Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Wednesday. Pennsbury/CR North photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson, and Upper Moreland/Wissahickon photos provided by Kathy Leister Photography. Check back for a gallery of both games.
SOL National Conference
PENNSBURY 4, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 2
The Falcons brought to a welcome halt a seven-game drought when they defeated the visiting Indians in a game that, according to their coach, had its share of base running blunders.
“We ran into two double plays, and it could have been three,” coach Frank McSherry said. “We were lucky to win.”
Allison Rose led the Falcons at the plate with a 3-for-4 effort. Sophomore Casey Glynn was 2-for-2 with a solo home run in the fourth inning.
The Falcons opened up a 3-0 lead only to watch the Indians make it interesting with two runs in the fifth. Pennsbury tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth for the 4-2 final.
Alyssa Hileman earned the complete game win, allowing eight hits while striking out three and walking one.
McSherry is hoping his team’s strong showing against New Jersey’s top-ranked team, Donovan Catholic, in last Saturday’s St. Dominic’s Tournament is the beginning of a turnaround for the Falcons.
“They’re big time, and we lost to them 6-3 in eight innings,” the Falcons’ coach said of a squad that is ranked nationally in USA Today. “Their same kid had two three-run homers – in the sixth and in the eighth.
“They’re really good and they were just crushing people. It was kind of fun because it was David-Goliath, and our kids knew it and they played so well.”
Making the Falcons showing against Donovan Catholic so impressive was the fact that they trailed 3-1 heading into the top of the seventh.
“They’re thinking it’s the same old, same old – we’re beating another team,” McSherry said. “Well, Casey Glynn hit a two-run homer. We had them on the ropes. We were proud of our kids.
“We said, ‘Feed off that, feed off that.’ Hopefully Saturday turned us around a little bit. It would be nice if we could get some Ws this week.”
Pennsbury (1-7, 1-2 SOL) will travel to Abington Thursday, and Council Rock North (6-3, 3-2) will host Harry S Truman on Thursday.
Council Rock North 000 020 0 2
Pennsbury 010 210 x 4
NESHAMINY 5, HARRY S TRUMAN 0
Sarah Dowalo tossed the complete game shutout to lead the Redskins to their 10th win, allowing just four hits while striking out seven and walking one in seven strong innings. The shutout was the third in the row for the Redskins.
“Sarah pitched a great game,” coach Dave Chichilitti said. “She didn’t walk anybody until the last inning.
“She made one bad pitch the whole game – that double by (Grace) Pool off the bottom of the fence (in the fifth), but other than that, she pitched a great game.
“Our defense had to make 14 plays today, and we made one error. I love to see my defense make 14 plays and only give up one error. I’ll take that ratio anytime.”
While Dowalo was getting the job done in the circle, Natalie Rios was once again tearing it up at the plate. The senior slugger was 3-for-4 with a home run, RBI and two runs scored.
“She’s on fire,” Chichilitti said.
Linana Jones spotted the Redskins a 2-0 lead in the first when – after Rios singled with two outs – she hit a two-run home run. Jones finished the game 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and a run scored.
“That set the tone,” Chichilitti said of Jones’ two-run blast in the first. “That’s back-to-back days that both of them hit home runs.”
In the second, Alexis Watkins doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Victoria Smith. The Redskins tacked on two more runs in the third to close out the scoring.
Also collecting more than one hit for the Redskins were Watkins (2-for-3, double, RBI, run) and Paige Metz (2-for-3, RBI).
Ellie Olivero had two of the Tigers’ four hits on the day.
Truman, according to Chichilitti, turned in several defensive gems.
“In the fifth inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, Watkins crushed a ball into the right center gap, and their centerfielder (Vanessa Tancini) makes a full layout catch,” the Redskins’ coach said. “That’s a three-run double any day. The girl just lays out.
“Their shortstop (Chrissie Huhn) laid out and saved another run or two. Truman made all the plays today. They had one error and that was it. That team always plays us tough.”
