still hit the ball hard.
“This is a championship mindset team. They don’t give up when they’re down. We had a massive comeback against Council Rock South earlier in the season and another huge one today. The games we’ve lost have been – one hit cost us the game. We’re through the toughest part of our schedule. The first nine games are the most difficult, and we are 5-4. This team is going to go far, they’re going to be talked about. It’s just a fantastic place to be. I love it. They’re a very scrappy team, so to come back and beat them after being in the hole 6-0 was a true testament to what this team’s all about.
“Tonight made me fall deeper in love with this game. The parents were amazing, cheering on their kids. The culture is really cool. What we’re doing at CB South is infectious, and I absolutely love it.”
–Muntz magic: “We were down 8-7, and (the seventh inning) was our last shot, and two of our best players get up and get on base, and then Kate Muntz, our seven hitter, comes in and just ropes a walk-off double. It was her second huge hit of the game. She’s really coming into her own. She seems relaxed. For me clearly, she was the MVP of the day, but every girl on the team contributed.”
–Props: “Ella Wheeler, our senior center fielder, had another massive home run to center field to spark the girls.
“Our freshman catcher, Erin Ruddell, might be the best athlete I have seen ever at this level at her age. She had another huge hit – legged out a double, stole two bases, was a monster behind the plate. Nothing gets by her. She’s an absolute vacuum cleaner back there. It’s fun to watch. It’s going to be really exciting to see what this kid does long term. You’ll see her on TV one day, that’s how good she is.
“So many girls contributed. Maddie McClintock, our senior, is hitting .600 this season. She comes up in big spots and just gets the job done.
“Our pitching was fantastic again, and Megan Sandow, our starting third baseman, made two absolutely game-saving plays at third base.
“Maura Fleming is committed to Kutztown. She’s been injured all year and has only been hitting for us, and she is just absolutely dominant. It’s hard to get her out. She could have two strikes because I put her in a hole because I give her bunt signs, and she still finds a way to smack a single or a double into the gap. It’s just so much fun.”
Up next: Central Bucks South (5-4, 2-2 SOL) will travel to Interboro for a non-league contest on Monday, and Neshaminy (4-5, 3-2) is scheduled to travel to Boyertown for a non-league game Saturday (11 am).
Neshaminy 240 001 1 8-6-5
Central Bucks South 005 101 2 9-11-4
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 5, HATBORO-HORSHAM 4
Chris Marchok – after last year’s successful season – was looking to challenge his team this year.
“I asked the AD to step up our schedule this year,” the NH-S’ coach said. “I wanted our kids to have to battle a lot in the non-league games.”
Marchok got his wish, and on Thursday, the Lions – who have already faced CR North, CB East and CB West – took on Hatboro-Horsham. They found themselves trailing by two but rallied to win it with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth.
An offensive highlight for the Lions was Mabel Klossner’s 2-run home run in the bottom of the first. The Hatters capitalized on a pair of Lion miscues to score three runs in the second.
Klossner notched the complete game win. Hatboro-Horsham’s Kennedy Conn pitched well enough to win on most days as well.
For the Hatters, it was their fifth one-run game.
By the numbers: New Hope-Solebury: Mabel Klossner (1-for-3, HR, 2RBI, 1R), Ali Rickard (2-for-3, 1RBI)
Mabel Klossner (W) (7.0 IP, 4H, 4R, 0ER, 2BB, 7K)
Hatboro-Horsham: Kennedy Conn (2-for-3, 2 RBI) Madison Karpovish (2B)
Kennedy Conn (L) (6 IP, 7H, 5R, 4ER, 1BB, 8K)
Key innings: Bottom of sixth: Trailing 4-3, the Lions plated a pair of runs. Riley Sim lined a single to center to lead off the inning, and an error on Mary Stefanache’s bunt put runners on second and third with none out. Rickard’s single drove in a run, and a second scored on Danielle Wilson’s groundout that put the Lions on top 5-4.
New Hope-Solebury coach Chris Marchok: “Last year, Hatboro beat us 8-0, and after our game on Tuesday, Mabel (Klossner) wanted the ball today. She got the ball, and she kept the ball for seven innings. No earned runs. It’s not just the fact that she gave up the unearned runs – it’s the momentum, it’s being able to keep things calm.
