Check out the recaps sponsored by TNT (Tough ‘n Tougher) for SOL softball teams in action Friday.
Non-league
ABINGTON 1, CENTRAL BUCKS EAST 0
Danica Santiago had herself a day, stealing the spotlight at the plate and in the circle. It was Santiago stepping to the plate of a scoreless game in the bottom of the sixth inning with teammate Grace Meehan – who singled to lead off the inning – a one-out base runner on second base. Santiago grounded a 1-1 pitch to center field, allowing Meehan to race home from second with a run that stood as the game-winner.
In the circle, Santiago tossed a complete game shutout, scattering four hits while walking one and striking out one. Two of East’s four hits came with two outs in the first inning. For the game, she threw 76 pitches – 59 for strikes.
By the numbers: Danica Santiago (W) (7.0 IP, H4, 0R, 1BB, 1K) (1-or-3, 1RBI), Mia Lucke (2B)
Abington coach Tina Hesdon:
“Danica continues to hold it down in the circle for us. She also came through at the plate in a key moment today, driving in the go-ahead solo run.
“It was a true team win, with seven hits coming from seven different players.
“Defensively, we played a very clean game. Paige Holden and Maggie Equi commanded the middle infield, while Mia Lucke had a great day in center field.”
Up next: Abington will travel to Bensalem on Tuesday for an SOL crossover non-league game.
Central Bucks East 000 000 0 0-4-0
Abington 000 001 x 1-7-1
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 3, HAVERFORD 2
Down to their last out and trailing 2-0, the Golden Hawks rallied, scoring three runs and earning the walk-off win when – with the bases loaded and a run already across – freshman Ashlyn Curtier delivered a single that plated a pair for the walk-off win.
Natalie Neubauer notched the complete game win.
“It was a complete team effort and a well-earned victory,” Rock South coach Scott Molle said. “The players showed toughness, composure, and a refusal to give in, battling until the final out and ultimately finding a way to win. This group continues to demonstrate heart and determination, and if they maintain this work ethic and focus, they will continue to play strong, competitive softball as the season progresses.”
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Ashlyn Curtier (2RBIs)
Natalie Neubauer (WP (7.0 IP, 6H 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 1K)
Key inning: Bottom of seventh – Trailing 2-0, the Golden Hawks rallied in the seventh. Sophia Salamon led off the inning with a ground single to right. One out later, Margot McLean drew a walk. Both runners advance on a wild pitch, and the bases were loaded when Molly Gabriele drew a one-out walk. A bases-loaded walk to Jenna Pesapane brought home a run, setting the stage for freshman Ashlyn Curtier to deliver the game-winner – legging out an infield single that brought home a pair and gave the Golden Hawks the walk-off win.
Council Rock South coach Scott Molle:
--A good week: “We closed out the week on a high note, going 3–0, highlighted by a dramatic walk-off victory in which we scored all three runs in our final at-bats in the final inning with two outs. It was a fitting example of the resilience this group has shown all season. While we got off to a slower start, the players have continued to put in consistent, focused work in practice, and it is translating to game performance. Reaching a 6–4 record at the midpoint of the season is a significant milestone for such a young team, and it speaks to their growth, determination, and willingness to compete. The coaching staff is extremely proud of how the team has responded to early challenges and of their commitment to improving each and every day. The progress we’ve seen gives us a great deal of confidence in where this group is headed.”
--Neubauer on point: “Sophomore pitcher Natalie Neubauer once again delivered an outstanding performance in the circle. Natalie is beginning to truly settle into the varsity level, showing poise, control, and maturity well beyond her years. She continues to develop with each outing and is competing with the confidence of a much more experienced player. Her presence on the mound has become a steadying force for the team, and it’s clear that her teammates believe in her ability to lead us defensively. Natalie is evolving into a very special player, and her growth has been exciting to watch.”
