Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Tuesday. PW/Wissahickon photos courtesy of Kim Supko. Pennsbury/CR North photos courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography. Check back for galleries. All SOS photo galleries for SOFTBALL can be viewed by clicking HERE.
SOL Patriot Division
PENNSBURY 11, COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 0 (5 innings)
Ainsley McClure tossed a one-hit shutout and struck out five with no walks in the abbreviated contest, and Riley Mahony had a big day at the plate, leading the Falcons’ 11-hit attack with a pair of
doubles and three RBIs.
The Falcons scored four runs in a second inning that was highlighted by an RBI double from Mahony. Also in the inning, Taylor Askey had a single, Cait Martell had a fielder’s choice RBI, and Quinn McGonigle singled and drove in a pair.
In the fourth inning, the Falcons blew the game wide open with a seven-run outburst. Highlights of the inning were singles by Martell (RBI), Anna Evanchik (RBI), Liz Jordan (RBI) , and Askey (RBI).
Mahony finished the day 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored and three RBIs while Askey was 2-for-2, with a run scored and RBI.
Sierra Klein accounted for the Indians’ only hit – a one-out single in the first inning.
“Pennsbury did what Pennsbury does,” Rock North coach Susan Yee said. “They are a well-oiled machine that plays as one solid unit and it shows.
“Ainsley threw a great game as always. I was proud of the fact that freshman Sierra Klein came in with no intimidation to face the senior stud and ended up taking away the possibility of the no hitter right away in her first at bat.”
Pennsbury (18-1, 15-0 SOL) will host Neshaminy in its regular season finale on Wednesday, and Council Rock North (0-18, 0-15) will host Central Bucks East in a crossover game in its final game onThursday.
Council Rock North 000 00 0-1-1
Pennsbury 040 7x 11-11-0
HARRY S TRUMAN 4, COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 2
The Tigers celebrated the team’s five seniors – Kylee Thomas, Emma Olsen, Hannah Smith, Teyana Towner and Courtney Nau – with an impressive win over the visiting Golden Hawks. The win avenged a 7-4 loss in the early season meeting between the two teams.
Pitching was the story of Tuesday’s rematch as the two teams combined for just six hits. Thomas notched the complete game win for the Tigers, allowing just two hits and two runs (both unearned) while striking out two and walking one. Lexi Waring allowed four hits and four runs (three earned), striking out 14 and walking four.
“Both pitchers were fantastic,” Truman coach Rick Palmer said. “It was just a great softball game.
“I really enjoy playing South. Dan (Schram) does a great job with them and keeps it fun.”
Schram credited the Tigers.
“Truman came to play,” the Golden Hawks’ coach said.
The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second when – with one out – Jess Adams hit a solo home run to left field. They added a run in the fourth when Courtney Nau, who singled, scored on a successful double steal of home.
Rock South rallied to tie the score in the top of the sixth, benefitting from a pair of Tiger miscues as well as two singles. In the bottom of the inning, the Tigers got those runs back.
Hannah Smith was safe on an error to open the inning, and she advanced to third when Nau doubled to center field. Adams drew her second walk of the game, and Jordyn Loy delivered an RBI single to left. A bunt by Emily Davis plated Nau, and the Tigers led 4-2, a score that held until Thomas recorded the final out in the seventh with a strikeout.
Nau’s 2-for-3 effort at the plate with a double and two runs scored led the Tigers.
Harry S Truman (7-11, 5-11 SOL) will host Villa Joseph Marie in a non-league contest on Wednesday. Council Rock South (9-8, 7-7) will host Central Bucks West on Wednesday.
Council Rock South 000 002 0 2-2-1
Harry S Truman 010 102 x 4-4-4
SOL Colonial Division
PENNRIDGE 7, CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH 3
It was a game both teams needed to win.
With the season down to its final games, both teams were battling for a coveted berth in the 24-team District One 6A Tournament field. The Rams, thanks to Tuesday’s win, find themselves 23rd in the latest rankings while the Titans fell to 28th.
“It was a great team win today,” Pennridge coach Wendy Iadonisi said. “With our playoff status still not solidified, we really needed to come out with a win tonight. This was probably enough to keep us in regardless of what happens tomorrow vs Quakertown.
“Besides playoff hopes I think the girls wanted to redeem themselves for our first outing against South. We had a very rough game defensively against them the first time (in a 7-1 loss), and we are playing like a totally different team, especially the past three weeks.”