“What doesn’t go in the scorebook is what that kid does on the mound when a kid makes an error, and Dagny (Mobley) does the same thing – it’s truly
unbelievable when you hear them and you see them. An error happens, and instead of a glare, instead of a ‘hey, come on,’ what you get is encouragement – ‘Let’s get the next one,’ and that’s coming from the pitcher who’s in the middle of it all.
“Some of the conversations I’ve had with Mabel and Dagny – I have longed to have them for years with these pitchers that are so mature in the game. It’s fantastic. They are young age-wise, but they are old and long in the tooth.
–The game: “Hatboro is Hatboro – they’re well-schooled, they play good defense, and they hit the ball. There was solid contact coming off the bat. It was a strange game for us. Our defense struggled sometimes, and then at other times made some really nice plays. We had six errors, and yet, our kid in center field, Rachel Sim, played lights out. There were some super nice plays defensively by kids who had struggled earlier.
“I told our kids afterwards – ‘It’s easy to win when you’re winning, it’s not easy to win when you’re the one struggling early in the game against a really good team.’ We hung in there. You take a look at the leadership that our kids have out there in Mabel (Klossner) and Dagny (Mobley) and a couple of our seniors.
“One of my pitchers who also plays shortstop is coming back from an injury, so we’ve been trying to be very, very judicious in getting her back. She’s fine now, but you don’t jump her in full speed. Mabel’s been on the mound almost exclusively, and that puts a freshman out there at shortstop. Even today, I was without my
number two hitter, so it’s been fun to see what we’ve been able to do early on like this.”
–Credit to Conn: “I really like their pitcher (Kennedy Conn). The fact that seven of my kids were able to pick up hits off of her – those are legit at-bats. That’s a really good pitcher right there. She definitely pitched well enough for them to win. She had eight strikeouts, two walks. It wasn’t horrible conditions. The batters had a fair shot at everything, and the two pitchers both threw so well. They really did.”
Hatboro-Horsham coach Bob Sadowl: “We were able to manufacture a couple runs by applying pressure with the short game and taking advantage of some miscues. Just couldn’t get that breakout hit with two outs.
“I thought Kennedy (Conn) pitched well enough to win, but when you’re in these close games – we need to learn there is no room for mistakes. I think we are trying to set a SOL record for most one-run games now at five on the season.”
–Props: “Kennedy Conn, Madison Karpovich and Maya Ravi all had solid hits for the Hatters.”
Up next: New Hope-Solebury (6-3, 4-1 SOL) will host MaST Community Charter in a non-league game Tuesday, and Hatboro-Horsham (5-5, 1-4) is scheduled to travel to Central Bucks West for a non-league game Friday.
Hatboro-Horsham 031 000 0 4-4-3
New Hope-Solebury 200 102 x 5-7-6
WILLIAM TENNENT 14, QUAKERTOWN 11
Tennent – looking to bounce back from its mercy rule loss to New Hope-Solebury two days earlier – came out swinging the bats with a vengeance.
The host Panthers opened up a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Included in that early uprising were home runs from Sydney Teufel, Casey Yacovelli and Madison Pirolli. All told, the host Panthers hit six round trippers – led by Yacovelli and Victoria Colagreco with two each. The duo combined for 10 RBIs with Colagreco finishing with six out of the leadoff spot.
“I was very happy with how we practiced yesterday,” Tennent coach Frank Hubmaster said. “It reflected in the game today. The bats really came alive.
“It’s the first time in my career that I’ve been in a game where one team had six home runs.”
A five-run fifth – highlighted by Colagreco’s grand slam – gave Tennent an 11-2 lead before the visiting Panthers put eight runs on the board in the sixth, benefitting from several costly miscues.
Also coming up big for Tennent was Sydney Teufel, who had three hits -including a home run – and two RBIs. Pirolli had a pair of hits, which also included a home run.
Addison Srachan entered the game in relief, closing out the sixth and pitching the seventh.
Quakertown was led by the two-hit efforts of Ellie Hilton and Ava Jones.
By the numbers: William Tennent: Victoria Colagreco (3-for-5, 2HR, 6RBIs, 2R), Sydney Teufel (3-for-5, HR, 2RBI, 1R), Casey Yacovelli (2-for-4, 2HR, 4RBI, 2R), Madison Pirolli (2-for-3, HR, 1RBI, 2R), Chloe Hostetler (1-for-2, 2B, 1R).