--Getting defensive: “Defensively, the team has been extremely solid all season. We’ve done a great job of making the routine plays consistently while also coming up with key defensive moments that have kept us in games. Today was truly a total team effort in the field, with contributions across all nine positions. Catcher Sophia Salamon earned special recognition with an excellent performance behind the plate, throwing out two runners attempting to steal second base. Both Sophia and Avery Ochs have provided stability and leadership at the catcher position, and their development has made a significant impact on our defensive success. Their growth and confidence have been evident, and it has been rewarding to see their hard work pay off during games.”
--At the plate: Offensively, we faced one of the toughest pitchers we’ve seen all season in Haverford, and it took some time for our lineup to adjust. However, the players remained patient and composed at the plate, refusing to let early struggles dictate the outcome. That persistence paid off in the final inning. Trailing 2–0 with two outs and the bases loaded, we managed to turn the lineup over and bring the top of the order back up. Leadoff hitter Jenna Pesapane delivered a quality at-bat, showing great discipline by drawing a walk to bring in our first run of the game. With the bases still loaded, freshman Ashlyn Curtier—who has been one of our most consistent hitters—stepped in and continued her impressive season. Ashlyn put the ball in play on the right side, using her speed to beat out the throw to first. The play allowed Molly Gabriele, who had been on second base, to score the winning run. Molly showed excellent awareness and aggressiveness on the bases, never hesitating and coming all the way around without a play at the plate.”
Up next: Council Rock South will host Plymouth Whitemarsh in an SOL crossover non-league game Tuesday.
Haverford 000 200 0 2-6-1
Council Rock South 000 000 3 3-4-0
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 3, PHOENIXVILLE 0
A trio of pitchers – Teagan Stanley, Ava McEvoy and Emma Keely – combined for a four-hit shutout in Friday’s non-league road game.
The Colonials took a 1-0 lead in the second inning and added two more in the sixth, an inning that was highlighted by Anna Powel’s leadoff double as well as a two-out RBI single by Lori Flannery.
By the numbers: Plymouth Whitemarsh: Lori Flannery (2-for-3, 2RBIs), Anna Powel (1-for-3, 2B), Gia Bono (2B)
Teagan Stanley (W) (4.0 IP, 3H, 0R, 1BB, 5K), Ava McEvoy (2.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB,1K), Emma Keely (S) (1.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB 2K).
Key inning: Top of second – Liv Brodzinski led off the inning with a single, moved up to second on a groundout and scored the game’s first run when Lori Flannery delivered a two-out single.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Mike Perez:
“This team just finds a way to get it done. On the road on a Friday after an emotional win yesterday, I emphasized to the girls that we can’t let up and settle - we would have to bring our A game. Katie Clarke is another great pitcher, and we knew we would have our hands full. But the girls continue to play unselfish textbook softball to get the job done. The energy was up the entire time and the girls played for each other.
“Lori Flannery led the offensive attack with two hits and two RBIs. Anna Powel and Gia Bono both had timely doubles, and Liv Brodzinski had an RBI and run scored.
“Our pitching staff once again threw a gem in a group effort. Teagan Stanley (Win, 4 innings), Ava McEvoy (Hold, 2 innings) and Emma Keely (Save, 1 inning) combined for a 4-hit shutout w 8 K and only 1 walk. I can’t say enough about our pitching staff and the job they are doing this season.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh will host West Chester East Monday in a non-league game.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 010 002 0 3-7-1
Phoenixville 000 000 0 0-4-1
METHACTON 8, PENNRIDGE 7
The Rams erupted for five runs in the second inning and still led 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth when the host Warriors erupted for five runs of their own to go on top 7-5.
Undeterred, the Rams evened the score with one swing of Payton Keyser’s bat in the top of the sixth. Meghan Holberg drew a leadoff walk, and Keyser took care of the rest, swinging at the first pitch and nailing it for a two-run home run.
Methacton earned the walk-off win with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
By the numbers: Pennridge: Payton Keyser (2-for-4, HR 3 RBIs, 1R)
Pennridge coach Crystalrae States:
“We had a strong outing against Methacton. We took an early lead and put the pressure on. Methacton went ahead, and Payton Keyser crushed a homerun to tie us up. Our defense backed Madison (Heinrich) today, and our outfield played especially well, shout outs to Emersyn Lesher, Jadyn Gulbinski and Brooke Bennett. We limited our strikeouts and put the ball in play a lot. We needed to convert a few more early on to help protect the lead. I have to give Methacton credit for a strong offensive performance and the walk-off win. We are looking ahead to next week and continuing to play well.”
