UPPER MORELAND >> The Upper Moreland Golden Bears softball team played the Merion Mercy Golden Bears for the first time in the PIAA District 1-5A softball playoffs in 23 years. The showdown, however, was nothing like a tight clash of the bears.

That is because Jenna Sadowski struck out 10 batters and allowed three hits in a complete game and her teammates collected 12 hits in a 10-1 rout of Merion Mercy at Upper Moreland High School.

Upper Moreland found itself down 1-0 after the first half inning but scored 10-unanswered runs. Eight Golden Bears from Upper Moreland had a hit and five different girls had at least one RBI.

“We just hit,” said Hughes said who went 3-of-4 with two RBIs and one run scored. “We just help and support each other the whole time. It’s not just one hit though. It’s everyone just hitting on top of each other and two-out hits Everything matters.”

Sadowski allowed a leadoff single, watched another girl reach on an error in that first inning and saw Merion Mercy score on a passed ball, but she was not rattled.

The junior instead turned her seven years’ experience as a pitcher and held the Merion Mercy Golden Bears to one run in the inning.

She struck out four in a row and kept Merion Mercy scoreless for the rest of the game.

“I feel like the first inning was definitely playoff jitters,” Sadowski said. “Last year when I was on varsity the same thing happened. I feel like we just have to brush it off. After that we just realized that this is playoffs and we all got our confidence back up.”

Three straight singles rallied Upper Moreland to a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first. Jocelyn Baumiester scored on a wild pitch and Gianna Fiorenza scored Brianna Hughes on a single.

The second inning kept both teams scoreless, but Jen Storbrauck’s 12-pitch at-bat worked a walk and drove up the pitch count of Merion Mercy pitcher Kiersten Krouse.

“We always talk about two-strike hitting,” Upper Moreland coach Scott Ludlow said. “She got down early 0-2, 1-2 and at that point it is really just about making the pitcher throw pitches.”

Hughes extended the Upper Moreland lead to 3-1 in the third inning when she hit a double-RBI to score Chloe Tice.

Baumiester followed up with a two-out-RBI-single in the fourth inning that scored Sadowski.

Upper Moreland batted around in last two innings sending 14 Golden Bears to the plate.

Jackie Martino, Tice, Storbrauck each earned an RBI in the fifth inning and Hughes led off the sixth inning with a towering home run. Storbrauck also reached on an error in the sixth inning that scored two runs.

“It was a perfect pitch,” Hughes said. “It was just a perfect pitch right down the middle.”

One of Merion Mercy’s lone bright spots was Leah McCray.

McCray walked and reached on a fielder’s choice against the seemingly unhittable Sadowski but connected on a single in the fifth.

She said that she was upset that her and her teammates were not able to back up Krouse who she believes always does her job.

“I saw the ball coming in slower than usual and I was able to see it,” McCray said. “I did pull it to the right side. It was not where I necessarily wanted it, but I saw it coming.”

Sadowski only labored once in the sixth when she was in a full-count with two outs in the sixth. She shook off the fatigue by striking out the final batter of the inning and sent Merion Mercy down in order in the seventh to finish the game.

Upper Moreland hosts Phoenixville Wednesday.

Upper Moreland 10, Merion Mercy 1
Upper Moreland 2 0 1 1 3 3 0 – 10
Merion Mercy 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 1
WP – Jenna Sadowski
LP – Kiersten Krouse
2B – UM: Chloe Tice, Brianna Hughes. MM: 0
3B – UM: 0. MM: 0.
HR – UM: Brianna Hughes. MM: 0.

First team

P — Natalie Beebe, So, Downingtown West

Beebe’s performance in the circle was a big reason for the Whippets’ resurgence this season.  She went 12-3 in 15 starts, with an ERA 2.66.  Beebe struck out 115 hitters, while walking just 33 in 120.2 innings of work. 

P — Rachel Butler, Sr., Avon Grove

Once Butler settled into a groove, she was one of the top hurlers in District  1, finishing the season with a record of 12-4.  Butler struck out 111, with an ERA of 2.53.   

C — Caitlin Coker, Jr., Downingtown West

One of the top defensive catchers in the state, the Boston University commit hit .457 out of the lead off slot, with a team-high 33 runs scored.  Coker notched 32 hits, 16 of which were for extra bases, and knocked in 20.

1B — Katie Mayock, Sr., Conestoga

Mayock led the Pioneers in both average (.480) and RBI (29).  A first team All-Central League selection, Mayock also had a team-high 32 runs scored, while knocking 14 extra base hits, including four home runs. 

2B — Olivia Kunitsky, Jr, Avon Grove

Great with the leather, Kunitsky posted a near spotless fielding percentage of .976, and with the bat in her hand, hit .492 with 10 doubles four homers and 30 runs batted in. 

SS — Casey Collins, Sr., Henderson

Collins was the consummate lead-off hitter for the Warriors, batting a team-high .538.  She led the team 42 hits in 24 games, and scored 32 runs. 

3B — Amanda Gomez, Sr, West Chester East

Gomez was a key cog in the Vikings’ line-up, batting .542 on the season.  Gomez led the team in hits  (39) and RBI (30), while also scoring 26 runs.

OF — Kayla Bock, Sr. Coatesville

Bock was the top hitter on arguably the league’s top hitting team.  The Red Raiders’ slugger hit .535 and slugged 1.093.  Bock had 18 extra base hits, including nine home runs, and drove in 30 Coatesville runs. 

OF — Analise Griffiths, Sr., Unionville

Griffiths, one of the top defensive centerfielders around, had a monster year at the plate, hitting .645 on the season.  Griffiths notched 49 hits in 21 games, including 15 for extra bases.  She knocked in 19 runs while scoring 35. 

OF — Paige Olson, Sr., West Chester East

Though injuries limited Olson to just 14 games, when she was in the line-up, she delivered.  Olson hit a team-high .583, averaging two hits a game for a total of 28.  Exactly half of those hits went for extra bases. 

