Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action Saturday.
Non-league
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 1, EASTON 0 (8 innings)
The Golden Hawks won their second 1-0 game in as many days, and they won this one in dramatic fashion when – with two outs and a runner on third – Molly Gabriele laid down a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt, plating the game-winner.
“We had two outs and two strikes with Molly Gabriele at bat and Paige Brady on third base,” Rock South coach Scott Molle said. “Molly called a timeout to confer with me, and we decided that she should lay down a bunt to score Paige and win the game.
“Her response was, ‘I’ll do it and get it in play.’ She successfully executed the bunt, scoring Paige and beating the throw to first.”
The Golden Hawks wouldn’t have been in a position to win the game in the eighth had it not been for the brilliant effort of senior pitcher Lexi Waring, who allowed just two hits while striking out 16 and walking one.
“From the first pitch to the last, she expertly controlled the game, keeping Easton at bay,” Molle said. “Lexi has a proven track record of excelling in high-pressure games, and we considered this game a must-win. She showcased her exceptional skill set, and when she pitches at this level, she is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”
The Golden Hawks, who had five hits, were led by the two-hit effort of Veronica Houk.
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Lexi Waring (W) (7.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 1B, 16K)
Veronica Houk (2-for-3) Molly Gabrielle (1-for-1, 1RBI)
Key inning: Bottom of eighth – Waring led off the inning with a single, and Paige Brady drew a walk. Waring’s courtesy runner was caught stealing, but with Brady on third and two outs, Gabrielle laid down a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt that plated Brady with a run that stood as the game-winner.
Council Rock South coach Scott Molle: “We secured another 1-0 victory in just two days, demonstrating our team’s resilience. Over the past two years, this team has participated in eight 1-0 games, with a strong track record of success. This particular game was thrilling, and the back-to-back playoff-style games have effectively prepared us for the upcoming playoffs. We faced two exceptional pitchers in the last two games, which is indicative of the level of competition we can expect in the playoffs.
“I am incredibly proud of this team and their accomplishments. They have risen to the challenge of following up on last year’s success, and we are exactly where we want to be at this point in the season. Every single player has embraced our team’s philosophy and works tirelessly to achieve our goals. They make coaching a pleasure, as they never complain or question our guidance.”
–Waring in top form: “Lexi Waring delivered the best pitching performance of the season, with all her pitches working effectively. She has consistently performed at a high level, allowing only three hits in the last two games (combined). Her impressive 16 strikeouts today have left us extremely satisfied, and it’s clear that Lexi is in top form.”
–Props for Gabriele: “I must commend Molly for her perseverance and dedication to improving her game. She has committed to our team’s vision and is having a remarkable season, exceeding expectations on both defense and offense. Her impressive batting average of nearly .400 and leadership in critical games have been invaluable to our team. I am thrilled to see her achieve her second walk-off RBI of the season.”
–Looking ahead: “Our next game is against our biggest rival, CR North, on Tuesday, with the conference title on the line. Our coaching staff emphasized the importance of a solid all-around performance to secure a win. We had a pre-game discussion with the team, stressing the need to play our signature style of softball that has been successful over the past two seasons.
“We’re now looking forward to our next game, and I have no doubt that the team will be ready for Tuesday’s matchup.”
Up next: Council Rock South (12-3, 6-1 SOL) will host Council Rock North on Tuesday.
Easton 000 000 00 0-2-0
Council Rock South 000 000 01 1-5-0
Non-league
WILLIAM TENNENT 15, ARCHBISHOP WOOD 1 (6 innings)
The Panthers – clinging to a tenuous 2-1 lead – scored five runs in the fifth inning, and a nine-run sixth brought the game to an early end.
Madison Pirolli’s three-hit effort led the Panthers. Victoria Colagreco’s 2-run home run highlighted the nine-run sixth. Sydney Teufel also added a pair of hits and two RBIs.
Morgan Kocher – a Kutztown University commit – had a pair of hits, including the 100th career of a stellar career.
“It has been a pleasure to coach Morgan for the past four years and share this well-earned accomplishment,” Tennent coach Frank Hubmaster said. “Her solid defense in center field all year should also be recognized.”
Rylie O’Toole earned the win in the circle, allowing six hits and no earned runs in six strong innings. She struck out four and walked one.
By the numbers: William Tennent: Madison Pirolli (3-for-4, 2RBI, 1R), Victoria Colagreco (2-for-3, HR, 2RBI, 4R), Morgan Kocher (2-for-5, 2B, 2R), Sydney Teufel (2-for-4, 2RBI, 2R), Chloe Hostetler (2 RBIs)
Rylie O’Toole (W) (6.0 IP, 6H, 1R, 0ER, 1BB, 4K)
Key inning: Top of fifth: Colagreco led off the inning with a single, and Kocher followed with a double. Teufel followed with an RBI single, and two runs scored on an error. With two outs, Pirolli delivered an RBI single, giving the Panthers a 6-1 lead.
Up next: William Tennent (11-5, 5-2 SOL) will host Springfield Twp on Tuesday.
William Tennent 011 049 15-12-1
Archbishop Wood 100 000 1-6-5
WARWICK 3, NORTH PENN 2 (10 innings)
The Knights rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to even the score and then found themselves in a marathon contest that Warwick – with the international tiebreaker in effect – won in the bottom of the 10th inning.
With a runner on second, the Warriors collected back-to-back singles to score the game-winner. In the top of the inning, the Knights failed to advance their base runner that began the inning on second.
Warwick scored a pair of runs in the first, bunching a single, triple and walk. Felicia Connolly – who had a superb outing – retired 16 in a row after the first. The Knights’ ace allowed seven hits and two runs, striking out 18 and walking one.
Cailin Halfpenny and Mady Archer both had two hits to lead the Knights, who managed just five hits in 10 innings.
Up next: North Penn (9-7, 6-1 SOL) will travel to Pennridge on Tuesday.
North Penn 001 010 000 0 2-5-1
Warwick 200 000 000 1 3-7-3
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