SOL Softball District Preview (5-22-23)

05/22/23 4:29am Posted by editor

Sixteen of 24 SOL teams will be competing in the District 1 Tournament. The preview capsules are below. Check back for recaps of all the games. (Photo courtesy of Marlee Doherty/NP softball)

This year’s SOL entries in the District 1 Tournament run the gamut.

From a veteran North Penn squad whose seniors have lost just four times in 75 games to a Council Rock North team that could well lay claim to being the youngest in the 6A tournament, there’s a little bit of everything.

It’s hard to imagine what kind of record the North Penn seniors would have if they hadn’t lost their freshman year to the COVID pandemic. Lest anyone has forgotten, that team had some unfinished business after falling to Central Dauphin the previous year in the PIAA 6A quarterfinals 2-0 in 12 innings. CD went on to win the state championship.

The following year, the Knights returned with a vengeance, rolling to a state championship with a win over Haverford (11-0) in the title game. Behind pitcher Mady Volpe, who went on to earn 2021 PA Gatorade Player of the Year honors, the Knights did not allow a run in the state tournament, outscoring their opponents 32-0. Last year, the Knights won the District 1 6A championship but were upset by Spring-Ford in the PIAA 6A semifinals 2-0. It’s safe to say, they once again have unfinished business.

Quakertown had a historic season of its own, rolling to a perfect 20-0 record. The Panthers are the second seed in the tournament and also are looking to make some serious noise in the postseason. Both North Penn and Quakertown have opening round byes.

Then there’s a Council Rock North team that came into the season with just three players with any varsity experience. A berth in districts would have seemed like a pipe dream, but here they are. The Indians enter the postseason with a lineup that includes two juniors (Taylor Gearhart and Molly Sheehy), one sophomore (Sierra Klein) and nine freshmen who have had starting roles throughout the course of the season. No one on Rock North’s roster has ever experienced the playoffs, but despite the team’s youth, they have been battle tested, playing in four extra-inning games during the regular season with three of those going to the international tiebreaker.

The Indians were on the outside looking in heading into their final regular season contest against SOL Patriot Division champion Pennsbury. The Falcons did just that, notching a 6-2 win over the Falcons and earning the 22nd seed out of 24 teams.

It promises to be an interesting postseason.

#1 NORTH PENN (Opening round bye)

North Penn

  • 20-0 overall
  • 16-0 SOL Colonial Division champions
  • Defending District 1 6A champion
  • Outscored opponents 172-7 with team batting average of .407
  • Led in the circle by 2022 PA Gatorade Player of the Year Julia Shearer, who is 20-0 with 16 shutouts and an ERA of 0.18 (3 earned runs), 252 strikeouts and 11 walks in 119 innings.
  • Dangerous lineup includes Shearer (.672, 41H, 15BB, 41R, 25 RBIs, 8 HR), Sarah Sabocsik (.509, 22H, 13BB, 15R, 26 RBIs, 4 HR), Annabelle Smink (.500, 29H, 15BB, 21R, 13 RBIs), Gianna Cimino (.412, 28H, 17R, 20 RBIs, 3HR), Casey Sokol (.380, 19H, 9BB, 15R, 14 RBIs, 4 HR), Brie Wilmot (.349, 22H, 7BB, 15R, 26 RBIs, 4HR), Reyna Doherty (.346, 12R) and Bella Nunn (.286, 16H, 10BB, 8R, 15RBIs)
  • Wins over Class 6A #4 Boyertown (1-0), #9 Pennsbury (15-0), #11 Council Rock South (9-4), #13 Pennridge (11-1, 8-0), #15 Owen J Roberts (14-0), #18 Central Bucks South (8-1, 11-0), #20 Neshaminy (10-0), #21 Souderton (7-0, 7-0) & #22 Council Rock North (4-0).

Next up: Will face the winner of the #16 Springfield-Delco/#17 Methacton game.