Addison Strachan (1.1 IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 1K)
Quakertown: Ellie Hilton (2-for-5, 1RBI, 1R), Ava Jones (2-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Katie Shaw (1-for-3, 2B, 2RBI, 3R), Carli Maha (2B), Gianna Santangelo (2B), Leah Schwalm (2B)
Key inning: Bottom of first: Colagreco led off with a single, and with one out, Teufel hit a two-run home run to center field. Hostetler followed with a double, and then Rylie O’Toole singled, setting the stage for a three-run blast to center by Yacovelli. Pirolli’s solo shot to right field gave the Panthers an early 6-0 lead.
William Tennent coach Frank Hubmaster on the game: “Rylie O’Toole started the game, and Addison Strachan stepped in to close out the sixth and also pitched the seventh, which was great after we let up a load of runs in the sixth. She shut the door in the sixth and closed things out in the seventh for the save.
“I’m happy to see that our great practice on Wednesday when we focused on hitting was reflected in the 14-run output. It was a great win against a strong team in Quakertown.”
Up next: William Tennent (8-1, 4-1 SOL) will host Abington on Monday, and Quakertown (4-4, 3-1) is scheduled to travel to Methacton for a non-league game Friday.
Quakertown 000 028 1 11-11-2
William Tennent 600 053 x 14-14-5
HARRY S TRUMAN 9, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 4
The Tigers had reason to celebrate.
“The girls played really, really well,” Truman coach Jim McKeon said. “We’ve struggled trying to find the right pieces, bringing up young talent to combine with the current group. I think we found that today. The girls were excited.
“This was our first win, and it’s surprising to us because they just have such potential, and today they brought it all together.”
The Tigers plated a pair of runs in the first. Kaitlyn Erhard ripped a triple to right field to lead off the game, and she scored when Lucianna Oliveras followed with a triple to center field. A two-out single by Skyler Maher spotted the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
The Patriots came back to even the score, but the Tigers answered with three runs in the third and two more in the fourth to take a lead they would not lose.
Jillyan Saperstein’s 3-for-4 effort at the plate led the Tigers’ 11-hit attack. Katie Poremba and Skyler Mahler both had two hits. Poremba’s two-run home run in the seventh put an exclamation point on the win.
In the circle, freshman Kendra Schmidt – just recently called up to the varsity – needed just 66 pitches in the complete game win.
The Patriots were led by the two-hit efforts of Anna Devine and Hailey Helmstetter.
By the numbers: Harry S Truman: Jillyan Saperstein (3-for-4, 2B, 3RBI, 2R), Katie Poremba (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 3RBI, 2R), Skyler Mahler (2-for-4, 2B, 2RBI), Kaitlyn Erhard (1-for-3, 3B, 2R), Lucianna Oliveras (1-for-3, 3B, 1RBI, 2R)
Kendra Schmidt (W) (7.0 11H 4R, 2ER, 0BB, 1K)
Central Bucks East: Anna Devine (2-for-4, 2B, 1R), Hailey Helmstetter (2-for-4, 1R), Carly Franklin (2B), Mae Mahony (2B)
Key inning: Top of third: Deadlocked at two apiece, the Tigers scored three runs to take a lead they would not lose. With one out, Oliveras drew a walk and scored when Saperstein doubled to right field. A double by Poremba plated Saperstein, and Poremba crossed the plate when Mahler roped a double to right field to go on top 5-2. It was the Tigers’ third straight double in the inning.
Harry S Truman coach Jim McKeon: “We had timely hitting today. We had 11 hits, and it seemed like more, and the baserunning – it was such a team effort.
–Props: “Kaitlyn Erhard had a leadoff triple, and she has just been a beast. She’s been such a senior leader for us all year. She’s played center field, she’s played second base, she’s played shortstop. She’ll just play wherever.
“Kendra Schmidt, our pitcher, is a freshman we pulled up to varsity two games ago to give her a shot. She threw 66 pitches and 51 were strikes. She didn’t walk anyone – that’s just phenomenal.”
Up next: Harry S Truman (1-7, 0-4 SOL) will travel to Gwynedd Mercy for a non-league game Monday, Central Bucks East (4-6, 1-4) is off until Tuesday, April 22, when the Patriots will travel to Cheltenham for a non-league game.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 2, UPPER MORELAND 0
Rian Reed tossed a gem in the circle, winning a pitcher’s duel with UM’s Delaney Stout. Reed allowed just two hits in the complete game shutout, striking out 10.
The Colonials collected three of their six hits off Stout in the second inning when Jenna Yablon delivered a two-out, two-run single.
