Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Thursday. CR North/CB South photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for a gallery of photos.
Non-league
BENSALEM 3, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 2
The Owls snapped a three-game skid in dramatic fashion when Jess Klein singled to left field in the seventh inning, plating teammate Destiny Howard with the game-winner.
“The kids stormed Destiny and Jess after the walk-off,” Bensalem coach Dan Schram said. “It was great to watch.
“I’m real proud of the kids. They did a great job, and fortunately, I have a lot of great coaches. It was a total team effort. We needed this kind of game. Win or lose, we needed to play a full game, and that’s what we got today.”
Howard – in her first start at third base – led off the seventh with a double.
“She did a great job,” Schram said. “She was 2-for-3 today with two doubles. She hit the ball hard.”
Howard advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior Mckayla Edwards. Klein stepped to the plate with two outs and delivered the game-winner.
“It’s been tough this year trying to figure out who this team is,” Schram said. “We lost five seniors as well as a key starter who now plays for Central Bucks South. We’ve been putting a lot of different pieces together, and we got the right pieces together today, and we played pressure free.
“We got back to playing our game, we relaxed and we played softball the way we know how. It was great.”
Earlier, the Owls scored two runs in the first.
“At the top of the lineup, we have the Klein sisters – Jess and Megan,” Schram said. “They’re a force, they really are. I go back and forth. Sometimes I put Jess as leadoff and sometimes I put Megan as leadoff. They just bring so much. They have speed and such good sense. I don’t ever give them any signals. They pretty much decide what to do.”
Megan Klein led off the inning with a bunt single out of the two hole, and Emma Lostracco followed with a single.
“Megan stole third and Emma followed as the trail runner,” Schram said. “Our four hitter, freshman Lina Sponheimer, bunted on a squeeze play, and it brought in Megan. Maddie Buechner hit to second base, and that brought home Emma, so we went up 2-0.”
The Patriots got one of those runs back in the second when – with one out – Soleil Dunner smashed a solo home run. It was a 2-2 game after Bailey Shellhorn, who singled, scored in the fifth.
Maggie Formichelli earned the complete game win, throwing only 82 pitches and allowing five hits. She struck out three and walked two, which included an intentional walk.
“She threw a great game,” Schram said. “Maggie’s been finding herself this season. Even in the games where defensively we didn’t give enough behind her, you could see she was growing and getting better game after game, and it all came together today.
“On Monday and Tuesday, she pitched both games, and on the bus ride home, she said she wanted to practice Wednesday and work on her pitches. If you throw two games in a row and you want to come back and practice, I would say you’re all in pitching.”
Dunner absorbed the loss, allowing six hits and one earned run. She struck out nine.
“She pitched great,” Schram said.
The Owls’ coach made some changes in Thursday’s game, moving Jessica Klein to the outfield.
“We brought a player in who made her varsity debut on Tuesday at second base – she played a great game,” Schram said of junior Kira Hutchinson. “We’ve been playing games with nine kids. Today we were back to 11.
“We had a player – McKayla Edwards – who did not have COVID, but she was exposed at school, and we didn’t have her for seven days. She came back and played great today in right field also.”
For the Patriots, leadoff batter Elizabeth Gray had two hits, one RBI and one run. Shellhorn and Kayla Mitchell each had a single, and Mitchell made a diving catch of a line drive to right field in the sixth inning and then threw to first base to complete the double play. Left fielder Mackenzie Wilson made a shoestring catch in the fifth inning.
For the Owls, it was their cleanest game of the season.
“I attribute the win to playing seven complete innings,” Schram said. “We were getting in a mode where we were giving away a lot of runs, we were booting the ball in the field in innings three, four and five. We played CB South two days ago, and instead of giving it away in three, four, five, we gave it away in the fifth inning where they dropped five or six runs on us.
“It was painful to lose three in a row, and that was the third loss, but we only gave away an inning and young teams will do that. The fact that we played clean all game was really big.”
Bensalem (4-5, 1-4 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Saturday at 11 a.m., and Central Bucks East (7-3, 4-1) will host Council Rock North on Monday in a crossover game.