#2 QUAKERTOWN (Opening round bye)

Quakertown

  • 20-0 overall
  • 16-0 SOL Colonial Division champions
  • Junior Abbey Wagner compiled a 20-0 record while striking out 153 and walking 14 in 116.1 innings pitched. She has allowed 22 earned runs in 20 games.
  • Led at the plate by sophomore slugger Leah Schwalm (.569), junior leadoff batter Ava Beal (.536) and senior catcher Maya Hellyer (.517).
  • Also coming up big are Katie Muller (.449), Skyler Williams (.429), Mary Wilkinson (.351) and Cadence Lewis (.317).
  • Senior Emma Hilton anchors the outfield in center field.
  • Wins over Class 6A #12 PW (7-1, 6-2), #13 Pennridge (4-3), #20 Neshaminy (9-2), Class 5A #1 Upper Dublin (6-0, 5-1), #7 Hatboro-Horsham (6-5, 8-1) & #10 Upper Moreland (7-4).

Next up: Will face the winner of #15 Owen J Roberts/#18 Central Bucks South game.

#24 PERKIOMEN VALLEY at #9 PENNSBURY (Monday, 4 pm)

Pennsbury

  • 16-4 overall
  • 13-3 SOL Patriot Division champions
  • Anchored by Laney Freiband who compiled a 16-4 record in her first year in the circle for the Falcons.
  • Falcons are led by the team’s only two seniors, Freiband and Taylor Askey (CF).
  • Ava Storlazzi (2B), the team’s top hitter, and Presley Foote (LF) pose a threat on the base paths. Askey, Anna Evanchik (1B) and Sammy Raub (3B) also are also tough outs.
  • Designated player Naya Schubel has come up with some big hits for the Falcons.
  • Wins over Class 6A #11 Council Rock South (11-2, 2-1), #12 Plymouth Whitemarsh (4-0), #13 Pennridge (5-3), #20 Neshaminy (4-3, 13-0), #21 Souderton (10-9) & Class 5A #7 Hatboro-Horsham (3-2).
  • Split season series with #22 Council Rock North (11-10, 2-6)

Perkiomen Valley

  • 9-11 overall
  • 6-10 PAC Liberty Division
  • Junior Bella Reedy sees action in the circle
  • Win over Class 5A #7 Hatboro-Horsham 3-1 in opening game of season
  • Lost last four games of regular season

Next up: The winner will travel to #8 Ridley in the tournament’s second round.

#22 COUNCIL ROCK NORTH at #11 COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH (Monday, 4 pm)

Council Rock South

  • 14-6 overall
  • 10-6 SOL Patriot Division tie with Neshaminy for second place
  • Sophomore Lexi Waring boast an ERA of 0.85 and has struck out 151 in 82 innings.
  • Catcher Grace Stepp, who has thrown out nine runners attempting to steal, is hitting .379 with 25 hits, 8 doubles and 19 RBIs
  • Senior Kaylie Walters is batting .387 with 20 stolen bases and 29 runs scored out of the leadoff spot, and senior Ameerah Wheet is hitting .379 with 13 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, 15 runs scored.
  • Wins over Class 6A #14 William Tennent (11-3), 18 Central Bucks South (4-2), #21 Souderton (2-1), #22 Council Rock North (6-4, 2-0)
  • Split season series with #20 Neshaminy (6-4, 6-7)

Council Rock North

  • 11-9 overall
  • 8-8 SOL Patriot Division fourth place
  • 5 players batting over .320: Molly Sheehan (5 HR, 17 RBIs), Chelsea Seiler (6 2B, 11 RBIs, 13R), Katie Wilkoski (10R), Olivia Schlindwein (18R, 20 SB on 20 attempts) & Ellie Bonn.
  • Taylor Gearhart is second on the team with 15 RBIs and also has 4 home runs and 16 runs scored, Sierra Klein has 11 RBIs, 4 doubles and 13 runs.
  • Freshmen Lucy Mills (7-2, 1.194 WHIP, .230 opponent BA) and Olivia Schlindwein (1.88 ERA, 101 Ks, .212 opponent BA) have split pitching duties.
  • Team collectively boasts a .932 fielding percentage with 18 double plays. Leading the team defensively is junior catcher/first baseman Molly Sheehy’s .994 fielding percentage in 156 chances.
  • Wins over Class 6A #13 Pennridge (4-3) & #18 Central Bucks South (8-7).
  • Split season series with #9 Pennsbury (10-11, 6-2)