SECOND TEAM

Pitcher — Jess Gomez, West Chester East

Catcher — Amanda Heins, Great Valley

First Base — Payton Landis, Coaatesville

Second Base — Kelsey McLaughlin, West Chester East

Shortstop — Maggie Kane, Coatesville

Third Base — Taylor Posner, Downingtown West

Outfield — Gianna Coyle, Oxford

Outfield — Kinzie Thompson, West Chester East

Outfield — steph Jacoby, Downingtown East

HONORABLE MENTION

Avon Grove: Allyson Wallauer, Lexi Barnhart, Carly Raymond

Bishop Shanahan: Katy Newton, Hannah Keiper, Casey McAllister

Coatesville: McKenna Sherman

Conestoga: Lauren Lofland, Claire Overton

Downingtown East: Lexi Hammer, Ally Meakim

Downingtown West: Nina Gallagher, Hannah Greider

Great Valley: Erin Bevec

Kennett: Carly Smith, Ainsley Albert

Octorara: Morgan Lee, Liv Ellingsworth

Oxford: Abby O’Connor

Unionville: Anna DeShaies, Sydney Horan

West Chester East: Amelia Lark

West Chester Henderson: Cam Trotter, Grace Abbonizio

West Chester Rustin: Maddie Fife, Sami LaRosa

Villa Maria: Alyssa Viscardo, Marissa Bruder, Fran Delviscio, Lisa Becker

Coach of the Year

Carly DiVirgilio, Unionville

DiVigillio kicked off her coaching career under rather difficult circumstances, taking the reins just days before the start of last season, after the previous coach walked out at the end of pre-season.  The Indians struggled through a difficult season, going 4-12. 

“I had to teach the girls how to be competitive,” said DiVirgilio.  “There was an expectation to lose, and we had to change the culture to one where the expectation was to win.” 

This season saw a dramatic turnaround, as the Indians tripled their win total to 12, battled to the end in their defeats, and won the Ches-Mont American after taking a one-game playoff over Rustin. 

“On the bus to that Rustin playoff  is when I knew that the attitudes had changed,”  said DiVirgilio.  “The girls were all talking about how there was no way they weren’t getting the division title; that there was no way Rustin could beat them.” 

The Main Line high school softball scene this spring featured several squads that swung their way into contention for a title.
In the Inter-Ac, Academy of Notre Dame (10-4 overall, 8-3 league) and Baldwin School (11-6 overall) were among the contenders. Both teams advanced to the PAISAA tournament’s second round.
In the Central League, Conestoga (17-7 overall) finished sixth in the District 1 tournament, narrowly missing aPIAA state tourney berth. Haverford High (12-8) enjoyed a winning campaign, and along with Radnor qualified for Districts.
In the AACA, Villa Maria Academy (15-3 overall) entered the PIAA 4A District 1 tournament as the No. 1 seed. Merion Mercy Academy (9-8 overall) also qualified for the District 1 tourney.
The All-Main Line high school softball teams are selected by the coaches. Because Main Line Media News covers 19 high schools, the Main Line Media News sports staff limits the number of sports available to first team, second team and honorable mention – but follows the priority of the coaches’ selections.
What follows are the 2018 All-Main Line high school softball teams:
FIRST TEAM
Grace Jackson, Academy of Notre Dame – Sophomore pitcher, shortstop and outfielder was a first team All-Inter-Ac selection, batting .415 with nine RBI’s and only one strikeout in 46 at-bats. Posted a 1.13 ERA on the mound, striking out 77 batters in 59 innings. Was an excellent fielder also.
Sophia Marlino, Academy of Notre Dame – Senior catcher and shortstop, a first team All-Inter-Ac selection, batted .412 with a fielding percentage of .989 while calling her own game behind the plate.
Lily Zelov, Agnes Irwin – Senior shortstop, a first team All-Inter-Ac selection, batted .467 with 11 extra-base hits, two home runs and 11 RBI’s in 13 games. Also was a standout fielder.
Samantha Martin, Baldwin School – Senior shortstop, a two-time first team All-Inter-Ac selection, batted .635 with an OPS of 1.733, 19 extra-base hits, 29 runs scored, 21 RBIs and only one strikeout in 63 at bats. Will play for Franklin & Marshall in the fall.
Julia Kait, Baldwin School – Junior outfielder, a first team All-Inter-Ac selection, batted .542 with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs. Had 22 extra-base hits in 59 at bats for a phenomenal slugging percentage of 1.356 and OPS of 1.910.
Katie Mayock, Conestoga – Senior first baseman and captain, a first team All-Inter-Ac selection (led all infielders in votes), batted .489 with four home runs, seven doubles, 29 RBI’s and 30 runs scored. Was a fine fielder also.
Lauren Lofland, Conestoga – Sophomore pitcher struck out 116 batters, receiving second team All-Central League pitching honors. Was a valuable workhorse on the mound for the Pioneers.
Michele Meline, Friends’ Central – Senior catcher was considered a rock behind the plate for the Phoenix, posting a perfect fielding percentage while displaying an aggressive style of play. Swung a potent bat (.375 batting average, .444 on-base percentage, .594 slugging percentage).
Ali Murphy, Haverford High – Junior centerfielder and captain, a first team All-Central League selection for the third year in a row, was the Fords’ MVP, batting .531 with 29 runs scored, six extra-base hits and nine walks.
Leah McCray, Merion Mercy Academy – Senior outfielder, a three-time All-AACA all-star, batted .450 for the Golden Bears with five home runs. Was considered the steadying force on the Merion Mercy squad for the past four years.
Audrey Rosenblum, Radnor – Junior shortstop and captain, a first team All-Central League selection for the second year in a row, batted .458 with 27 hits, 23 runs, 16 RBI’s, nine extra-base hits (including four triples), eight walks and eight stolen bases for a 1.248 OPS.
Lexi Wojtelwicz, Shipley – Sophomore third baseman, a first team All-Friends Schools League selection, was the Gators’ MVP, batting .548 with an .871 slugging percentage, 11 RBI’s and 15 runs scored.
Alyssa Viscardo, Villa Maria Academy – Junior pitcher, the Hurricanes’ MVP and an AACA All-Star, struck out 184 batters, posted a 1.78 ERA, and held opponents to a .185 batting average. At the plate, she batted. 538 with 16 RBI’s.
Ana Ciarrocchi, Villa Maria Academy – Junior second baseman, an AACA All-Star, batted .455 with 16 RBI’s, and was a slick fielder at the keystone spot, posting a fielding percentage of .957.