Central Bucks East 010 010 0 2
Bensalem 200 000 1 3
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 8, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 6
The Bucks opened up a 5-1 lead after two innings, and after the Golden Hawks pulled to within one, they plated three runs in the sixth to earn their first win of the season.
“This was a huge win for us,” West coach Ali Coleman said. “Almost halfway through our season at this point, it was a huge morale booster for the girls. They’ve worked so hard, and we’ve had some tough losses, but this was just a really good win for our girls.”
Bailey Demusz notched the win, striking out 11 and walking four. She also had two hits, three RBIs and two runs scored.
“Bailey pitched an amazing game,” Coleman said. “She had great at-bats as well and dominated all around.
“A lot of our other girls had great at-bats as well. Chloe (Dryden) with her two singles and two runs, Allison (Mackwish) with three singles, three RBIs and three runs. Overall, it was a great game for the team and a really good win for us.”
After the Golden Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Bucks put a pair on the board in the bottom of the inning. Dryden led off with a single, stole second and scored on Mackwish’s single. An RBI double by Lauren Molenari put the Bucks on top 2-1.
West stretched its lead to 5-1 in the second, capitalizing on a walk, error and an RBI single by Mackwish to plate a run. After Mackwish stole second to put runners on second and third, Demusz delivered a clutch two-out, two-run single.
Leading by just a 5-4 score heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Bucks added three runs. One-out singles by Bryn Spoerl, Dryden, Mackwish (RBI) and Demusz (RBI) pushed a pair of runs across. Mackwish scored on an RBI groundout by Julia Thomas.
Adding one hit each for the Bucks were Spoerl, Emily Anton and Ella Harlan.
Central Bucks West (1-8, 0-5 SOL) will host Bensalem on Monday, and Council Rock South (3-6, 0-4) will host North Penn on Monday.
Council Rock South 100 021 2 6
Central Bucks West 230 003 x 8
WILLIAM TENNENT 7, UPPER DUBLIN 6
The Panthers got a much-needed bounce-back win after a double-digit loss to Wissahickon on Tuesday, but they needed a gutsy comeback to do it. They trailed 6-4 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning when – sparked by triples from Sarah Cummins and Mackenzie Clee – they plated three runs to eke out the non-league win.
“It was a great team effort today and helps us put our last game behind us,” Tennent coach Rich Clark said.
Clee ignited the Panthers out of the leadoff spot, finishing the day 3-for-4 with a pair of triples, one RBI and two runs scored.
“Our leadoff hitter Mackenzie Clee had a big day today,” Clark said. “She’s been battling the first several games, so it was great to see her bat come alive. She had three hits today including a sixth inning triple that sparked our comeback today. She also lit a fire under the girls today and they really responded to the challenge.”
Clee led off the bottom of the first with a triple to left and scored on a sacrifice fly by Meg Curtis. The Panthers took a 2-0 lead in the second when Gigi Demito, who singled, scored on Olivia Clee’s double.
The Cardinals evened the scored with two runs in the fourth that included an RBI single by Brianna Kesslick. That 2-2 tie was short-lived as the Panthers answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame, thanks to a two-run single by Ella Mednick.
In the top of the fifth, the Cards took a 6-4 lead with a four-run outburst that was highlighted by Lauren Carboni’s two-run single, and the stage was set for the Panthers’ comeback.
Curtis earned the win with two stints in the circle, throwing the first four innings and then returning to close it out in the seventh.
“Meg Curtis had a strong day as well on the mound,” Clark said. “I pulled her after the fourth when they were starting to time her the second time through their order.
“When things didn’t work out as planned, I asked her if she was ready to go back in, and she was like, ‘Absolutely coach, I’m ready’ and threw a scoreless seventh.”
The Flying Cardinals stranded 11 base runners while the Panthers left five on base.
William Tennent (3-1, 1-0 SOL) will host Springfield Township on Friday, and Upper Dublin (3-5, 1-4) will host Upper Moreland on Monday.