PW’s Zoey Robinson was the lone player from either side with two hits.
By the numbers: Plymouth Whitemarsh: Zoey Robinson (2-for-3), Jenna Yablon (1-for-3, 2RBI)
Rian Reed (W) (7.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 3 BB, 10K)
Upper Moreland: Delaney Stout (L) (7.0 IP, 6H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 5K)
Key inning: Top of second: Madison Moran led off the inning with a line single to center, and one out later, Anna Powell singled to left field. Both runners scored on a two-out single to center by Jenna Yablon for the game’s only runs.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Mike Perez on the game: “It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win and we’ll take it. We haven’t played a game in a week, had very limited practice (due to the poor weather), and our seniors got back from their Disney trip at midnight, so we expected some rust today. But I’m proud of the girls for overcoming the hurdles for a big win vs a tough Upper Moreland team. UM has had a great start to their season, and Delaney has been pitching really well, so we knew this would be battle.
“We were able to scrap three hits together in the second inning with singles by Madison Moran and Anna Powel, before a huge two-out, two run single by Jenna Yablon. Zoey Robinson kept swinging a hot bat with two singles in the game.
–Props: “Rian Reed was great in the circle today. She hasn’t pitched in over a week, and it wasn’t my intention to throw her the whole game, but she was throwing so well we had to leave her in. She really did a great job of moving the ball around and changing speeds with her devastating change up. The defense behind her also played really well, highlighted by third baseman Gia Bono’s face first dive into the fence for a huge out. Ava McEvoy also overcame an early miscue at second base to make a bunch of outs for us.”
Upper Moreland coach Melanie Martino: “Today was a great game and a fun game to coach. I truly was so proud of my team. They played hard and clean, especially defensively. We had runners on base a few times, but they just weren’t falling our way today. Props to PW’s pitcher she pitched a good game.”
–Props: “For us, everyone played great, and our outfield had an outstanding game. PW hit the ball hard and Kelly Bates, Joslyn McCellan and Stephanie Jones all had tremendous catches.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh (6-3, 4-0 SOL) will host Upper Dublin on Monday, and Upper Moreland (6-3, 3-1) will be on the road at Wissahickon on Tuesday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 020 000 0 2-6-1
Upper Moreland 000 000 0 0-2-0
LOWER MORELAND 5, ABINGTON 3
Maddie Menchoffer had a big day for the Lions, striking out 15 in the complete game win and delivering a double to lead off the bottom the first that ignited a four-run outburst.
Contributing multi-hit performances for the Lions were Jordyn McPhee and Molly Weber.
For the Ghosts, Mallory Beal had a pair of hits, including a triple and RBI.
By the numbers: Lower Moreland: Jordyn MacPhee (2-for-3, 1R), Molly Weber (2-for-3, 2R), Alexis MacPhee (1-for-3, 2RBI), Maddie Menchoffer (2B), Izzy O’Brien (2B)
Maddie Menchoffer (W) (7.0 IP, 8H, 3R, 2ER, 2BB, 14K)
Abington: Mallory Beal (2-for-4, 3B, 1RBI, 1R), Hailey Hernandez (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI), Lily Rodgers (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI) Sammi Clewell (1-for-3, 3B, 1R)
Key inning: Bottom of the first: Menchoffer and O’Brien opened the bottom of the first with back-to-back doubles with O’Brien driving in the game’s first run. Jordyn MacPhee singled, putting runners on the corner. An infield single by Weber loaded the bases. A pair of runs scored on fielder’s choices – the first by Alexis MacPhee and the second by Joanna Rivera. Elimarie DeJesus singled home the fourth run of the inning, and the Lions had a lead they would not lose.
Lower Moreland coach Karen Reese: “This was a really good win for us. Maddie Menchoffer pitched an outstanding game today. She had 14 strikeouts and only two walks. I think it was the best that I’ve ever seen her pitch. In addition, Maddie had a big hit, a double right down the left field line in the bottom of the first inning that got our offense started. As a team, we were aggressive at the plate and hit the ball hard today.”
Up next: Lower Moreland (2-5, 0-4 SOL) is scheduled to travel to Dock Mennonite Academy for a non-league game Friday, and Abington (2-7, 1-4) will play Springfield Twp in a non-league game Friday, weather permitting.