SECOND TEAM
Academy of Notre Dame – Caroline Adams, sophomore outfielder; Marissa Mycek, senior first baseman/shortstop.
Baldwin School – Tessa Pearlstein, freshman third baseman/first baseman/pitcher; Hanna Maier, sophomore catcher; Cara Guernsey, senior center fielder; Georgia Dahm, junior first baseman/right fielder.
Conestoga – Olivia Cepielik, junior shortstop; Claire Overton, sophomore outfielder; Rachel Lopez, senior second baseman.
Episcopal Academy – Hailee Moran, freshman catcher/center fielder; Grace Smith, junior third baseman/first baseman; Emma Tansky, freshman pitcher/shortstop; Belle Volatile, sophomore shortstop/pitcher.
Friends’ Central – Zoe Shoemaker, junior shortstop/pitcher.
Harriton – Anna Walsh, junior shortstop.
Haverford High – Amber Moscoe, junior second baseman; Morgan Marchesani, senior left fielder/third baseman.
Merion Mercy Academy – Brooke Loonstyn, senior shortstop/pitcher; Kiersten Krouse, sophomore pitcher/shortstop.
Radnor – Cate Remphrey, senior catcher.
Villa Maria Academy – Fran Delviscio, junior shortstop; Riley Miller, junior rightfielder; Marissa Bruder, senior centerfielder.

HONORABLE MENTION
Baldwin School – Maura Smith, freshman pitcher.
Barrack Hebrew Academy – Ruthie Meles, sophomore catcher; Lillian Bernstein, sophomore second baseman.
Conestoga –Jenny Noll, junior center fielder.
Episcopal Academy – Jackie Miller, sophomore center fielder.
Friends’ Central – Julia Nierenburg, junior center fielder.
Lower Merion – Hannah Charlson, junior pitcher; Kylie Pacchione, sophomore third baseman.
Radnor – Quinn Tobias, senior third baseman; Roni Hoover, sophomore outfielder; Libby Tewksbury, senior pitcher.
Sacred Heart – Isabella Chan, senior shortstop.

– Archbishop Carroll did not submit a completed All-Main Line softball ballot.

Shanahan’s Emily Sano pulls into second safely behind Villa’s Fran Delviscio

MALVERN—With two of the county’s top pitchers in the circle, Tuesday’s non-league softball match-up of Bishop Shanahan at Villa Maria figured to be a low-scoring affair. The Eagles’ Devon Miller and the Hurricanes’ Alyssa Viscardo matched each other strikeout for strikeout, scoreless inning for scoreless inning just about all afternoon.

But in the top of the ninth, Hannah Keiper took a Viscardo offering to the right field fence, scoring Emily Sano, and Shanahan (7-2) handed Villa Maria (8-1) its first loss of the season, 2-1 in nine innings.

“I just came to the plate looking for the best pitch for me to hit,” said Keiper. “I was looking for a pitch I could drive, and I got one. Honestly, I was just looking for a single, whatever it took to get Emily (Sano) home.”

Hannah Keiper

The dueling aces were on fire in the early going. Through the first four scoreless innings there were just two hits—by Shanahan’s Alexis Peterson and from Miller (2 for 5, double) herself. Miller had struck out nine over that span, while Viscardo was right behind with eight.

Sano got the Eagles going in the fifth, working a lead-off walk. Alexa Peterson followed, making it first and second with nobody out when she beat out an infield single.

Then, with one out, Keiper came to the plate. Always a reliable source of power for the Eagles, Keiper showed she can do the little things, too, and executed a perfect squeeze bunt to plate Sano and make it 1-0 Shanahan.

Shanahan’s Emily Sano comes into score the game’s first run

“I knew how quick Emily was, and I read the defense and saw they were playing me kind of deep,” said Keiper. “I figured it would be a great time to drop one down and get us a run on the board. With Devon pitching, sometimes one run is all you need to get the win.”

While seeing a power hitter drop down a bunt might come as a surprise to some, Shanahan Coach Ron Savastio knew he could count on Keiper to come through for him in that spot.

“Hannah is probably the best bunter on the team, believe it or not,” said Savastio. “I see her in situations like that sometimes and I think it’s a shame not to use that power, but she only cares about doing what is best for the team.”

Villa tied the game in the bottom half of the sixth. Riley Miller led off, and was hit by a pitch, moving up to second on a sac bunt from Viscardo. After the Shanahan Miller struck out the next hitter, Ana Ciarrocchi put the Hurricanes on the board, delivering a double to the gap in left center to score Miller from second.

Ana Ciarrocchi

“These kinds of games are fun, and so important to get into,” said Villa Coach Nikki Hartshorn. “This team is mentally strong, and starting to know how tough they are. They can give up some unearned runs after making some errors, and just put it behind them. They know they can respond to adversity and score on one of the best pitchers around.”

Devon Miller

Miller went all nine to earn the victory. She allowed one run on five hits, while striking out 13 and not walking a single hitter.

“This was a tough battle,” said Miller. “I’ve always kind of had a grudge against this team, since they beat us in district finals when I was a freshman. I noticed pretty early they were standing back in the box, so I just took advantage of that and the wind and started working my curve a lot. It is great to come away with wins like this, because just about every game in our league is tough.”