Upper Dublin 000 240 0 6-5-4
William Tennent 110 203 x 7-8-5
CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 7, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 3
The Titans used a six-run third inning to break a scoreless tie, and that proved to be the difference in the game. They collected four hits in the inning but also capitalized on a walk, an error and costly wild pitches.
“That was it – that six-run inning held up,” South coach Kevin Rosini said. “Overall, our defense really played well today, and I think that was big. Maddy (Borowski) pitched well. We’re coming together.”
Suzie Williams led the Titans with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate. She also stole a base and scored a run. Nicole Pilla had a double and scored a run.
Borowski struck out six in the complete game win.
For the Golden Hawks, Kat Hastings was 2-for-3, and Sofia Shields and Noelle Wood each had a double.
“Unfortunately we had to make some last minute lineup changes today, and it took a bit for our girls to get clicking together,” Rock North coach Susan Yee said. “To South’s credit, they took full advantage of the situation and came ready to attack on every miscue we had.
“I was very proud of the way our girls battled to the end despite being down 6 – 0 at the midway point of the game.”
The Indians also received a lift from Gabby Cohen.
“Gabby Cohen came into the circle in the fifth inning and totally shut things down, throwing three innings of one-hit ball including five strikeouts and no walks,” Yee said. “She deserves a lot of credit for her mound composure and the way she made the ball dance today.”
Central Bucks South (4-4, 2-3 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Monday, and Council Rock North (4-4, 2-2) will be on the road at Upper Moreland Friday.
Central Bucks South 006 010 0 7-6-1
Council Rock North 000 120 0 3-5-2
SOUDERTON 8, HARRY S TRUMAN 3
The visiting Indians were on the short end of a 1-0 score heading into the sixth inning of Thursday’s crossover game. That changed in a hurry in the top of the sixth.
Megan Kummery singled to open the inning, and Abby Burns followed with a double to left. With Souderton runners on second and third, the Tigers walked Riley York to load the bases, and it paid dividends when they collected the inning’s first out on a force at home.
But then Kayley York stepped to the plate and with one swing emptied the bases, ripping a grand slam to center field to give the Indians a 4-1 lead.
“That was huge,” Souderton coach Carol Atikinson said.
The Tigers answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. With one out, Mara McKeon and Courtney Nau hit back-to-back singles, and McKeon scored when Jalecia Blackston doubled. An error allowed a second run to cross the plate, and just like that, it was a 4-3 game.
In the top of the seventh, Sierra Ripka led off with a single and Kummery drew a walk. Both runners advanced on an error, and after Ripka scored on a sacrifice fly, Riley York singled, setting the stage for Ryan Zimmerman’s three-run blast to all but put the game out of reach.
Ripka was 2-for-4 with a run scored out of the leadoff spot.
For the Tigers, McKeon was 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. It was McKeon’s RBI single after Teyana Towner singled and stole second that put the Tigers on the board in the first. They held that 1-0 lead until the top of the sixth.
Burns notched the complete game win for the Indians, allowing six hits and three runs (two earned). The junior hurler struck out 12.
“She didn’t walk anyone – she pitched a great game,” Atkinson said.
For the Tigers, Blackston absorbed the loss despite keeping her team in it.
Souderton (9-2, 3-2 SOL) will travel to Hatboro-Horsham for a non-league game Friday, and Harry S Truman (5-3, 2-2) will host Bensalem on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Souderton 000 004 4 8-9-3
Harry S Truman 100 002 0 3-6-2
QUAKERTOWN 18, SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 1
The visiting Panthers pounded out 14 hits – 5 extra base hits, and they were on the receiving end of eight walks. It added up to a five-inning mercy rule win in the abbreviated contest.
The Panthers set the tone early. Ava Beal led off the top of the first with a single, and one out later, Laura Rose Morelock smacked a two-run home run to left field. The Panthers, who had a lead they would not lose, added a single run in the second on a Beal double.
A four-run third was highlighted by a two-run double from Trinity Lucas. The Panthers scored five more runs in the fourth, and a six-run fifth was highlighted by Maya Hellyer’s two-run double.