Coach Susan Yee says: “Our team started their playoffs early, so to speak, facing a win or go home situation by needing to beat division champion Pennsbury in our final contest of the regular season to earn a bid to the District One tournament.  Having the young squad enter the official playoffs having already faced their first ‘win or go home’ situation with a positive outcome, despite having a roster devoid of a single player with playoff experience, gives the team hope for continued success in our first district appearance together.”

Next up: The winner will travel to #6 Downingtown East for a second round game.

#21 SOUDERTON at #12 PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH (Monday, 4 pm)

Plymouth Whitemarsh

  • 14-6 overall
  • 12-4 SOL Liberty Division tied with Upper Dublin for second place
  • Senior Molly Moore anchors the Colonials in the circle (12-4, 1.69 ERA, .161 opponent BA) and is a major contributor in the lineup (.373, .444 OBP, 16 RBIs, 14R). She is also the emotional leader of a young squad.
  • Junior outfielder Sam Skivo leads the team in numerous categories (.387, 24H, 1.033 OPS, 2 HR, 22 RBIs, 19R). Junior Marissa Perez anchors the infield at shortstop and sets the table for a strong lineup out of the leadoff spot (.364, .450 OBP, 24H, 17 RBIs)
  • Junior Caelin Kosvitch made the smooth transition from catcher to outfield (.346, .444 OBP, .944 OPS, 15R). Sophomore outfielder Jenna Yablon led the team in hitting and on-base percentage (.469, .486 OBP, 1.018 OPS). Freshman second baseman Joslyn Perez gives PW a solid infield up the middle and also contributes at the plate (.421, 1.013 OPS, 24H, 15 RBIs, 19R).
  • Other contributors included Grace Carney (Sr,  1B/P), Marissa Caroluzzi (Jr, C/3B), Rian Reed (Soph, DP/P/1B/3B), Madison Moran (Soph, 3B/P), Kalina Childers (Soph, OF/1B), Anna Powel (Fr, C) and Maddie Carr (Fr, 2B/OF).
  • Wins over Class 6A #24 Perkiomen Valley (11-0) & Class 5A #7 Hatboro-Horsham (6-2, 3-1) & #10 Upper Moreland (14-3).
  • Split season series with Class 5A #1 Upper Dublin (5-0, 0-1).

Souderton

  • 9-11 overall
  • 7-9 SOL Colonial Division tied with Central Bucks West for fourth place
  • Junior McKenna Schroding (2.20 ERA) anchors the Indians in the circle.
  • Leading the team are Cameron Nadolski (.422), Kayley York (.340), Lily Ponce (.339) and catcher/DP Olivia Plinke (.250).
  • Wins over Class 6A #13 Pennridge (4-3, 6-1), #17 Methacton (9-7) & #22 Council Rock North (3-0)
  • Split season series with #18 Central Bucks South (6-10, 3-2).

Next up: The winner will travel to #5 Spring-Ford for a second round game.

#20 NESHAMINY at #13 PENNRIDGE (Monday, 6:30 pm at Druckenmiller Park

Pennridge

  • 13-7 overall
  • 10-6 SOL Liberty Division second place
  • Rams have two starting pitchers in senior Grace Helbling & sophomore Averi Dockery. Both have different strengths, both play other positions when they are not pitching, and both bring strong bats to the lineup.
  • Also bringing big bats are Olivia Crognale, Ryleigh Lilly & Reagan Bauman. Crognale anchors the Rams behind the plate for both pitchers while Lilly plays both middle infield positions depending on who is pitching. Bauman anchors the outfield in center field.
  • Wins over Class 6A #11 Council Rock South (1-0), #18 CB South (9-1, 2-0), #20 Neshaminy (5-4) & #23 Coatesville (15-6).

