Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Monday.
SOL Patriot/Colonial crossers
NESHAMINY 12, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 11 (9 innings)
It took three weeks to complete, but the game that was suspended after seven innings on April 11 with the Titans and Redskins deadlocked at 11 was completed on Monday. The two teams needed just two innings to determine a winner as the Redskins capitalized on a miscue in the top of the ninth inning to plate the only run they would need.
The Titans came oh-so-close to tying it when – with a runner on third and one out – Lane Mclaughlin lofted a fly ball to left field only to see freshman Jill Rickards turn what looked to be a sacrifice fly into a game-ending double play.
“It wasn’t deep, and it wasn’t shallow either – it was in a normal spot in left field, and our leftfielder got good position behind it and made an awesome throw to our catcher (Alleigh Waskie) who made an awesome tag, a double play to end the game,” Neshaminy coach Sarah Martoccio said. “It was the longest game of my life – three weeks, and this one felt a little bit different just because of that time difference.
“It’s different when you come into a game against a good team, and you have the whole game to show up, but coming in for potentially only an inning is tricky, especially as the away team. That puts a lot of added pressure on when we need to score and when we need to hold and field, but the girls came out and did a really nice job of doing what they needed to do. They weren’t overswinging. They knew we just needed to move that runner around, get her home and then trust our defense to do what we needed to do in the field to win the game.”
In the top of the ninth with the tiebreaker in effect, Olivia Mormello was on second base to start the inning. She moved up to third on a groundout to the right side and scored on a miscue on Morgan Volgraf’s ground ball to the right side, giving the Redskins a 12-11 advantage.
“Morgan Volgraf hit a ball to the second baseman, who wasn’t planning on going home but was going for the out at first, so the run would have scored regardless,” Martoccio said.
For the Titans, who opened the ninth with Jaclyn Lieberman on second base, Keira Im laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Lieberman to third and setting the stage for the game’s final sequence.
Molly Ambrosius earned the win in the circle. She threw seven total innings, including two shutout innings on Monday.
For the game that extended over close to three weeks, Volgraf was 3-for-6 with two doubles, four RBIs and two runs. Mormello was 2-for-5 with one RBI and three runs, Olivia Hughes was 2-for-6 with two runs scored, Waskie was 2-for-6 with one RBI, Morgan Leonhauser was 2-for-4 with a double and one run, and Rickards was 2-for-5 with a double, RBI and one run scored.
Leading the Titans was Lieberman, who was 3-for-5 with a home run and two doubles, five RBIs and one run scored. Also contributing multiple hits were Maura Fleming (2-for-4, RBI, 2R) and McLaughlin (2-for-5). Ella Wheeler, Hollie Schaub (2 RBIs) and Steph Bendziowicz (RBI) each hit a double.
“We have a big week ahead,” said Martoccio of a schedule that includes Pennsbury on Tuesday, Council Rock North on Thursday and Quakertown on Friday.
Neshaminy (9-3, 8-3 SOL) will travel to Pennsbury on Tuesday, and Central Bucks South (8-4, 8-3) will be on the road at Souderton on Tuesday.
Neshaminy 300 242 001 12-15-1
Central Bucks South 432 002 000 11-13-4
SOL Colonial Division
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 15, PENNRIDGE 0 (3 innings)
Ana Glemser picked up her first win of the season, allowing one hit while striking out five in three shutout innings. The Bucks, meanwhile, had 13 hits in the abbreviated contest.
Four players collected two hits apiece for West. Chloe Dryden was 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and two runs scored. Laila Murray was 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. Molly Gibson was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs, and Taylor Hooven was 2-for-2 with one RBI and two runs.
Also, for the Bucks, Jill Boyle had a two-run single in a six-run second inning, and Avery Rubenstein drove in a run with a double in the inning. Julia Thomas singled in a run for West.
“We struggled at the plate against a good Neshaminy team, collecting only three hits in the game,” West coach Mike Daher said of his team’s 6-3 loss to the Redskins. “So, it was great today that we were able to get our hitting game going against Pennridge. We collected 13 hits and scored 15 runs, which was a good offensive effort today.
“We have really been hitting the ball well of late, so today felt good that we were able to get our bats going early and continued it throughout the entire game. The three, four and five hitters in our lineup were 0-for-9 against Neshaminy and that was just not like them. Today, Chloe Dryden, Laila Murray and Molly Gibson collected six hits between them, scored six runs and drove in a total of five runs. They came out in a big way after a tough game against Neshaminy. The three of them are really tough outs and they showed that today. The middle of our order which also includes Taylor Hooven, hit the ball really well today.”
A six-run first set the tone for the abbreviated contest. Boyle was hit by a pitch, and one out later, she scored on Dryden’s double. Murray made it a 3-0 game when she ripped a home run to center field. By the time the inning was over, the Bucks led 6-0 on their way to the big win.
Central Bucks West (8-4, 8-3 SOL) will celebrate Senior Day when the Bucks host Central Bucks East on Tuesday, and Pennridge (3-9, 2-8) will travel to North Penn Tuesday.