The Rams have won five of their last seven games.
“Players have really stepped up the past 3-4 weeks,” Iadonisi said. “Part of it is a result of losing Grace Helbling, who was starting in the circle most of our games and batting third. Players have been shifted around in positions and batting order and are really exceeding our expectations. Averi Dockery has stepped in as a freshman and is handling most of the pitching duties. She threw a great game today and seemed to get stronger as the game went on.”
Dockery allowed 10 hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out nine and walking one.
The Titans struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. Marlena Hacker got things started with a two-out double to right field and scored on a Rams’ miscue. Ella Wheeler and Abby Magliaro hit back-to-back singles with Magliaro’s plating the second run.
The Rams cut that lead in half with a run in the second inning without the benefit of a hit. A pair of solo home runs in the top of the third put the Rams on top 3-2 – the first a leadoff round tripper to center field by Ryleigh Lilly and the second a one-out solo home run to left field by Reagan Bauman.
CB South evened the score in the bottom of the fifth with Magliaro once again singling home a run. The Rams answered with a four-run sixth inning.
After back-to-back walks to Laura Aufschlag and Catelyn Thrush, Lilly ripped an RBI double to right field. Dockery helped her own cause with a two-run single, and then Bauman doubled to right. Olivia Cragnale singled, and Katie Buccafuri’s bunt single plated the fourth run for the 7-3 final.
“The defense really stepped up behind (Dockery) as well especially later in the game,” Iadonisi said. “In the seventh, a ball was hit hard to third which was fielded nicely by Olivia Crognale, but her throw was a little off the mark to first. It easily could have been a leadoff runner (on base) in the bottom of the seventh, but Liv Foster came up with a huge play – she had a great back hand pick out of the dirt to get the first out.
“Liv is typically our designated player, so for her to come up with such a huge play in a position that’s not her natural fielding position just goes to show how much this team has grown this season. They are really playing for each other now and as a coach I couldn’t be prouder.”
Leading the Rams’ nine-hit attack were Lilly (3-for-4, 2B, HR, 2R, 2 RBIs), Bauman (2-for-4, 2B, HR, 2R, RBI) and Crognale (2-for-3, R).
For the Titans, Magliaro was 4-for-4 with two RBIs, Hacker was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, and Suzie Williams was 2-for-4 with a stolen base.
Pennridge (10-9, 8-9 SOL) will travel to Quakertown for a non-league game Wednesday at 7 p.m. Central Bucks South (7-12, 6-11) will host Gwynedd Mercy in a non-league game on Wednesday.
Pennridge 012 004 0 7-9-1
Central Bucks South 200 010 0 3-10-0
SOUDERTON 5, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 0
Abby Burns couldn’t buy a break in her last stint in the circle.
Souderton’s senior ace came oh-so-close to tossing a no-hitter but instead absorbed a 1-0 loss to Council Rock South in a contest that saw the Golden Hawks score a run without hitting a ball out of the infield.
On Tuesday, Burns was back in the circle, and this time scattered five hits in the complete game shutout, striking out 10 and walking none in a superb outing. Meanwhile, Kayley York had herself a monster day at the plate, smashing a pair of home runs and driving in four of the Indians’ five runs.
“Abby was hitting her spots, and she was mixing her pitches up very well today,” Souderton coach Carol Atkinson said. “Kayley York drove in almost all the runs today. She’s done a great job for us, she always puts the ball in play for us.”
Cam Nadolski lined a triple to right field to lead off the first, but West hurler Sienna Lawson worked her way out of that jam with some impressive pitching, inducing a foul popup for the first out and then striking out the Indians’ dangerous three and four hitters.
“Cam is a sophomore, and she’s been playing here and there for us,” Atkinson said. “Her first at-bat she hit a triple on the right field line to the fence. She’s been a key player when she’s come in. She came in on Friday off the bench in the seventh inning, and she had a single. She did a very good job today.”
Kayley York broke up Lawson’s shutout with a solo home run to center field to lead off the fourth. Lawson once again came up with a pair of big strikeouts, but senior Taylor Nelson was waiting in the wings and slammed a two-out solo home run to left field, giving the Indians a 2-0 lead.
“I was so excited for her,” Atkinson said. “This was her first varsity home run – she deserved it.”
It was still a 2-0 game heading into the top of the seventh when – with one out – Brooke Scotti and Nadolski collected back-to-back singles. Lawson struck out the next better, but that brought York to the plate, and the Rider University bound slugger once again delivered. This time a three-run shot to center field that gave the Indians their final margin of victory.