Neshaminy (10-1, 5-0 SOL) will travel to Council Rock South on Friday, and Harry S Truman (1-4, 1-2) will host Council Rock North on Thursday.
Harry S Truman 000 000 0 0-4-1
Neshaminy 212 000 x 5-10-1
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 7, BENSALEM 3
SOL Continental Conference
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 8, SOUDERTON 6
West coach Geoff Thompson described the ending as “pretty wild,” and that might be an understatement. The Bucks trailed by one entering the seventh. With one out, Kayla Gallagher singled but was erased on a fielder’s choice. Freshman Bryn Spoerl entered the game as a pinch runner and immediately stole second to put herself in scoring position with two outs. Emma Cooper delivered a clutch single to tie it, and the Bucks were just getting started.
Sam Trafford followed with an RBI double that plated Cooper with the go-ahead run, and then it was Sierra Mosiniak delivering a single that pushed an insurance run across and capped a remarkable two-out rally.
“They’re an excellent team,” coach Geoff Thompson said of the Indians. “We went up by three, and they battled right back. It was a back and forth game.
“They took the lead (6-5) in the seventh, and our girls were down to their last out, and they found a way to pull it out. It was an awesome win for our girls.”
Ella Castronuovo had a huge day at the plate for the Bucks, finishing 4-for-5 with a solo home run in the fifth inning. Angelina Sherba had another big day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double and RBI. Mosiniak, Cooper and Faith Neary each had a pair of hits.
The Indians were led by Julia Kistler’s 3-for-4 effort at the plate. Bri Neely was 2-for-5 and Emma Hallman was 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs. Ali Gould contributed a solo home run.
Sherba threw the first four innings for the Bucks, and Gallagher closed it out and earned the win. The duo combined for seven strikeouts and one walk.
Alex Scheeler absorbed the loss, allowing 15 hits while striking out three and walking one.
Central Bucks West (3-3, 2-3 SOL) will host Pennridge on Thursday, and Souderton (2-2, 5-2) will travel to William Tennent on Friday.
Central Bucks West 301 010 3 8
Souderton 001 212 0 6
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 5, NORTH PENN 3
The Titans used some aggressive base running in a four-run fifth inning to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 5-3 lead.
“Our offense came to life late and did what we had to do,” coach Kevin Rosini said. “That’s a nice win.”
The fifth inning rally began when sophomore Olivia Robinson laid down a one-out bunt single. An Alexa Ortman double put Titan runners on second and third, and with two outs, Maddie Rowley delivered a bloop single to left that plated a pair.
“Maddie stopped halfway to second, and when the throw from center went to second, they overthrew it, so she went all the way to third,” Rosini said. “Alex DeLeon walks, and when she walks, she rounds first and keeps going to second.
“The throw goes back to the pitcher, so the pitcher is in the circle but Alex keeps running. Right when the pitcher steps out of the circle, Alex kind of turns back to first and Maddie breaks for home. The throw comes in, and Maddie does a head first hook slide around the catcher and scores the go-ahead run. Alex keeps running all the way to third.”
Katie Hines followed with a double that plated DeLeon, and the Titans had a 5-3 lead they would not lose.
“Our speed just killed them that inning,” Rosini said.
The Knights brought the tying run to the plate with two outs in the top of the seventh. Kylie Kenney put an exclamation point on the win with a strikeout to close out the game.
Kenney earned another complete game win, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out seven and walking four.
“She battles,” Rosini said. “Her walks are always early in the game. Once she finds her groove – they don’t hit her. It’s not just today, it’s all season.
“Her first couple innings are her toughest ones, and after she gets through the first inning or two, she’s tough to hit. She gets stronger as the game goes on, and that’s the mark of a good pitcher.”
Hines (2-for-3, double, RBI) and Ortman (2-for-3, double, run scored) led the Titans at the plate. For the Knights, Amanda Greaney delivered a home run.