Viscardo was just as impressive in taking the hard-luck loss. Viscardo also went the distance, allowing two runs on seven hits. She struck out 15, and walked four.

Alyssa Viscardo

“Alyssa was great,” said Hartshorn. “She has such great intensity, and is an amazing competitor. Softball is her life, and she loves the game and this team. They are really gelling as a team.”

The weather has been warming up the past few weeks, and so have the hopes of a number of Main Line high school softball squads who are off to a good start this spring. Conestoga was off to a 9-0 start as of April 15 (7-0 in the Central League); Episcopal Academy was 9-2, Haverford High was 6-1 in the Central League; Academy of Notre Dame was 5-2 (as of Tuesday); and Shipley was 4-0.
Here’s an early-season look at the Main Line high school softball squads:

Academy of Notre Dame
Head coach: Carl Ellis, fourth year.
Last year’s record: 12-3 overall, 9-3 Inter-Ac.
Key returnees: junior pitcher/shortstop Grace Jackson, junior pitcher/shortstop Caroline Adams, senior catcher Sophia Haub.
Others to watch: junior third baseman/first baseman Bianca Rosato, junior third baseman/first baseman Marissa Bruno, senior second baseman/centerfielder Samantha Mcgarvey.
Outlook: Ellis said, “Our biggest strength is our pitching duo of Grace Jackson and Caroline Adams. Our biggest key to success will ber the consistency of our offense.”

Archbishop Carroll
Head coach: Mike Lorine, second year.
Key returnees: senior second baseman Katelyn Barker, junior outfielder/second baseman Erin Boyle, sophomore third baseman/second baseman Sophia Spurio, sophomore shortstop/pitcher Julia Disands, sophomore catcher Christina Jackson, sophomore first baseman Nicollette Cashin.
Others to watch: freshman shortstop/outfielder/catcher Cheyenne Niehoff (“fast lefty slapper” per Lorine), freshman outfielder Maya Preston (“extremely fast lefty slapper” per Lorine), freshman pitcher Gianna Liciadello, freshman utility player Molly Devenney (“fast on the basepaths” per Lorine).
Outlook: As of April 15, the Patriots were 4-4,overall, 4-2 in the Catholic League. “Our strength is our mixture of speed and power at the plate,” said Lorine. “With a roster of 14 players that are either freshmen or sophomores we have a bright future ahead of us. Our challenges are with youth – playing clean, mistake-free defense is a must. Our greatest strength might be speed.”

Baldwin School
Head coach: Bryan Garrett, third year.
Last year’s record: 12-7 overall, 6-6 Inter-Ac.
Key returnees: junior catcher Hanna Maier, sophomore third baseman Alaina Donnelly, sophomore shortstop Tessa Pearlstein, freshman center fielder Blake Landow, sophomore pitcher Maura Smith, senior left fielder Julia Kait, senior first baseman Georgia Dahm, junior second baseman Alexis Loomis.
Others to watch: sophomore right fielder Presley Daggett, senior left fielder Azzaya Johnson.
Outlook: As of April 16, the Polar Bears are off to a solid start, with a 5-4 record. Garrett said, “The biggest strength of this team is how hard they play the game. Being a young team we need to work harder to continue proving ourselves as we build confidence as a team and individuals.”

Conestoga
Head coach: Pete Ricci, fourth year.
Last year’s record: 17-7.
Key rturnees: senior shortstop Olivia Cepielik, senior center fielder Jenny Noll, senior catcher Emme Rycyzyn, senior third baseman Faith Walker, junior pitcher Lauren Lofland, junior second baseman Claire Overton.
Outlook: The Pioneers were off to a 9-0 start as of of April 15 (7-0 in the Central League). In the pre-season, Ricci said, “We have playoff-tested veterans and good pitching. Our biggest challenge this season is replacing Katie Mayock and Rachel Lopez’s offensive production. The key to our success this season is winning close games – we’re a little different offensively than we were last year, so we need to take advantage of opportunities to score.”

Episcopal Academy
Head coach: Kelly Edwards, third year.
Last year’s record: 6-9.
Key returnees: senior first basemen Grace Smith, junior shortstop Belle Volatile, sophomore pitcher Emma Tansky, sophomore center fielder Hailee Moran,
Others to watch: senior third basemen Maddie Loughead (returning after a season off), sophomore catcher Elliana Hopple, freshman pitcher Karen Xiao.
Outlook: EA is off to a good start, with a 9-2 record as of April 15. In the pre-season, Edwards said, “The team looks great this year. They work well together and communicate like a team that has been playing together for years. Many of the girls play year round, which has made it easier to step on the field after a cold winter and look like we never stepped off last spring. Our biggest challenge will come in staying healthy. We have a small roster that fits together perfectly.”

Friends’ Central
Head coaches: Steve Colucci and Bob Bartholomew, third year.
Last year’s record: 4-8 overall, 4-6 Friends Schools League.
Key returnees: senior shortstop Zoe Shoemaker, senior center fielder Julia Nierenberg.
Others to watch: second baseman Hanna Benjet, third baseman Rore Anderson.
Outlook: Colucci said, “We’re looking to be a contender for the FSL title this year. We have a good core of returning players with a stronger defense and speed.”

Haverford
Head coach: Jill Marshall, fourth year.
Last year’s record: 12-8 overall, 10-6 Central League.
Key returnees: senior center fielder Ali Murphy, senior second baseman Amber Moscoe, senior infielder Anna Mefford.
Others to watch: senior utility player Mel Falotico, senior first baseman/catcher Farrell Everett, sophomore shortstop Tess Smiley, sophomore pitchers Annabelle Donato and Hannah Hermansen, sophomore catcher Haley Greenwald, sophomore outfielder Rachel Yocom.
Outlook: The Fords are off to a good start, posting a 6-3 record as of April 15 (6-1 in the Central League). In the pre-season, Marshall said, “We have a strong senior class and a lot of other returners in the line-up. We feel like we can be competitive in every game and are looking to continue to build off of last year.”