Pennridge 000 0-1-4
Central Bucks West 663 15-13-0
SOL Liberty/Freedom crossovers
ABINGTON 10, LOWER MORELAND 0 (6 innings)
Danica Santiago and Sam Wenhold combined for a four-hit shutout in Monday’s abbreviated crossover game. The Ghosts, who led 2-0 heading into the fifth inning, blew the game open with a four-run fifth and then added four more runs in the sixth.
In the fifth, Mallory Beal led off with a bunt single, moved up to second on a passed ball and scored when Bella Roma lined a double to left field. Charlotte Maracheski followed with an RBI double to right field, and Hailey Hernandez laid down a bunt for a successful squeeze. When the inning was over, the Ghosts led 6-0.
Liz Hippel led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run to left field. Beal followed with a single and advanced to second on an error. She stole third and scored on Roma’s single to left field. Singles by Hernandez and Natalie Broskley loaded the bases for Mia Lucke, whose single to left plated a run the brought an end to the game.
Beal (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2R) and Roma (2-for-3, 2 RBIs and 2 R) led the Ghosts’ 11-hit attack.
Santiago threw four innings and notched the win, scattering four hits while striking out two and walking none. Wenhold closed it out and did not allow a hit in two shutout innings, striking out three.
Abington (4-8, 2-8 SOL) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday, and Lower Moreland (2-10, 2-8) will host Upper Moreland Tuesday.
Lower Moreland 000 000 0-4-3
Abington 020 044 10-11-1
Non-league
CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 4, LANSDALE CATHOLIC 3
With one out and a runner at second in a tie ball game, Hailey Helmstetter delivered, lining a double to left field that plated the game-winner in the Patriots’ non-league walk-off win.
“Hailey has been a big hitter for us this year,” East coach Karl Knapp said. “She’s the only one that’s had home runs for us. She’s been a really clutch hitter.”
The Patriots took a 3-1 lead into the top of the seventh inning only to see the visiting Crusaders knot the score. In the bottom of the inning, Sarah Zmuda drew a one out walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch, setting the stage for Helmstetter’s game-winner.
“It was a nice win,” Knapp said. “The two of us are evenly matched teams.
“Through all the adversity, they don’t give up. It’s quite a group of girls that always keep their spirits up. They always fight back. They didn’t give up, and we pulled it off in the bottom of the seventh.”
Earlier in the game, the Patriots scored two runs in the third. Anna Devine drew a leadoff walk, moved up to second on a wild pitch and scored on Maggie Funston’s single. Zmuda followed and drew a walk, and Funston scored on a fielder’s choice by Helmstetter for a 2-0 lead.
LC scored a run in the top of the fourth, but the Patriots answered when Elena Bhatt, who singled, scored on Devine’s sacrifice fly to right field for a 3-1 East lead.
Knapp has had to shuffle his lineup with the loss of catcher Mae Mahony for the season with a sprained ankle. Helmstetter moved from second base to catcher, and Anna Devine moved from the outfield to second base.
“Anna made a couple of good plays at second defensively,” Knapp said. “She’s actually our leftfielder, but we’re down a person with an injury.”
Zmuda and Lyla Becker split time in the circle. Zmuda allowed four hits and one run in 5.2 innings, striking out seven and walking three. Becker, who notched the win, allowed three hits and two runs.
Central Bucks East (4-9, 1-9 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks West on Tuesday.
Lansdale Catholic 000 100 2 3-7-1
Central Bucks East 002 100 1 4-5-0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 3, EASTON 0
The day belonged to Lexi Waring.
The Hawks’ junior ace tossed a one-hit complete game shutout, striking out 15 and walking two.
“Lexi Waring was incredible today for us,” Rock South coach Scott Molle said. “After a long bus ride to Easton, Lexi was able to toss a one-hit shutout with 15 Ks.
“She pitched her best game yet of the season, earning her ninth win, and everything she threw today was just really good. She’s averaging over eight strikeouts per game and has been just so strong on the mound for us. Lexi is one of those pitchers that is so dominant when she can get her spin working to perfection, and today was one of those days. I am so proud of how she can just bear down and get outs whenever we need it.”
Helen Woloshyn once again created havoc on the base paths, legging out a bunt single and circling the bases on an error on the play to spot the Hawks a 1-0 lead in the top of the first.
In the second, Shannon Williams singled to right field and wound up on third, the result of a two-base error in the outfield. She scored the Hawks’ second run on a passed ball.
That 2-0 score stood until the top of the seventh when Woloshyn, who led off with a line triple to center field, scored on a single by Gabby Bloom.
Woloshyn was 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot.
“Helen Woloshyn had another huge day at the plate,” Molle said. “Like I’ve said before, Helen is so dangerous with her speed, and it was evident today when she laid down two beautiful bunts and then – when the outfield plays in on her – she is able to drive a ball deep and did that perfectly today, netting a triple for us.
“Eight of our nine hitters had a hit today and adjusted well at the plate when they needed to. I am so happy how our lineup has been producing this season so far. Every girl in our lineup has been really good producing hits at key times in a game.
“Our one freshman on the team, Katie Aamland, has worked her way into the lineup and is playing very good for us. The long bus ride today was a great team bonding opportunity, and the girls are focused on continuing to be successful on the diamond.”
