Check out the results for SOL softball teams in action Saturday.
UPPER MERION 9, CONESTOGA 2
John Whitney pointed to Saturday’s non-league game against Conestoga as a big game. The Vikings’ coach had no idea just how big it turned out to be as the Vikings not only soundly defeated the Pioneers, Whitney also reached a personal milestone, notching win number 100.
“That was something I didn’t know,” said the Vikings’ coach, who found out quickly when he was doused with water after the game. “We had a good crowd there, it was a good day to play, so it all worked out really nice.
“We have a really good group of ninth graders that we’re trying to filter in. Some people have been asking me if I’ll stick around. I always tell them – if I enjoy what I’m doing, I’ll keep doing it. If it ever turns into a job, I’m gone. I love the game, and the kids try to keep you young. They keep you laughing. They’re fun to be around.
“I always tell them – I’m your coach, but I’m their biggest fan. I enjoy watching good softball, and I’ve got a ringside seat. It’s fun to watch the kids.”
Saturday’s win avenged last year’s 3-2 loss at the hands of the Pioneers.
“The girls played really well,” Whitney said. “They have been pointing to this game.
“Conestoga beat us last year, and we always hold these games to a little higher standard. With them beating us last year, the girls were very motivated.”
Michaela Ghanayem blasted a three-run home run in the first inning to not only give the Vikings a 3-0 lead but also effectively set the tone. The Vikings added a run in the second, and after the Pioneers cut that lead in half with two runs in the top of the fourth, Abby Volpe hit a three-run bomb to highlight a five-run fourth that put the Vikings on top 9-2.
Dez Kandy led the Vikings’ nine-hit attack with three hits. Allie Moffett was 2-for-2.
Olivia Sborlini earned the win on the circle, allowing five hits and two runs in five innings. Nicole Kowalski did not allow a hit in two scoreless innings.
Upper Merion (6-1, 4-0) will travel to Upper Moreland on Monday for an important conference contest.
Conestoga 000 200 0 2
Upper Merion 310 500 x 9
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 5, EASTON 2
The Titans received big hits from Maddie Bieber and Mikaela Simons as well as a solid pitching performance from Alexis McConomy in Saturday’s non-league road win.
“We played well,” coach Dan Hayes said. “We had two errors, but other than that, we played well.”
Bieber’s three-run double in the third inning broke a scoreless tie, and after Easton plated single runs in both the third and fourth innings to make it a 3-2 game, Simons gave the Titans some breathing room with a two-run single in the seventh.
Alex DeLeon was 2-for-4 out of the leadoff spot for the Titans.
“She has been struggling with the bat, but she had two hits to get us going today,” Hayes said.
Bieber finished the game 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, and Simons was 2-for-4 with two RBIs on a day that saw the Titans collect 10 hits.
McConomy allowed six hits while fanning three and walking one in the complete game win.
Central Bucks South (5-2, 3-2) will travel to Nazareth Academy on Monday for a non-league contest.
Central Bucks South 003 000 2 5
Easton 001 200 0 2
PARKLAND 9, NORTH PENN 1
The Maidens took a 1-0 lead into the fourth inning when the Trojans exploded for five runs. They added four more in the fifth to earn the convincing non-league win.
North Penn (4-2, 3-1 SOL) will be on the road at Central Bucks West on Monday.
North Penn 100 000 0 1
Parkland 000 540 x 9
POTTSGROVE 4, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 3
About the Author