Abington 000 101 1 3-8-0
Lower Moreland 400 010 x 5-8-4
PENNRIDGE 10, BENSALEM 9
The Rams won a wild one, erupting for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn the walk-off win. Emersyn Lesher, who reached base on a walk, crossed the plate with the game-winner when Meghan Holberg was safe on an error.
Pennridge had just seven hits but three of those were home runs with one each from Lesher, Gabby Hamburger and Payton Keyser. Keyser hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first, knotting the score 1-1.
Bensalem’s Adrianna Vargas answered with a two-run homer in the second to give the Owls a 3-2 advantage. Lesher led off the fourth inning with a solo shot, knotting the score 4-4, and Hamburger hit a two-run homer in the sixth to pull the Rams to within one, 7-6.
Vargas led the Owls with a 2-for-4 day at the plate that included a double, home run and three RBIs.
By the numbers: Pennridge: Gabby Hamburger (1-for-1, HR, 2RBI, 1R), Emersyn Lesher (1-for-3, HR, 1RBI, 2R), Payton Keyser (1-for-4, HR, 1RBI, 1R)
Bensalem: Adrianna Vargas (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 3RBI, 2R), Sydney Daut (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI), Morgan Edwards (2B).
Key inning: Bottom of seventh: With the Rams trailing 9-6, Lilly Davies hit a one-out single to right field and advanced to third on a two-base error. Averi Dockery drew a walk. Davies stole home on a double steal, and Dockery scored when Jadyn Gulbinski singled to center. A walk to Lesher put the winning run aboard. Gulbinski scored the tying run on a passed ball, and Lesher scored for the walk-off win on an Owl miscue on a hard-hit ball by Meghan Holberg.
Pennridge coach Kristyn Marinelli: “Bensalem battled through all seven innings – credit to them for a hard-fought game. It took every player on our team to get the job done, and we strung together the runs to pull out the win. Our girls executed when they needed to at the plate.”
–Props: “The home runs by Payton Keyser, Emersyn Lesher, and Gabby Hamburger were huge morale boosters. And with some big hits in critical moments, particularly with Meghan Holberg hitting the ball hard and putting it in play, and we were able to seal the walk off win.”
Up next: Pennridge (2-6, 1-3 SOL) will host Quakertown on Monday in a non-league game, and Bensalem (2-9, 0-4) will host William Tennent in a non-league game Tuesday.
Bensalem 121 003 2 9-6-3
Pennridge 201 102 4 10-7-1
WISSAHICKON 14, CHELTENHAM 6
The Trojans pounded out 18 hits – four were home runs.
Gianna Trerotola, who earned the win in the circle, had two solo home runs – the second a round tripper in the seventh on the heels of a three-run homer by Julia Lentz.
Earlier, Wissahickon, trailing by one, scored three runs in a third inning that was highlighted by Dani Mara’s three-run inside-the-park homer. The Trojans led the rest of the way.
Lentz, Tretola and Ava Frederick led the Trojans’ hit parade with three hits each.
Sydney Darnell threw two scoreless innings in relief for Wissahickon to close out the game.
By the numbers: Wissahickon: Julia Lentz (3-for-5, HR, 5RBI, 2R), Gianna Trerotola (3-for-5, 2 HR, 2RBI, 3R), Ava Frederick (3-for-5, 1RBI, 1R), Juliet O’Farrell (2-for-3, 3B, 2R), Dani Marra (2-for-4, HR, 3RBI, 1R)
Key inning: Top of third: Trailing 5-4, the Trojans scored three runs to take a lead they would not lose. O’Farrell singled to center to lead off the inning and one out later, Frederick lined a single to center. Marra’s inside-the-park home run cleared the bases and put the Trojans on top 7-5.
Up next: Wissahickon (4-7, 1-4 SOL) will host Upper Moreland on Tuesday, and Cheltenham (0-5, 0-3) is off until Tuesday, April 22, when the Panthers will host Central Bucks East.
Wissahickon 223 200 5 14-18-2
Cheltenham 320 010 0 6-9-2
UPPER DUBLIN 10, SPRINGFIELD TWP 1
Kyla Garrison continued her dominance in the circle, scattering three hits and striking out 11 in the complete game win.
The Cardinals took care of business in a hurry, plating four runs in the second and three more in the third. Kate Brannigan delivered the big blow in the third – a three-run double.
Bella Fiore’s 3-hit day included a double and three runs scored to lead the Cardinals. Brannigan and Lizzie Tambourino both had two hits and combined for five RBIs.