Beal was 3-for-4 with a double, stolen base, RBI and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Syd Andrews – who had the day off in the circle – was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Lucas was 2-for-3 with a double two RBIs and three runs scored, Erin Miller was 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and two runs, and Alexis Micucci was 2-for-4 with an RBI and one run scored.
Taylor Schultz accounted for both of Springfield’s hits.
Freshman Abbey Wagner earned the win for the Panthers, allowing just two hits and one run (unearned) while striking out 10 and walking four.
“She pitched well and did what we asked of her,” coach Dave Scott said.
Quakertown (7-2, 3-1 SOL) will travel to Pennridge on Friday for a non-league game at 6:30 p.m. Springfield Township (1-5, 1-3) will travel to William Tennent on Friday.
Quakertown 214 56 18-15-0
Springfield Twp 000 10 1-2-5
ABINGTON 18, CHELTENHAM 3 (3 innings)
The Ghosts scored 10 runs in the first inning and seven more in the second on their way to the mercy rule win.
“We played an all-around team game and all of our players had contributions today,” Abington coach Bob Baginski said. “We have to continue to make progress this season and after each game learn from our mistakes and we are starting to.”
In the 10-run first, Lauren Everitt contributed a two-run single and later in the inning an RBI double. Other highlights included a two-run double by Ellie Pierce, and RBI doubles by Aneesa Rorher and Madison Cornell as well as an RBI single by Jess Sokolski.
Everitt’s 4-for-4 effort with a double and five RBIs led the Ghosts’ 13-hit attack. Rorher was 2-for-2 with two doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored. Sokolski was 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Jenna Doyle was 1-for-1 with a double, RBI and run scored out of the leadoff spot. Mackenzie Marcotte was 1-for-2 with an RBI and run score.
Leanna Schenk notched the win, allowing one hit and three runs (two earned) while striking out three and walking three.
Abington (2-5, 0-4 SOL) will travel to New Hope-Solebury on Monday, and Cheltenham (1-5, 0-2) will be on the road at Upper Moreland Friday.
Cheltenham 021 3-1-2
Abington 1071 18-13-0
PENNSBURY 19, PENNRIDGE 0 (4 innings)
Quinn McGonigle did it all for the Falcons, allowing three hits in the abbreviated four-inning shutout in her debut in the circle, and that was just the beginning. The Falcons’ junior turned in a monster performance at the plate, finishing the game 3-for-3 with two doubles and four RBIs.
“It was a great varsity pitching game plus 3-for-3 with three runs scored – what else can you say,” Pennsbury coach Frank McSherry said.
The visiting Falcons put six runs on the board in the top of the first. They benefitted from a walk, two errors, an RBI double by McGonigle, a two-run double from Emma Hause and a two-run single by Jess Rowe.
After a scoreless second, the Falcons scored five runs in the third. Highlights included an RBI double by McGonigle and a two-run single by Caitlyn Martell. Rowan Mulholland’s second home run in as many games – this one a two-run shot to left field – put the Falcons on top 11-0. The inning included hits by Liz Jordan, Sam Raub (2B, RBI) and Cynthia Ehrenfeld (RBI).
Martell also had a big day at the plate for the Falcons, finishing 3-for-4 with three runs scored.
Pennsbury (7-0, 4-0 SOL) will host Hatboro-Horsham in a non-league game on Saturday at 10 a.m. Pennridge (3-6, 1-4) will host Quakertown in a non-league game Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Pennsbury 605 8 19-12-2
Pennridge 000 0 0-2-6
WISSAHICKON 15, UPPER MORELAND 0 (4 innings)
Danielle Ciliberto allowed only a bunt single in the four-inning shutout win.
Luca Penna led off the game with her first career home run. The Trojans took that 1-0 lead into the third inning when their bats came alive and they plated five runs. They brought an early end to the game with 10 runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Wissahickon (5-4, 3-1 SOL) will host Lower Moreland on Monday, and Upper Moreland (4-3, 3-0) will host Cheltenham on Friday.
Upper Moreland 000 0 0
Wissahickon 105 10 15
About the Author