Central Bucks South (7-1, 3-1 SOL) will be on the road at Central Bucks East on Friday, and North Penn (5-3, 3-2) will host Pennridge on Friday.
North Penn 110 010 0 3-4-1
Central Bucks South 010 040 x 5-7-0
PENNRIDGE 6, WILLIAM TENNENT 3
The Rams seem to save their best for last, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the visiting Panthers.
“The sixth inning seems to be our favorite inning to score in,” said coach Carol Atkinson, whose team trailed 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth. “If you go back, we seem to wait until the sixth inning sometimes.”
The sixth inning began innocently enough with a single by Victoria Moscariello, and then it was pinch hitter Madison Silber collecting a single to put a pair of runners on board. One out later, both runners scored when Sara Sztenderowicz delivered a two-run double. An RBI single by Morgan Henry put the Rams on top 3-1, and with the bases loaded, Gianna Iadonisi delivered the big blow – a bases-clearing double to put the Rams on top 6-1.
They needed that insurance as the Panthers rallied for a pair of runs in the top of the seventh.
“Tennent is a good team – they have a great pitcher,” Atkinson said.
Skylar Hengeveld was the lone Ram with more than one hit, finishing 2-for-3 with a run scored. For the Panthers, Brianna Koonce led the way with a 2-for-4 effort that included an RBI and run scored. Caitlin Mitros singled and drove in a run.
Kailyn Bell earned the complete game win for the Rams, allowing six hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out three and walking two.
The win was the sixth straight for the streaking Rams since dropping their season opener to Central Bucks South.
“I always say they surprise me, but they don’t,” Atkinson said of her squad. “They’re solid. They refuse to lose.
“They stand together, and they never get down. We were down by one run going into the bottom of the sixth inning and came back.”
Pennridge (6-1, 3-1 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks West on Thursday, and William Tennent (4-5, 1-4) will host Souderton on Friday.
William Tennent 000 001 2 3-6-1
Pennridge 000 006 x 6-6-2
SOL American Conference
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 9, CHELTENHAM 3
The Colonials put runs on the board in each of the first three innings, and their four-run third gave them a 7-1 lead over their visitors. The Lady Panthers pulled to within 7-3, but that’s as close as they would get.
Leadoff batter Kamryn Kropinski ignited the PW offense with a 2-for-3 effort that included a pair of runs scored. Josee Tassoni also was 2-for-3. Brooke Balkiewicz collected the team’s only extra base hit – a double. Gianna Fazio and Emma Carney both contributed RBIs.
For the Lady Panthers, Morgan Gianelle led the way, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.
Allison Beausoleil earned the win in the circle, allowing just three hits and one run in four strong innings. She struck out a pair and did not walk a batter. Kayla Yeager closed it out, allowing three hits and two runs (unearned) while fanning six and walking none. All told, the duo of PW hurlers had eight strikeouts and no walks.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-2 SOL) will travel to Quakertown on Friday, and Cheltenham (0-7, 0-5) will host Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday.
Cheltenham 010 020 0 3-6-3
Plymouth Whitemarsh 124 002 x 9-10-1
UPPER MORELAND 10, WISSAHICKON 0 (5 innings)
The Golden Bears put four runs on the board in the first inning, and that was more than enough for Jocie Baumeister, who earned the win in the abbreviated contest. She allowed just two hits while striking out eight and walking one.
“It was a good win for us,” coach Scott Ludlow said. “We played well – got good pitching.
“Jocie got out of a one-out bases loaded jam in the first. They loaded the bases with one out and she went strikeout, strikeout to end the first. She really settled down after that and only gave up one more hit the rest of the way. She set them down in order the last three innings. She pitched a nice game.”
Chloe Price was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Her sacrifice fly in the fifth brought an early end to the game. Brianna Hughes was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Baumeister also had a hit while Gianna Fiorenza was 1-for-2 and scored two runs. Carly Wasson and Brigid Ounan also added one hit each for the Bears.