Lower Merion
Head coach: Jim LaPera. seventh year.
Last year’s record: 0-17.
Key returnees: senior pitcher Hannah Charlson, senior right fielder Zoe Kaplan, senior second baseman Emma Rosenau, junior center fielder Alyssa Holmberg, junior third baseman Kylie Pacchione.
Others to watch: freshman outfielder/catcher/pitcher Kelly Dougherty, freshman infielder/outfielder/pitcher Ava Holmberg, freshman catcher/utility Margot Oxman.
Outlook: LaPera said, “One of our biggest strengths is our veteran leadership – 3/4 of the team are seniors or juniors,” said LaPera. “One of our biggest keys to success this season is solid pitching from our senior and freshmen pitchers and more consistent hitting.”

Merion Mercy
Head coach: Al Poplawski, nine year.
Last year’s record: 9-8 overall, 7-5 AACA.
Key returnees: junior pitcher/infielder Kristen Krouse, junior shortstop Cara Keller, sophomore outfielder Grace Andrews, sophomore catcher Mya Mcgann,
Others to watch: sophomore catcher Gabriella Brignola, junior outfielder Audrey Deluca.
Outlook: Poplawski said, “We are a young team – eight freshmen and six sophomores – but we have a lot of talent. If the younger players progress as expected we can have a successful season. Pitching as always will be another key.”

Radnor
HJead coach; John Schaefer, fifth year.
Last year’s record: 9-9 overall.
Key returnees: senior shortstop Audrey Rosenblum (first team All Central League selection for past two years), senior pitcher Tess Massaro, senior outfielder Sophia Royle, junior outfielder/pitcher Roni Hoover, junior first baseman Grace Remphrey.
Others to watch: sophomore pitcher/infielder Lilah Demmy, junior outfielder/utility Emma Dalkin, sophomore infielder Amanda McGrath (returning from injury).
Outlook: The Raiders feature Rosenblum, a four-year starter at shortsop and lead off hitter, plus three solid starting pitchers (two righties and a lefty) in Massaro, Hoover and Demmy. Schaefer said, “Our biggest challenge is getting game experience for a lot of our younger players new to varsity who are filling spots in the infield, catching and outfield.”

Shipley
Head coach: Marin Kobb, third year.
Last year’s record: 4-6.
Key returnees: junior shortstop Lexi Wojtelwicz, senior center fielder Grace Spino.
Others to watch: sophomore pitcher/third baseman Abbie DeSantis, junior catcher Sarah Jane Whittemore, eighth grader third baseman/pitcher Cassandra Farrell.
Outlook: Shipley is off to a good start, with a 4-0 record as of April 15. Kobb said, “We are a young team with only one senior – which is both a strength and a challenge. We have strength in pitching, catching, and the shortstop positions. The key to success will be to stay healthy because we have a very small roster; in DeSantis’ success pitching; and in limiting errors in the field. Also in being aggressive hitting and baserunning.”

Malvern >> Villa Maria Academy, the No. 3 seed in PIAA District 1 5A softball, saw its season came to an end with a hard-fought 2-1 loss in 10 innings to Upper Merion in a District 1 quarterfinal Wednesday.
Twice the Hurricanes (13-6) loaded the bases with no outs and the score tied at 1-1 – once in the bottom of the sixth inning, then in the bottom of the ninth – but failed to score each time.
For No. 6 seed Upper Merion (14-8), its win means the Vikings get one of the four District 1 berths in the upcoming PIAA 5A state tournament.
“We just couldn’t get that one big hit at the right time,” said Villa Maria head coach Nikki Hartshorne. “This loss hurt. But every time we [failed to score], we came back harder, we raised the bar. Every inning I thought Alyssa’s pitching was the best I’ve ever seen. She earned every bit of success she had out there today.”
Villa Maria senior star pitcher Alyssa Viscardo, in the final game of her high school career, struck out 14 batters and allowed only seven hits and three walks. Of her 147 pitches, 96 were strikes, and she struck out many a Viking hitter on 3-2 and 2-2 counts Wednesday.
“It just hit me after the game that this is the last game I’ll be pitching for Villa Maria,” an emotional Viscardo said. “But I’m coming back here to visit after I graduate – it’s been a fun time. We really bonded this year.”
Viscardo, who will be pitching for the University of Hartford in the fall, struck out more than 500 batters in his Villa Maria career. Viscardo is one of five Hurricane senior starters who will be graduating in June – the others are Anna Ciarrocchi, Fran Delviscio, Riley Miller and Mary Willcox. Another graduating senior on the squad is Kevina Day.
“I will miss these seniors immensely,” said Hartshorne. “They were so much fun to play with, so much fun to coach – they were so dynamic as a bunch. I really believe that with all their strong personalities, they really well gelled well together – which is something that you can’t always get. They really set the tone for the team, and they had a season with which we can continue their legacy. They gave so much leadership and they gave the underclassmen what they need to carry on.”
Two of those seniors plated Villa Maria’s lone run in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday. The Hurricanes were trailing 1-0 when Riley Miller (which reached base her first three times up) beat out an infield hit. Two batters later, Delviscio banged a double to left-center, scoring Miller.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Viscardo led off with a double to left center. Delviscio grounded to shortstop, and Viscardo left second base, drawing a throw. While Viscardo got back safely to second, Delviscio was safe at first. Ciarrocchi bunted for a hit, and the bases were loaded. But the Hurricanes failed to score.
In the bottom of the ninth, Ciarrocchi led off with a double to right, then Natalie Bacallao beat out a bunt single to third. Willcox also beat out a bunt along the third base side, with Ciarrocchi holding at third.
With the bases loaded and no outs once again for the Hurricanes, a run scored here would have meant at least three more games for Villa Maria (and none for Upper Merion), but two force plays at the plate and a strikeout ended the rally.
Altogether, Villa Maria left nine runners on base, Upper Merion left eight. And in the first five innings, two batters were called out for being out of the batter’s box when making contact – one for Villa Maria, one for Upper Merion.
“It’s the details of the game; that one little missed signal, that one little missed play,” said Hartshorne. “Everything needed to be precise for today’s win, and that’s what happens when you go deep into Districts – everyone’s got to be on top of their game. [But] it was such an awesome game, it was such a pleasure to be here, in the moment. But this loss hurt.”
For Upper Merion, the memories of this game will be special.
“This is the first time in my 15 years at Upper Merion that we’ve gone to States,” said Upper Merion head coach Melissa Toto. “It might be the first time that Upper Merion [softball] has ever gone to States.
“We really played with heart today, played for each other. None of our girls would take personal credit for this win, because each of them could look at the girl next to her and say, ‘We wouldn’t be here without you.’”
Upper Merion scored a run in the top of the first inning. Vanessa Hutchinson and Lauren Del Giudice started the game with a couple of walks, then Hutchinson moved to third on Katelyn O’Brien’s fly out to right. When Del Giudice ran to second and drew a Villa Maria throw, Hutchinson raced home with the game’s first run.
On the mound, Viking starting pitcher Kayla Warren hurled seven innings, scattering six hits, allowing just one run and getting out of a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the bottom of the sixth with a double play and a strikeout. Olivia Barr pitched the final three innings, and facing a bases-loaded, no out situation in the bottom of the ninth, set the Hurricanes down 1-2-3.
“Kayla pitched great for seven innings, and then Liv came in to relieve and picked up right where Kayla left off,” said Toto. “They both did a great job pitching out of jams.”
In the top of the 10th inning, the Vikings’ Sammie Deskiewicz (Upper Merion’s last batter in the ninth) took second base to start the frame. Following two outs, Hutchinson singled past shortstop to score Deskiewicz to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the 10th, with a Villa Maria runner on second to start the inning, Barr got a strikeout, a groundout to first, and a fly ball to left, ending the game.
Toto said, “My girls wanted this game so bad, they weren’t letting anyone stop them. The whole team believed in themselves – they know how hard they worked to get here, and today they really delivered. We kept going and we didn’t get down on ourselves [in adversity]. Alyssa Viscardo did a great job, and [Villa Maria] backed her up, hit the ball well behind her.”