York finished a productive day 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs, two runs scored and four RBIs. Nadolski was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored, and Scotti was 2-for-2.
“Brooke dropped her hits in play behind shortstop,” Atkinson said. “Brooke has always been a solid hitter. As a catcher, she’s working double duty with all the equipment, but she’s definitely been doing well and earning her batting spot.”
Molly Gibson (2-for-3) was the lone West player with more than one hit.
Lawson absorbed the loss, allowing eight hits and five runs while striking out 11 and walking none.
Souderton (11-7, 8-7 SOL) will wrap up its regular season with home games against Central Bucks East on Wednesday and Hatboro-Horsham on Thursday. Central Bucks West (4-13, 3-12) will travel to Council Rock South on Wednesday and will close out its season with a non-league game at Mount St. Joseph Academy on Thursday.
Souderton 000 200 3 5-8-2
Central Bucks West 000 000 0 0-5-1
NORTH PENN 9, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0
The Knights – behind the strong arm of junior Julia Shearer – just keep on rolling, and they’re making it look easy. Since stumbling in a 5-4 loss to Pennbury on April 28, the Knights have won seven straight games, outscoring their opponents 95-4 in that span with five shutouts.
Shearer tossed her 14th shutout of a brilliant season on Tuesday, allowing just two hits while striking out 15 and walking two in seven innings.
The Knights wasted little time before getting on the scoreboard, plating a run in the top of the first inning. Sarah Sabocsik collected a one-out single and advanced to second on a ground out. She scored when Brie Wilmot singled to center.
In the bottom of the inning, the Patriots put a pair of runners on board with two outs. Amelia Funsten drew a walk, and Elise Waddington singled. A ground out to short ended that threat.
In the top of the second, Bella Nunn led off with a single, and one out later, Shearer singled. Both runners scored when Sabocsik lined a double to left field. An East miscue allowed Saboscik to score, giving the Patriots a 5-0 advantage.
In the top of the fifth, Shearer singled and stole second. Saboscik continued her productive day with an RBI single to right field. The Knights closed out the scoring with three runs in the top of the seventh. Highlights included RBI singles by Wilmot and Sophia Collins as well as an RBI ground out by Gianna Cimino.
Leading the Knights’ dangerous attack were Shearer (3-for-4, 2B, R), Sabocsik (3-for-5, 2B, 2R, 3 RBIs), Wilmot (3-for-5, R, 2 RBIs) and Cimino (3-for-5, 2 RBIs).
North Penn (14-1 SOL) closed out its regular season with a 19-1 record. Central Bucks East (7-10, 4-10) – 24th in the latest District One 6A power rankings – will travel to Souderton on Wednesday and then will close out its regular season at Council Rock North on Thursday.
North Penn 140 010 3 9-16-2
Central Bucks East 000 000 0 0-2-0
SOL Liberty Division
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 3, WISSAHICKON 2
The Colonials won a come-from-behind thriller over their neighboring rival, rallying from a 2-1 deficit with a single run in both the sixth and seventh innings to earn the road win on the Trojans’ Senior Day.
“We were looking to get back on the winning side of things after last Thursday’s heartbreaker,” PW coach Mike Perez said of his team’s 3-2 loss to Abington that saw the Ghosts score three runs in the top of the seventh. “We jumped on Danielle (Ciliberto) early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first.
“But they’re a tough senior-led lineup and scored two of their own in the bottom. It stayed 2-1 for a while and became a real pitchers’ duel. Then Lauryn Kane did what Lauryn Kane does and hit a (home run) to tie it. She struck again in the seventh with an RBI single.”
In the top of the first, Rian Reed lined a two-out single to left, and she scored when Haylie Lindley doubled to right, spotting the Colonials the a 1-0 lead that turned out to be short-lived. In the bottom of the first, Luca Penna led off with a triple to right and scored when Ciliberto doubled to left. Ciliberto moved up to third on a groundout and scored on Grace Franczyk’s sacrifice fly to center.
The Trojans’ 2-1 lead stood until the top of the sixth when Kane led off the frame with a solo home run to center field. In the top of the seventh, Sam Skivo drew a leadoff walk, and Julie Price followed with a single. Two outs later, Kane delivered again, singling to center to plate Price.
Molly Moore did the rest, retiring the side in order in the bottom of the seventh – the first two on strikeouts.
Moore earned the complete game winning, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out 10 and walking one.