Up next: Pennridge will host Lower Moreland in a non-league SOL crossover game on Tuesday.
Pennridge 050 002 0 7-7-2
Methacton 200 050 1 8-13-4
NEW HOPE-SOLEBURY 10, PLUMSTEAD CHRISTIAN 3
The Lions scored a pair of runs in the first inning and went on to open up a 6-0 lead on their way to the non-league win.
Juliet Freer had a big day at the plate and in the circle. Freer started and earned the win with four shutout innings, and she had three hits out of the leadoff spot.
Elizabeth Varaghese also had three hits.
By the numbers: New Hope-Solebury: Elizabeth Varghese (3-for-4, 1R) Natalie D’Agostino (2-for-3, 2B, 3RBIs, 3R), Maya Patel (2-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Riley Sim (1-or-2, 2B, 3R)
Juliet Freer (W) (4.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 7K), (3-for-4, 1RBI, 1R).
Key inning: Bottom of fourth: The Lions took a 3-0 lead into the fourth when they doubled their lead with three more runs. With one out, Elizabeth Varghese singled but was erased at second base on a fielder’s choice. Juliet Freer singled. Natalie D’Agostino’s two-out double plated a pair of runs., and then it was Maya Patel hitting an RBI single that put the Lions on top 6-0.
Up next: New Hope-Solebury will travel to Central Bucks South for an SOL non-league crossover game Tuesday.
Plumstead Christian 000 020 1 3-5-2
New Hope-Solebury 201 331 x 10-13-3
SOUDERTON 11, UPPER PERKIOMEN 0 (5 innings)
Ava Detwiler and Skyler Byrnes combined for a one-hit shutout in Friday’s non-league mercy rule win. Detwiler, who notched the win, allowed one hit three innings. Byrnes threw two shutout innings and did not allow a hit.
Byrnes also had a big day at the plate, finishing 3-for-4. Her two-run double highlighted a five-run fourth inning.
All told, the Indians pounded out 14 hits in the abbreviated contest – six were extra-base hits. Byrnes, Emma Messmer, Madi Mott and Katie Straub each had doubles. Kiera Fadden and Kathryn Jones both hit home runs.
By the numbers: Souderton: Katie Straub (2-for-3, 2B, 3R), Emma Messmer (2-for-3, 2B, 1R), Caylee DeSimone (2-for-3, 1RBI), Kiera Fadden (1-for-2, HR, 2RBIs, 2R), Kathryn Jones (1-for-3, HR, 3RBIs, 1R), Madi Mott (1-for-1, 2B, 1RBI), Kendal Nelson (1-for-2, 1RBI, 1R)
Ava Detwiler (W), (3.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 4K), Skyler Byrnes (2.0 IP, 0H, 0R, 1K) (3-for-4, 2B, 2RBIs, 3R)
Key inning: Top of third – The Indians took a 1-0 lead into the third inning when they plated four runs. Katie Straub led off the inning with a single, and Kiera Fadden followed with a two-run home run to left field. Skyer Byrnes singled, and then it was Kathryn Jones ripping a two-run home run to left field, and just like that, the Indians led 5-0 on their way to the mercy rule win
Up next: Souderton will host Hatboro-Horsham in an SOL non-league crossover game Monday (6 pm).
Souderton 104 51 11-14-1
Upper Perkiomen 000 00 0-1-0
GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY 17, LOWER MORELAND 2
The Monarchs scored four runs in the first inning and led wire to wire in Friday’s non-league contest.
The Lions managed just two hits with Alexis MacPhee collecting both of them.
Up next: Lower Moreland will travel to Collegium Charter for a non-league game Monday.
Gwynedd Mercy 401 032 7 17-22-0
Lower Moreland 000 002 0 2-4-6
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