Souderton, North Penn & Upper Moreland were winners in SOL softball action Tuesday.
SOL Colonial Division
NORTH PENN 11, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0 (5 innings)
The Knights notched a convincing mercy rule Senior Day win, but drawing the highest praise after this one was over was the North Penn grounds crew for making the field playable in rainy wet conditions.
“The work that the grounds crew guys have done on our field – they’ve been awesome,” NP coach Rick Torresani said. “The field was good the whole game.
“Our AD, Kyle Berger, was active all day to make sure we got the game in. I don’t know too many ADs that would have gone down there and checked on the field, checked on the weather to make sure we got it done. We still have two games, so thank God, we got it in.”
The rain could not dampen the Knights’ Senior Day honoring the team’s two seniors – Mady Archer and Gianna Corrado. Archer hit a three-run home run to highlight a seven-run third inning. Corrado had an RBI and scored two runs.
“It was Senior Day, and our two seniors got a chance to play,” Torresani said. “It was a good day.”
Junior Tallie Smink’s 2-for-3 effort at the plate with two RBIs led the Knights.
Felicia Connolly and Brandi Groarke combined for the two-hit shutout. Connolly started and threw three innings to notch the win, allowing one hit while striking out five. Groarke allowed one hit in two shutout innings.
By the numbers: North Penn: Tallie Smink (2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1R), Mady Archer (1-for-3, HR, 3R, 1R), Alana Battavio (2-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Alana Drummond (1-for-1, 2R). Lia DiLorenzo (1-for-1, 3B, 1RBI)
Felicia Connolly (W) (3.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 5K), Brandi Groarke (2.0 IP, 1H, 2K)
Key inning: Bottom of third: Connolly led off the inning with a single and was replaced by courtesy runner Gianna Howard, who stole second. With one out, Gabby Battavio drew a walk, and Howard advanced to third on a wild pitch. Alana Battavio singled home a run, Alana Drummond singled to load the bases. Corrado drew a bases-loaded walk to force home a run. With two outs, Smink singled to center, plating a pair. Archer’s three-run home run put the Knights on top 10-0.
Up next: North Penn (11-7, 8-1 SOL) will travel to Pennridge Wednesday (4 pm), and Central Bucks East (11-9, 5-5) will host Villa Joseph Marie on Wednesday.
Central Bucks East 000 00 0-2-2
North Penn 037 1x 11-9-0
SOUDERTON 10, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 4 (5 innings)
It was a special night for the Souderton softball team, and the win was just a small part of it. Prior to Tuesday’s game, the softball and baseball teams (the baseball team also had a game) met for a special ceremony on the new multi-purpose field to celebrate the school’s new facility that includes both turf baseball and softball diamonds.
“While it is always nice to win a game, tonight meant so much more,” Souderton coach Tyler Bui said. “I am incredibly grateful that our program has a beautiful facility to play softball. Many wonderful people worked behind the scenes to make this happen, and we are deeply thankful for their support.
“I also appreciate the CB South players and coaches for their kindness in celebrating the inauguration of our field with us. Despite the less-than-ideal playing conditions tonight, the CB South players had a great attitude. They could have easily asked to postpone the game, but they knew it was a special day in our program's history and were gracious enough to play through it. They reminded me that the softball community is so much bigger than the game itself. I couldn't help but walk off the field tonight with a heart of gratitude.”
Ignoring the rain and less than ideal conditions, a young Indians’ squad – sparked by the standout effort of Skyler Byrnes in the circle and at the plate - went out and won its 16th game of the season.
Byrnes notched the win, allowing five hits and four runs (two earned) while walking three and striking out four. She also belted a two-run home run to spot the Indians a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
The Titans answered with a three-run second that included RBI singles by Megan Sandow and Wheeler as well as a bases-loaded walk to Maura Fleming.
Kiera Fadden’s 2-for-3 effort led the Indians. Emma Lewis added a double and three RBIs.
South’s Ella Wheeler finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI.
By the numbers: Kiera Fadden (2-for-3, 2R), Skyler Byrnes (W) (5.0 IP, 5H, 4R, 2ER, 3BB, 4K, 1-for-2, HR, 3RBI, 1R), Emma Lewis (1-for-1, 2B, 3RBI), Kendall Jones (1-for-2, 1RBI, 1R)
Central Bucks South: Ella Wheeler (3-for-3, 1RBI)
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “Our girls have endured a mentally and physically straining past several days. After a reset, we lost a heart-wrenching game to North Penn, which took a lot out of us. I challenged our girls to show their ability to bounce back. They played with tremendous energy and composure, and I was extremely proud of their effort.”
Key inning: Bottom of third: Fadden led off the inning with a single, and two-out walks to Byrnes and Ava Detwiler loaded the bases. Kendal Jones drove in a run with a single. Lewis delivered the big blow in the inning when she drilled a two-run double to right field to give the Indians a 6-3 lead.
Up next: Souderton (16-3, 8-2 SOL) will host Cheltenham for a non-league game Wednesday. Central Bucks South closed out its regular season with an 11-9 overall record (5-5 SOL). Souderton is fifth in the latest District 1 6A rankings while CB South is 15th.
Central Bucks South 030 01 4-5-1
Souderton 204 4x 10-5-1
SOL Freedom Division
UPPER MORELAND 10, LOWER MORELAND 0 (5 innings)
The Golden Bears had more than one reason to celebrate. Not only did they clinch sole possession of first place in the division standings. They also celebrated the fact that they could play their game in less-than-ideal conditions.
“A huge shoutout to our facilities department and field crew for getting our field ready for today,” UM coach Melanie Martino said. “Playing in the rain is never easy but our girls made the best of it because getting this game in was important for league standings.
“So proud of our players for how they have not only played but conducted themselves on the field. Winning the SOL Freedom division was a goal of this group this year, and I could not be more proud of them! It has truly been a team effort.”
Delaney Stout was in complete command in the circle, allowing just two hits in the five-inning shutout. She recorded 12 of 15 outs in the abbreviated contest by strikeout.
By the numbers: Upper Moreland: Delaney Stout (W) (5.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 0ER, 3BB, 12K)
Steph Jones (2 RBIs), Joslyn McCellen (2B, 1RBI), Melissa Torpey (1-for-2, 3B, 2R)
Key inning: Bottom of second: The Golden Bears benefitted from a pair of errors, three walks and a two-run double by McCellen.
Up next: Upper Moreland (14-5, 9-1 SOL) will host Upper Merion in a non-league game Thursday. Lower Moreland closed out its season with an 8-10 record.
Lower Moreland 000 00 0-2-4
Upper Moreland 252 1x 10-5-2
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