“Molly pitched amazing for us today and really settled down after the first,” Perez said.
Leading the Colonials at the plate were Kane (2-for-4, HR, R, 2 RBIs) and Price (2-for-3, R).
“Julie Price had a great day at the plate with two singles, and Rian Reed and Haylie Lindley both made sold contact to make things happen,” Perez said. “We’re excited to wrap up the regular season tomorrow and see what the playoffs have on store.”
For the Trojans, Penna was 2-for-3 with a triple and run scored, and Katelyn Fitzgerald was 2-for-3. Ciliberto was 1-for-2 with a double, run scored and RBI.
Ciliberto absorbed the loss, allowing six hits and three runs in 6.2 innings, striking out 10 and walking a pair.
Plymouth Whitemarsh (13-6, 11-5 SOL) will travel to Mount St. Joseph Academy for a non-league game Wednesday, and Wissahickon (11-7, 10-5) will be on the road at Harriton for a non-league game on Wednesday.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 100 001 1 3-6-1
Wissahickon 200 000 0 2-5-1
QUAKERTOWN 10, ABINGTON 0 (6 innings)
The Panthers rode yet another standout performance by Sydney Andrews in the circle and an offensive onslaught that included 14 hits and 10 runs to a victory in the abbreviated contest.
“It was a good team win,” Quakertown coach Dave Scott said. “The girls did a good job of staying focused today with a big rivalry game tomorrow versus Pennridge.
“Syd threw a nice game in very difficult conditions with the wind today at Vets Park, and the girls did fine dealing with that. Abington has really improved, so we were happy to get the win.”
Quakertown’s senior ace allowed just one hit -a first inning single to Hailey Hernandez- in the six-inning shutout that included 13 strikeouts and one walk.
Leading the Panthers’ hit parade were Ava Beal (3-for-4, 2B, R, 3 RBIs), Emma Hilton (3-for-4, 3 2B, 2R, RBI) and Maya Hellyer (3-for-4, 4 RBIs).
After a 1-2-3 first by Andrews, the Panthers scored three runs in the bottom of the inning. Beal singled to lead off the frame and stole second. Trinity Lucas drew a walk, and Hilton’s double plated a run. With two outs, Hillyer singled to left, plating a pair of runs and spotting the Panthers an early 3-0 lead.
In the fourth, Cadence Lewis, Beal and Lucas (RBI) collected back-to-back-to-back singles to put the Panthers on top 4-0.
In a three-run fifth. Hellyer roped an RBI double to left, and Beal also collected a double – this one plating a pair and giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.
Hilton doubled to lead off the sixth, and an error and a walk set the stage for Hellyer, whose single drove in a pair. A bases-loaded walk to Beal brought an early end to the game.
Lucas also had a multi-hit game for the Panthers, finishing 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Quakertown (15-3, 14-2 SOL) will host Pennridge on Wednesday in a non-league rivalry game at 7 p.m. The Panthers will close out their regular season at home Thursday against Upper Perkiomen. Abington (10-9, 8-8) will travel to Upper Merion for a non-league game Wednesday.
Abington 000 000 0-1-3
Quakertown 300 133 10-14-0
HATBORO-HORSHAM 16, UPPER DUBLIN 0 (3 innings)
The Hatters pounded out 15 hits and erupted for 11 runs in the third inning, bringing an early end to Tuesday’s contest. Abby Waeltz’s 3-for-3 day at the plate led the Hatters’ potent attack, and Kendal Leitner – who allowed two hits, struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter – reached a milestone.
“Today was a great team win,” Hatters’ coach Kelly Krier said. “Abby Waeltz was the spark we needed on offense. Kendal had another strong performance and earned her 150th strikeout of the season.”
The Hatters took control of the game with five runs in the second inning. Waeltz got things started with a ground single to center, and one out later, Maddie Karpovich singled to center. Also contributing singles in the inning were Olivia Baltzer (RBI), Alyssa Tooley, and Marissa Rapino (2 RBIs).
The Hatters brought an early end to the game with an 11-run uprising in the third inning. Waeltz once again was a catalyst, leading off the inning with a triple to left field. She scored on Tess Kearney’s double to center. Karpovich and Megan Mills followed with singles, and after a pair of walks, Rapino (RBI), Leitner (2 RBIs) Waeltz (2 RBIs), Kearney (RBI) Mills, Kelly Cappuccio (RBI) and Tooley (RBI) all singled – Mills for the second time in the inning.