Council Rock South (11-1, 8-1 SOL) will travel to Bensalem on Tuesday.
Council Rock South 110 000 1 3-10-1
Easton 000 000 0 0-1-3
HARRY S TRUMAN 13, NAZARETH ACADEMY 2 (5 innings)
After managing just one run in their last four games combined, the Tigers erupted for 11 hits and 13 runs to earn the abbreviated mercy rule non-league win.
“We found our bats today after having a team-wide hitting slump the past few games,” coach Jim McKeon said. “Really good/smart baserunning throughout helped us extend the lead.”
Nazareth scored a pair of runs in the top of the first, but the Tigers staged a two-out rally and answered with three in the bottom of the inning. Emily Davis ignited the offense with a two-out double to center and then stole third. Ashley Bottrel’s single plated Davis. Jordyn Loy and Gabriella Lavertu followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases for Skyler Mahler, who singled to plate a pair for a 3-2 Truman lead.
In a six-run third inning, the Tigers benefitted from a pair of errors and two free passes. A two-run double by Davis was the big blow in the inning. Mahler and Bottrel (RBI) each singled, and the Tigers led 9-2.
A four-run fourth was highlighted by doubles from Mahler, Marley Montgomery (2 RBIs) and Davis (RBI) that brought an early end to the game.
Leading the Tigers’ attack were Davis (3-for-3, 3 2B, 3 RBIs, 2R) and Mahler (3-for-3, 2B, 2 RBIs, 2R). Also contributing a multi-hit game was Bottrel (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, R).
Devin Becker threw four innings to earn the win, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out three and walking none. Montgomery allowed one hit in a scoreless fifth, striking out two.
“Marley Montgomery came in and closed it out after really solid pitching by Devin Becker,” McKeon said. “Our freshman catcher, Skyler Mahler, was fantastic behind the plate again and came within inches of putting one out.”
Harry S Truman (5-9, 2-8 SOL) will host Council Rock North on Tuesday.
Nazareth Academy 200 00 2-8-4
Harry S Truman 306 4x 13-11-2
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 12, ARCHBISHOP RYAN 2 (6 innings)
The Indians trailed 2-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning when their offense came to life and scored five runs. Once they started scoring, they never stopped, going on to earn the mercy rule win in the abbreviated non-league contest.
“The girls played a really nice game today, once again getting full team contributions,” Rock North coach Susan Yee said. “Ten different girls all worked their way on base via a hit or walk, nine different girls crossed the plate, and six different girls drove runs in. We also had a trio of captains all hit long balls to help lead the attack – Sierra Klein, Molly Sheehy, and Taylor Gearhart.
“It is such a pleasure to see the girls working together from top to bottom and having fun. The perfect example of this top to bottom teamwork came in the bottom of the third when Ryan chose to intentionally walk Molly Sheehy, so Sierra Klein stepped up behind her and drove the ball out of the yard to make them pay for not letting Molly bat.”
In the five-run third, Zoe Hornstein led off with a walk, moved up to second on a passed ball and scored when Olivia Schlindwein singled. Kayla Ripper drew a walk, and Taylor Gearhart delivered a sacrifice fly that plated the tying run. Then came the intentional walk to Sheehy, setting the stage for Klein’s three-run home run that put the Indians on top 5-2.
Rock North added a run in the fourth and added two more in the bottom of the fifth. Sheehy led off the fifth with a solo home run.
The Indians put the game away with a four-run sixth. Taylor Gearhart’s two-run home run highlighted the inning.
“These girls believe in each other and what they are capable of collectively doing, and it really showed today as they each took their turns to contribute,” Yee sadi. “Olivia Schlindwein once again put out a really nice performance on the mound. After giving up back-to-back hits in the top of the first, she settled down and only let up two isolated hits the rest of the way. She did a great job working through the heat, spinning the ball, and her defense all stepped up behind her to get the job done with eight of nine defenders securing outs (and the ninth not having any opportunities).
“The hard work behind Liv was exemplified by Haley Edelman repeatedly laying out for balls in foul territory to retire batters and get her pitcher back to the dugout for a break. As a staff we could not be more proud of the way these girls have come together to play for one another and get the job done as a unit.”
Schlindwein allowed four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking one.
Contributing multi-hit games were Sheehy (2-for-3, HR, RBI, 2R), Klein (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs, 2R), Edelman (2-for-4, 2B, R), Chelsea Seiler (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, R) and Schlindwein (2-for-2, RBI, R).
Council Rock North (7-6, 4-6 SOL) will travel to Harry S Truman on Tuesday.
Archbishop Ryan 101 000 2-4-1
Council Rock North 005 124 12-12-1
ARCHBISHOP WOOD 13, SPRINGFIELD TWP 0 (5 innings)
The Vikings took a 1-0 lead into the second inning when they erupted for four runs and added five more in the third on their way to the non-league win.
The Spartans managed just three hits in the game.
Springfield Twp (3-10, 2-9 SOL) will host William Tennent on Tuesday.
Springfield Twp 000 00 0-3-3
Archbishop Wood 145 3x 13-10-0
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