By the numbers: Upper Dublin: Bella Fiore (3-for-4, 2B, 1RBI, 3R), Kate Brannigan (2-for-3, 3RBI), Lizzie Tambourino (2-for-3, 2RBI, 2R)
Kyla Garrison (W) (7 IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 11K)
Springfield Twp: Juju Cooney was 1-for-3 with a double
Key inning: Top of second: The Cardinals put four runs on the board, capitalizing on four singles and a Spartan miscue.
Up next: Upper Dublin (7-0, 3-0 SOL) will travel to PW on Monday, and Springfield Twp (3-6, 2-3) is schedule to travel to Abington Friday for a non-league game.
Upper Dublin 043 000 3 10-11-1
Springfield Twp 010 000 0 0-3-3
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 10, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0
Everything was working for the Golden Hawks in Thursday’s non-league road win, and no one had bigger days than Lexi Waring and Julia Scannapieco.
Waring was on top of her game in the circle, scattering five hits in the complete game shutout. She fanned seven and did not walk a batter.
Scannapieco stole the spotlight at the plate, finishing with four hits – including a pair of home runs – with six RBIs and three runs scored. Her solo home run in the top of the first turned out to be a preview of things to come. Her three-run home run in the sixth gave the Hawks a 6-0 advantage.
Contributing two hits each were Veronia Houk, Veronica Herzog and Molly Gabriele.
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Julia Scannapieco (4-for-5, 2 HR, 6RBI, 3R), Veronica Houk (2-for-5, 2B, 2RBI, 1R), Veronica Herzog (2-for-4, 1R), Molly Gabriele (2-for-3, 1R)
Lexi Waring (W) (7 IP, 5H, 0R, 0 BB, 7K)
Key inning: Top of fifth: With the Golden Hawks clinging to a 1-0 lead, Scannapieco hit a one-out single, and with two outs, Kelly Delise drew a walk. An infield single by Shannon Williams loaded the bases, and Veronica Houk grounded a single to center, plating a pair and giving the Hawks a 3-0 lead on their way to the big win.
Council Rock South coach Scott Molle:
–Dangerous duo: “Lexi Waring and Julia Scannapieco were our standout players today. Let’s begin with Lexi, who adopted a different approach, resulting in her best performance this year. Lexi is a dominant pitcher, and her return to form was evident in her incredible game for the team. Her impressive display in the State playoffs last year was a testament to her skill, and it was a pleasure to see her return to that level. We are well aware of Lexi’s exceptional leadership qualities, and after overcoming some challenges, she pitched an outstanding 7 innings for us today. We eagerly anticipate her continued success in our next game.
“As for our offense, we achieved double-digit hits once again, with Julia Scannapieco delivering an exceptional performance. Julia went 4-5, hitting 2 home runs and accumulating 6 RBIs. Her ability to consistently hit the ball hard is impressive. When she is seeing the ball well, she becomes a challenging out. Julia’s exceptional talent extends beyond her batting skills, as she consistently demonstrates remarkable sportsmanship and leadership. Her ability to inspire her teammates and create a positive atmosphere is invaluable. We take great pride in having a player like Julia, who always prioritizes the team’s success and consistently gives her best effort. Her unique combination of talent, leadership, and dedication makes her an exceptional player and an absolute pleasure to coach.
–More props: “Freshmen Victoria Herzog, Veronica Houk, and Molly Gabriele all made significant contributions, each securing 2 hits at crucial moments. Vic has taken on the lead-off position and is excelling in her role, consistently getting on base for us. Senior Veronica Houk continues to impress, showcasing her skills in both batting and fielding. Junior Molly Gabriele has been outstanding in the 9-hole position, providing a much-needed spark. Her adjustments at the plate have yielded positive results, and her tireless work ethic and refusal to give up make her an invaluable asset to the team.
“Freshmen Margot McLean and Junior Faith Ortman both made the most of their pinch-hit opportunities, securing a hit each. Sophomore Mickey DeYoung had a notable at-bat, earning a walk in the seventh inning and scoring a run. Freshman Mia Musto came close to achieving her first varsity hit, demonstrating improvement and a promising future ahead.”
Up next: Council Rock South (8-2, 4-1 SOL) will host Upper Moreland for a non-league game Wednesday, and Central Bucks West (4-4, 2-3) is scheduled to host Hatboro-Horsham for a non-league game Friday.
Council Rock South 100 023 4 10-15-1
Central Bucks West 000 000 x 0-5-1
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