Coach Wendy Iadonisi says: “Our defense has been very consistent the tail end of our regular season, so we are confident that a combination of strong pitching and defense will help us have a successful playoff run.  Offensively, we always seem to have different players coming up big in key situations.  We are going into playoffs taking one game at a time and trying to play as consistent as we have the last couple weeks of the regular season.”

Neshaminy

  • 11-9 overall
  • 10-6 SOL Patriot Division tied with CR South for second place
  • Ryleigh Bilbrey is the number one pitcher and has pitched some big games.
  • Lost two senior leaders – Peyton Tierney & Maddie Nelson - to injury. Both were mainstays in the lineup.
  • In the absence of Tierney & Nelson, seniors Lindsey Gorka, Ryleigh Bilbrey, Hannah Cieszkowski, Liv McGrory, Rachel Allen &  Zoe Shubin stepped up and took on additional leadership roles and helped the younger players with accepting new roles and expectations.
  • Younger players Morgan Volgraf, Olivia Hughes, Molly Hitchen, Keira Loftus, Grace Eppinger,Morgan Leonhauser, Erica Dalton,Alleigh Waskie,Molly Ambrosius and Maysie Thomson all contributed to the success of the team.
  • Players to watch include Morgan Volgraf (CF, BA .387), Rachel Allen (SS, BA .328), Morgan Leonhauser (SS, BA .328), Lindsey Gorka (1B, .333, power hitter), Alleigh Waskie (catcher – strong defensive skills), Liv Hughes (3B/1B, BA .362), Zoe Shubin (DP, BA .292) and Hannah Cieszkowski (RF, BA .302)
  • Wins over Class 6A #21 Souderton (2-1) & #22 Council Rock North (4-1, 9-8)
  • Split season series with #11 Council Rock South (3-4, 7-6).

Next up: The winner will travel to #4 Boyertown for a second round game.

#19 CONESTOGA at #14 WILLIAM TENNENT (Monday, 4pm)

  • William Tennent
  • 13-6 overall
  • 13-3 SOL Freedom Division champions
  • Offense led by Morgan Kocher (.449, 1.059 OPS, 31H, 6 2B, 28 RBIs, 25R), Victoria Colagreco (.383, 1.043 OPS, 23H, 4 2B, 3 3B, 16 RBIs, 28 R), Gigi DiMito (.375, 1.046 OPS, 21H, 5 2B, 14 RBIs, 14R), Lainey Scotese (.357, 20H, 5 2B, 21 RBIs, 12R), & Anna Coulter (.328, 21H, 5 2B, 19 RBIs, 23R)
  • Pitching duties shared by Carlie Nydick (53.1 IP, 8-2, 1.369 WHIP, 59Ks) and Rylie O’Toole (43.0 IP, 3-3, 2.12 ERA, 1.186 WHIP)
  • Wins over Class 6A #12 Plymouth Whitemarsh (6-5), Class 5A #10 Upper Moreland (18-5, 10-0), Class 4A #4 Springfield Twp (11-8, 8-2)

Conestoga

  • 12-8 overall
  • 8-7 Central League
  • Through 18 games scored 135 runs and allowed 107
  • Win over Class 6A #16 Springfield-Delco (5-4), #20 Neshaminy (9-5), Class 5A #8 Penncrest (4-1) & #11 Marple Newtown (13-3).

Next up: Winner will travel to #3 Garnet Valley in the second round.