In addition to Waeltz, Tooley (2-for-3, 2R, 2 RBIs), Rapino (2-for-4, R, 3 RBIs), Kearney (2-for-3, 2B, 2R, 2 RBIs), Karpovish (2-for-2, 2R) and Mills (2-for-3, 3R) also had multi-hit games.
Hatboro-Horsham (15-3, 15-1 SOL) will travel to Souderton on Thursday for a non-league game, and Upper Dublin (5-14, 5-11) will close out its season at Radnor for a non-league game on Wednesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 0-5-11 16-15-0
Upper Dublin 0-0-0 0-2-2
SOL Freedom Division
WILLIAM TENNENT 12, LOWER MORELAND 0 (5 innings)
On a day when a whole lot of players made contributions, sophomore Katie LaPlaunt and freshman Vicky Colagreco stole the spotlight. LaPlaunt tossed a two-hit shutout in the abbreviated contest, striking out nine and walking one. Colagreco, meanwhile, was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, and her grand slam in the fifth inning brought an early end to the game.
The Panthers broke a scoreless tie in a three-run second. Casey Yocovelli, Lainey Scotese and Olivia Clee collected consecutive singles to open the inning. Two outs later, the bases were still loaded, and the game was still scoreless, but not for long. Morgan Kocher took care of that little matter with a bases-clearing double to center field.
A two-run double by Scotese in the third put the Panthers on top 5-0. The Panthers, who added a pair in the fourth inning, took a 7-0 lead into the fifth inning when they erupted for five runs. With one out, Chloe Hostettler singled, and Giselle McLaughlin followed and was hit by a pitch. Kocher’s RBI single plated Hostettler, and after a walk to Anna Coulter, Colagreco stepped to the plate and hit the first pitch she saw to left field for a grand slam.
Colagreco was 4-for-4 with a home run, run scored and four RBIs while Kocher was 2-for-2 with a double, two runs scored and four RBIs. Yacovelli (2-for-4, R, RBI) and Scotese (2-for-4, 2B, R, 2 RBIs) also had multiple hits for the Panthers.
William Tennent (12-4, 11-3 SOL) will host Springfield Township on Thursday, and Lower Moreland (5-11 SOL) closed out its season with an 8-11 record. The Lions are fifth in the latest District One 4A power rankings in what will be a four-team field.
William Tennent 032 25 12-12-0
Lower Moreland 000 00 0-2-0
UPPER MORELAND 16, NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 5
The Golden Bears found themselves staring at a 3-0 deficit after one inning but changed that in a hurry with a five-run second and then added five more runs in the third to seize control of the game on their way to the decisive win.
“We were slow to start today, that’s for sure, but we woke the bats up and got started ignited by Devyn Kniese today at the plate,” UM coach Melanie Martino said. “Devyn had been solid all season for us but is coming off of an injury to get the job done. She went 4-for-5 with a triple, double, a single and a hit by pitch. She also had three stolen bases and scored four of our runs.”
Kniese wasn’t the only UM player to come up big. Natalie Walton added to the Bears’ offense with double and two singles. Alyssa Wiley added a double and RBI. Ava Bailey rounded out the offense with two RBIs.
“New Hope is always a pleasure to play,” Martino said. “Their players have amazing energy and team camaraderie. Both their shortstop and second baseman had some great plays.”
Upper Moreland (6-12, 5-10 SOL) will host Springfield Township on Wednesday, and New Hope-Solebury (4-14, 3-13) will host Plumstead Christian in a non-league game on Thursday.
Upper Moreland 055 022 2 16
New Hope-Solebury 301 100 0 5
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP 17, CHELTENHAM 8
Freshman Joce Davis notched her first varsity win in the circle for the Spartans, who made life easy on themselves by exploding for 12 first inning runs. The Panthers never threatened.
“Fifteen Spartans saw playing time today – it was a good opportunity since we were up early,” Springfield coach Patty O’Neill said.
The Spartans’ offense was led by Taylor Schulz, who was 2-for-2 with two walks and four runs scored. Norah Conlin was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, Ashley Jenkins was 1-for-1 with one run scored, and Alex Ecker was 1-for-1 with one run scored.
Springfield Township (5-9, 5-8 SOL) will travel to Upper Moreland on Wednesday and will follow that up with a game at William Tennent on Thursday.
Springfield Township 12-0-2 030 0 17
Cheltenham 013 040 0 8
About the Author