LOWER GWYNEDD >> With Upper Moreland and Gwynedd Mercy Academy both sporting 13-6 records, their matchup in the District 1-4A softball semifinals projected to be very close contest.

Gwynedd Mercy held the slight edge in total points according to the PIAA District 1 rankings, thus winning the right to host the playoff contest. With freshman Madison Seidel in the circle for the Monarchs and senior Jenna Sadowski operating on the mound for the Golden Bears, both teams boasted two of the finest pitchers in the district.

On Wednesday, they showed off their skills, but it was Seidel who bested Sadowski in the narrow duel. Riding a complete-game shutout from Seidel, Gwynedd Mercy defeated Upper Moreland, 2-0, to advance to the District One 4A championship.

In the first inning, Upper Moreland saw Seidel down two of its batters, but Brianna Hughes singled to center and stole second to put herself in scoring position. Unfortunately for the Golden Bears, cleanup hitter Jackie Martino went down swinging to end the threat.

Gwynedd Mercy capitalized and took an early lead. After Hailee Weiss advanced to second off a single and a stolen base, Seidel proved her chops at the plate by ripping a hard grounder toward Hughes, which she could not handle. Weiss made her way home, tallying the first score of the game.

The second inning proved to be more of the same for the Golden Bears at the plate. Sadowski provided a leadoff single, and pinch runner Erin Shaffert made it to second after a bunt by Brigid Ounan. But Upper Moreland failed to drive in the tying run as Gabrielle Wiley and Alexis McDermott struck out to strand Shaffert.

During the bottom half of the frame, Brigid Ounan made an impressive catch in right field, but Sadowski found herself in trouble with two outs as she walked Carley Andrews on four pitches, and Liz Held bunted to move Andrews to second. Held also made it to first base on the play. Queue a wild pitch, and Sadowski was pitching with runners on second and third. But she exited the jam by forcing Weiss into a groundout.   

In the following inning, Upper Moreland was once again denied at the plate by Seidel, while the Monarchs found another way to score. Jess DiBricida singled to kick off the action in the bottom of the third. She then stole second, and Meaghan McGoldrick followed with a well-hit grounder. Jess Baumeister could not handle the throw from shortstop, though, thus allowing McGoldrick to reach second and DiBricida to score.

From then on, no more runs crossed home as Seidel and Sadowski dazzled in the circle.

Sadowski struck out the side in the fourth and recorded an easy 1-2-3 inning in the sixth. The only threat she faced came in the fifth frame when runners once again made their way to second and third. But the senior showcased her poise under pressure, striking out Lauren Slovensky to end the inning.

“She has been tremendous for us for three years now,” said Upper Moreland head coach Scott Ludlow on Sadowski. “Today, unfortunately, was the end of her high school career. But she ended on an extremely high note in terms of the way she pitched and the way she played … Unfortunately, we made a couple mistakes behind her, and it cost us a couple runs.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Bear bats were held in check by Seidel. Upper Moreland placed runners on first and second in the top of the fourth, but Kacey Emmell could only muster a groundout to second, which ended the scoring opportunity.

Seidel notched a quick 1-2-3 inning in the fifth and then gave up a lone single in the sixth before putting down three more Golden Bears.

“She threw a great game,” said Gwynedd Mercy head coach Charlie Ball of Seidel’s performance. “She kept them off with her changeups, she kept them off with the different pitches she has, and she kept their big hitters off balance.”

Upper Moreland’s last chance came in the top of the seventh, and it mounted a valiant comeback attempt.