#18 CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH at #15 OWEN J ROBERTS (Monday, 4 pm)

Central Bucks South

  • 11-9 overall
  • 8-8 SOL Colonial Division third place
  • Led at the plate by sophomore shortstop Maura Fleming (.415,, .482 OBP, 22H, 3 2B, 10 RBIs, 9 SB, 12R), sophomore centerfielder Ella Wheeler (.333, .386 OBP, 20H, 3 2B, 1HR, 16 RBIs), sophomore first baseman Hollie Schaub (.300, .404 OBP, 2 2B, 1 HR), sophomore designated player Riley Theis (.300, .375 OBP, 15H, 6 RBIs) & freshman second baseman Camryn Lee (.268, .359 OBP, 15H, 5 2B, 6SB, 16R)
  • Senior Maddy Borowski anchors the Titans in the circle (7-7, 2.85 ERA, 93.1IP, 75H, 133 Ks). She has 13 complete games and three shutouts, including a no-hitter at CB West.
  • Other contributors include freshman right fielder Hannah Tracy (10 RBIs, 6 SB), junior third baseman Steph Bendzlowicz (.281, 3 2B) & senior outfielder Nora Sidorski, who has two pinch hit home runs and eight RBIs.
  • Key wins over #9 Pennsbury (7-6), #14 William Tennent (7-0), #20 Neshaminy (2-1) and Archbishop Wood (8-1).
  • Split season series with Souderton (10-6, 2-3)

Coach Kevin Rosini says: “This team fought hard all season to earn its spot in the District One playoffs and did not lose two games in a row until the end of the season.

Owen J Roberts

  • 14-8 overall
  • 11-6 PAC Liberty third place
  • Entered PAC Tournament as wild card and fourth seed. Upset top-seeded Boyertown, who was without pitcher Ella Hurter (injury) 11-0 and then defeated Upper Perk 11-0 in the title game for program’s first title since 2009.
  • Key players include Sophia Grillo (.411 batting average, 16 RBIs, 22 runs, 3 HRs), senior first baseman/pitcher Natalie Alldred (.365, 17 RBIs, 3 HR), sophomore third baseman Liza Flavin (.413, 15 RBIs, 18 runs), sophomore shortstop Rachel Epps (.379, 15 RBIs, 18 runs), freshman outfielder Bella Winnick (.353, 11 RBIs), sophomore second baseman Jacqui Skonieczny (.360, 15 RBIs, 17 runs)*
  • Ace pitcher Natalie Allard has just recently returned to the circle after battling an injury and threw four shutout innings in PAC title game.
  • Wins over Class 6A #24 Perkiomen Valley (3-2, 6-3) & Class 5A #9 Unionville (4-2).
  • Split season series with #17 Methacton (16-6, 2-7).

*Stats provided by Austin Hertzog/PAPrepLive.

Next up: Winner will travel to #2 Quakertown for a second round game.

CLASS 5A
#1 UPPER DUBLIN (Opening round bye)

Upper Dublin

  • 15-5 overall
  • 12-4 SOL Liberty tied with PW for second place
  • Led at the plate by Kya Garrison (.435, 27H), Kaelin Penna (.363, 23H, 11 RBIs, 14 SB, 21R), Bella Fiore (.336), Kaitlyn Small (.302) & Madden Reilly (.299, 20H, 13 RBIs)
  • Garrison anchors UD in the circle and has 184 strikeouts in the regular season, Her batterymate, Madden Reilly, leads the team in fielding average with a .991 in 213 attempts while also throwing out close to 50 percent of the runners attempting to steal.
  • Wins over Class 5A #2 Gwynedd Mercy (12-4) & #10 Upper Moreland (2-0).
  • Split season series with Class 6A #12 Plymouth Whitemarsh (0-5, 1-0) & Class 5A #7 Hatboro-Horsham (0-3, 2-1)

Coach Heather Boyer says: “We are extremely excited and optimistic for what the postseason brings, but we know that it will come down to consistency, focus and execution on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. The most recent tests of extra inning wins over Abington and PW, along with a close game win over Hatboro-Horsham has prepared us well for the tough competition we will face in the 5A bracket.”