“That was up and down the lineup – my first three hitters had hits, and two of my last four hitters had hits,” Ludlow said. “We scored runs at the top and the bottom, and we ran the bases well.
Upper Moreland (3-1 SOL) will travel to Upper Dublin on Thursday, and Wissahickon (0-6, 0-5) will be on the road at Lansdale Catholic Thursday for a non-league contest.
Wissahickon 000 00 0-2-6
Upper Moreland 414 01 10-6-1
QUAKERTOWN 11, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 0 (6 innings)
The Panthers put five runs on the board in the top of the first and never looked back in Wednesday’ abbreviated contest. Brianna Lekoski continued to carry a big bat and was a perfect 4-of-4 with a double to lead the Panthers’ potent offense.
Maddie Moyer added three hits, including a double, while Nikki Vanelli, Sarah Stofik (double), Halle Frederick (double), Tori Caputo and Jenna Blair each had two hits. Blair – who had a triple and home run – had a game-high three RBIs.
Hannah Sebernick (2-for-3) and McKayla Quinn (2-for-2) led the Spartans.
Tori Caputo, who notched the win, scattered five hits in five shutout innings, striking out three and walking none. Sierra Gill closed it out with a scoreless inning in relief. She did not allow a hit.
Quakertown (6-2, 4-1 SOL) will host Upper Perkiomen in a non-league contest Thursday, and Springfield Township (2-3 SOL) will travel to Germantown Friends for a non-league game on Thursday.
Quakertown 511 004 11
Springfield Township 000 00 0
HATBORO-HORSHAM 14, UPPER DUBLIN 0 (5 innings)
The Hatters continued their torrid offensive production in conference play, winning their third mercy rule game and upping their run total in six conference games to 82.
Seven players turned in mulit-hit performances. Kyleigh Dinnien was 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Mikayla Fedele was 2-for-4 with a run, and Alicia Tauber was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored. Brittany Hubler was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored, and Antoinette Spinosa was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Kristen Myers was 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and two runs, and Kayla Tauber was 2-for-2 with an RBI and run scored. Maddie Yeager had a double, and Logan Cummings was 1-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs.
The Flying Cardinals managed just two hits off Fedele, who struck out four and did not walk a batter in the five-inning win in the circle.
Hatboro-Horsham (6-1, 6-0 SOL) will be on the road at Cheltenham on Thursday, and Upper Dublin (2-5, 2-3) will host Upper Moreland on Thursday.
Upper Dublin 000 00 0-2-3
Hatboro-Horsham 118 4x 14-16-0
Non-league
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 17 DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY 3 (5 innings)
The Patriots exploded for 10 runs in the first inning – all with two outs – and didn’t stop there, plating 17 runs in four innings to bring Wednesday’s game to an early halt.
Included in the 10-run onslaught was a two-run double by Isabel Parker. Leadoff batter Hailey Aspinwall – who singled and scored in her first at-bat – stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and emptied them with one swing, a three-run double to left. Tara Harper added an RBI single, and Audrey LaBouliere had a two-run home run. The Patriots also benefitted from four walks.
In a three-run second, the Patriots were on the receiving end of three more walks and also got singles from Loren Harper and Giuliana Ruscio to go on top 13-0 on their way to the lopsided win.
Ruscio led the Patriots at the plate with a 3-for-3 effort that included a double, RBI and two runs. Aspinwall was 2-for-2 with a double, four RBIs and two runs scored. Amanda Plocharski had just one hit but finished with four RBIs and a run scored. Isabel Parker added a double and two RBIs.
Ruscio and Tara Harper split time in the circle. Harper allowed two hits and one run in an inning of work, and Ruscio gave up four hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking two in four innings.
Central Bucks East (3-5, 2-3 SOL) will host Central Bucks South on Friday.
Dock Mennonite 120 00 3
Central Bucks East 1033 1x 17
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