Wiley kickstarted the effort with a hard-hit grounder that allowed her to advance to first. Following an Alexis McDermott pop out, Allison Ludlow laid down a soft bunt. Wiley easily made it to second, and Ludlow barely beat the throw to first. With the tying run on first, Kramer bunted, putting Ludlow and Wiley on second and third, respectively. The game came down to the bat of Baumeister. The junior swung on the first pitch and launched the ball to center, but it was handled by Andrews in center field, which secured the victory for the Monarchs. 

“I’ve come to understand that we really never give up. We talked about whatever was going to happen, we were going to go down with a fight,” said Ludlow about his team’s rally. “We weren’t going to roll over. I’m certainly proud of the way we fought—we put two runs in scoring position, and we were a hit away from tying the game.”

Gwynedd Mercy has now booked a trip to District 1-4A championship where it faces top seed Nazareth Academy Wednesday.

“It’s the first time since I’ve been here that we got to the district championship,” said Ball. “It feels good.”

Despite the loss, Ludlow is proud of what his team has accomplished.

“This is a really special group for me because I’ve coached many of them since they were eight or nine years old. They’re a pleasure to coach and a pleasure to be around. It’s a disappointing way to end, but I’m proud of the way we fought and I’m proud of the way the season concluded.”  

HORSHAM >> Gwynedd Mercy Academy faced a tough task in the District 1-4A softball final.

After shutting out Upper Moreland in the semifinal, the Monarchs were pitted against the No. 1 seed, Nazareth Academy. The Pandas finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, but they were still a vulnerable opponent. After all, six of Nazareth’s victories were come-from-behind wins, and it only eked by a sub-.500 opponent in Villa Joseph Marie during the semifinal, 6-5.

Still, the Pandas beat Gwynedd Mercy in both of their regular season games. The Monarchs fell in the first contest at home, 9-5, and then lost a narrow decision on the road, 4-3.

Unfortunately for Gwynedd Mercy, Wednesday’s contest was not decided in its favor. The Monarchs battled throughout, but a three-run swing in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference as Gwynedd Mercy was defeated by Nazareth, 6-3, at Hatboro-Horsham.

With the holiday weekend providing time for their teams to rest, Monarchs head coach Charlie Ball and Pandas head coach Danielle Vittitow could each trot out their star pitchers. Freshman Madison Seidel came into the circle for Gwynedd Mercy, and senior Devyn Dydak drew the start for Nazareth.

The top of the first inning saw Dydak walk leadoff batter Hailee Weiss, but she retired the next two batters before facing first baseman Meaghan McGoldrick. During the at-bat, Weiss stole second, and McGoldrick capitalized. She hit a blooper over shortstop Mac Tobler’s head, scoring the first run of the game.

Seidel, fresh off a shutout over Upper Moreland last week, could not replicate her dominant form in the early going. The freshman allowed the first three batters to reach base. Following a single from Tobler, Stephanie Marino laid down a routine bunt, but the throw to first was too high, and Tobler rounded the bases to knot the game.

Natalie Minitti then singled, putting runners on first and third, and she then advanced to second off a wild pitch. Next up was Megan Dignam, who hit a hard grounder toward first — one that McGoldrick could not handle — which scored the Pandas’ second run and gave them the lead.

At this point, runners occupied the corners, and Seidel had failed to record an out. Thanks to Weiss, though, Nazareth’s scoring outburst came to an end. Cait Ferry drilled a line drive in Weiss’ direction. The junior captain made the catch and also got the tag-out at third. After Seidel walked Timoney Lamplugh, she struck out Julianna Nocito to escape the inning without any further damage.

“Hailee Weiss has been doing that all year,” Ball said regarding the junior’s double play. “She’s probably the premier shortstop in our league.”

The next two innings passed by without much incident as Seidel and Dydak began to settle in the circle.

Dydak pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the second and stranded one runner at first base during the third. Meanwhile, Seidel worked around an early walk to down the next three batters in the second frame before stringing together a 1-2-3 inning of her own in the third.

Gwynedd Mercy missed out on a prime opportunity to score in the fourth. Seidel reached first on a single, and she proceeded to steal both second and third. With Lauren Slovensky also on second, Lily Panunto grounded out but appeared to drive in a run as Seidel crossed home. But as she was running to third, Slovensky interfered with the Tobler, who made the throw to first. That interference combined with the out at first would result in three outs.

But after a lengthy discussion, officials placed Panunto at first and Seidel at third with two outs. The interference by Slovensky resulted in a dead ball. The score still stood at 2-1, and Carley Andrews came to the plate. She flew out to left field, squashing the scoring threat.

“I didn’t want to argue,” Ball said referring to the call. “I told them that was the wrong call when I went out there, and (the officials) told me I was wrong. I didn’t want to belabor the issue that early in the game.”

The Pandas extended their lead in the same frame. Seidel drew an early out, but Nocito reached first after beating the throw by Weiss. She stole, and McGurk was fanned by Seidel. Dydak then displayed her prowess at the plate, blasting a double off the wall to tally the team’s third run. The ensuing batter — Tobler — hit one through the middle. Dydak rounded third to try to score, but she could not beat the throw home, which held the Pandas at three runs.

In the fifth, Dydak began to unravel. Liz Held lined out to shortstop to kick off the inning, but Dydak proceeded to walk the next three batters. Seidel appeared at the plate with the bases loaded, and Dydak walked her counterpart in four pitches, cutting Nazareth’s lead to just one. That lead soon vanished when McGoldrick launched a sacrifice fly to knot the game at three apiece.

Seidel rebounded in the bottom of the frame. Aside from a Marino bunt, Seidel denied the Panda bats. Dydak more or less did the same in the sixth. The senior gave up a single and a walk, but she stranded the runners at first and second thanks to Marino, who made a diving catch in center to record the third out.