Next up: Upper Dublin will host the winner of the #8 Penncrest/#9 Unionville game.

#10 UPPER MORELAND at #7 HATBORO-HORSHAM

Hatboro-Horsham

  • 12-8 overall
  • 11-5 SOL Liberty fourth place
  • Led at the plate by Amaya Lundy (.484, 31H, 8 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 33 RBIs, 19R) and Tess Kearney (.469, 30H, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 25 RBIs, 24R) as well as Alyssa Tooley (.426, 26H, 6 2B, 25R) & Abby Waeltz (.333, 20h, 18R).
  • Alyssa Tooley anchors the Hatters in the circle. Bella Karpovich also sees time.
  • Wins over Class 6A #16 William Tennent (8-5) & #17 Methacton (8-3) & Class 5A #10 Upper Moreland (9-2)
  • Split season series with Class 5A #1 Upper Dublin (3-0, 1-2)

Upper Moreland

  • 12-8 overall
  • 9-7 SOL Freedom Division second place
  • Offense led by Alyssa Wiley (.569, .605 OBP, 26 RBIs), Devyn Kniese (.436, .542 OBP, 17 RBIs), Natalie Walton (.433, .463 OBP, 16 RBIs).
  • Kelly Bates & Eowyn Stainback see time in the circle.
  • Swept season series with Class 4A #4 Springfield Twp (14-4, 4-3) & Class 3A New Hope-Solebury 22-4, 20-4)

Coach Melanie Martino says:  “Our defense has been stellar this season and has kept us in games. The infield is led by catcher Haleigh Woodman, shortstop Liz Santry and first baseman Natalie Walton, and our outfield is led by centerfielder Alyssa Wiley. Our seniors are all returning players and all are having a great season defensively.”
Up next: Winner will travel to #2 Gwynedd Mercy Academy in the second round.

CLASS 4A
#4 SPRINGFIELD TWP at #1 VILLA MARIA ACADEMY (Tuesday, 4 pm)

Springfield Twp

  • 10-10 overall
  • 7-9 SOL Freedom Division third place
  • Seniors Taylor Schulz & Ashley Jenkins are leaders on and off the field and have carried big bats for the Spartans.
  • Joce Davis has stepped into her role in the circle and at the plate.
  • Win over Class 5A #3 Nazareth (5-2)

Villa Maria Academy

  • 13-4 overall
  • Anchored by junior pitcher Ariana Butler, sophomore outfielder Ella McHugh & senior shortstop Grace Wisler.
  • Wins over Class 5A #6 Interboro (11-3) and Class 4A #3 Nazareth (18-0, 5-3)
  • Split season series with Class 5A #2 Gwynedd Mercy (6-10, 8-5), #4 Mount St. Joseph (7-4, 11-12)

Coach Heather Gelhaus says: “This team has been doing a great job working together, and l’m excited to see what they can do.”

Next up: Winner will face the winner of #2 Upper Perkiomen/#3 Nazareth Academy

CLASS 3A
#2 NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY at MaST CHARTER (Tuesday, 4 pm)

New Hope-Solebury

  • 3-15 overall
  • 2-14 SOL Freedom Division
  • Lions spent the SOL season playing larger schools above their classification
  • Young team led by sophomores Emily Wilson (P/1B), Izzy Elizondo (3B), Jackie Herbert (SS) as well as freshmen Elena Shire (CF) and Kaylee Harris (CF)

MaST Charter

  • 7-9 overall
  • 5-7 Bicentennial Athletic League
  • Led at the plate by sophomore Jordan Jennings (.646, 31H, 22R, 21 RBIs, 4 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR), senior Anaya Torres (.592, 29H, 20 RBIs, 25R), senior Alison Johnson (.436), Jessica Leinenbach (.410) and sophomore Grace Laporte (.387)

Next up: Winner will face the District 11 champion on June 2.

 

 

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