The final turning point came in the bottom of the sixth. Seidel notched a quick out and looked to have a second following a Nocito strikeout, but Nocito reached first as a result of a dropped third strike. Gianna DiBello came in as a pinch-hitter, and she moved herself and Nocito up a base with a hard grounder. Dydak then came up to bat, and she gave herself a lead to work with, earning her second RBI double of the day to drive in Nocito. Tobler then blasted a double of her own. This time, Dydak safely made it home along with Marie Dignam, who was pinch-running for DiBello. This three-run scoring outburst gave the Pandas a comfortable edge heading into the seventh.

In the last inning, Dydak made quick work of the Monarchs. Jess Dibricida reached first, but Seidel then flew out to Dydak. Megan Dignam wrapped up the contest by recording a game-ending double play as she handled a liner from McGoldrick and tagged out Dibricida.

While Gwynedd Mercy’s season ended just short of an appearance in the state tournament, Ball is confident about his team’s future.

“(The Pandas) beat us three times. You got to tip your hat to them. But they are senior-loaded. I graduate one senior from the starting lineup. I have juniors, sophomores and freshmen coming back. Our turn’s coming. I congratulate them and wish them all the best at states.”

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HORSHAM >> Gwynedd Mercy Academy faced a tough task in the District 1-4A softball final.

After shutting out Upper Moreland in the semifinal, the Monarchs were pitted against the No. 1 seed, Nazareth Academy. The Pandas finished the regular season with a 15-2 record, but they were still a vulnerable opponent. After all, six of Nazareth’s victories were come-from-behind wins, and it only eked by a sub-.500 opponent in Villa Joseph Marie during the semifinal, 6-5.

Still, the Pandas beat Gwynedd Mercy in both of their regular season games. The Monarchs fell in the first contest at home, 9-5, and then lost a narrow decision on the road, 4-3.

Unfortunately for Gwynedd Mercy, Wednesday’s contest was not decided in its favor. The Monarchs battled throughout, but a three-run swing in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the difference as Gwynedd Mercy was defeated by Nazareth, 6-3, at Hatboro-Horsham.

With the holiday weekend providing time for their teams to rest, Monarchs head coach Charlie Ball and Pandas head coach Danielle Vittitow could each trot out their star pitchers. Freshman Madison Seidel came into the circle for Gwynedd Mercy, and senior Devyn Dydak drew the start for Nazareth.

The top of the first inning saw Dydak walk leadoff batter Hailee Weiss, but she retired the next two batters before facing first baseman Meaghan McGoldrick. During the at-bat, Weiss stole second, and McGoldrick capitalized. She hit a blooper over shortstop Mac Tobler’s head, scoring the first run of the game.

Seidel, fresh off a shutout over Upper Moreland last week, could not replicate her dominant form in the early going. The freshman allowed the first three batters to reach base. Following a single from Tobler, Stephanie Marino laid down a routine bunt, but the throw to first was too high, and Tobler rounded the bases to knot the game.

Natalie Minitti then singled, putting runners on first and third, and she then advanced to second off a wild pitch. Next up was Megan Dignam, who hit a hard grounder toward first — one that McGoldrick could not handle — which scored the Pandas’ second run and gave them the lead.

At this point, runners occupied the corners, and Seidel had failed to record an out. Thanks to Weiss, though, Nazareth’s scoring outburst came to an end. Cait Ferry drilled a line drive in Weiss’ direction. The junior captain made the catch and also got the tag-out at third. After Seidel walked Timoney Lamplugh, she struck out Julianna Nocito to escape the inning without any further damage.

“Hailee Weiss has been doing that all year,” Ball said regarding the junior’s double play. “She’s probably the premier shortstop in our league.”

The next two innings passed by without much incident as Seidel and Dydak began to settle in the circle.

Dydak pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the second and stranded one runner at first base during the third. Meanwhile, Seidel worked around an early walk to down the next three batters in the second frame before stringing together a 1-2-3 inning of her own in the third.

Gwynedd Mercy missed out on a prime opportunity to score in the fourth. Seidel reached first on a single, and she proceeded to steal both second and third. With Lauren Slovensky also on second, Lily Panunto grounded out but appeared to drive in a run as Seidel crossed home. But as she was running to third, Slovensky interfered with the Tobler, who made the throw to first. That interference combined with the out at first would result in three outs.

But after a lengthy discussion, officials placed Panunto at first and Seidel at third with two outs. The interference by Slovensky resulted in a dead ball. The score still stood at 2-1, and Carley Andrews came to the plate. She flew out to left field, squashing the scoring threat.

“I didn’t want to argue,” Ball said referring to the call. “I told them that was the wrong call when I went out there, and (the officials) told me I was wrong. I didn’t want to belabor the issue that early in the game.”

The Pandas extended their lead in the same frame. Seidel drew an early out, but Nocito reached first after beating the throw by Weiss. She stole, and McGurk was fanned by Seidel. Dydak then displayed her prowess at the plate, blasting a double off the wall to tally the team’s third run. The ensuing batter — Tobler — hit one through the middle. Dydak rounded third to try to score, but she could not beat the throw home, which held the Pandas at three runs.

In the fifth, Dydak began to unravel. Liz Held lined out to shortstop to kick off the inning, but Dydak proceeded to walk the next three batters. Seidel appeared at the plate with the bases loaded, and Dydak walked her counterpart in four pitches, cutting Nazareth’s lead to just one. That lead soon vanished when McGoldrick launched a sacrifice fly to knot the game at three apiece.

Seidel rebounded in the bottom of the frame. Aside from a Marino bunt, Seidel denied the Panda bats. Dydak more or less did the same in the sixth. The senior gave up a single and a walk, but she stranded the runners at first and second thanks to Marino, who made a diving catch in center to record the third out.

The final turning point came in the bottom of the sixth. Seidel notched a quick out and looked to have a second following a Nocito strikeout, but Nocito reached first as a result of a dropped third strike. Gianna DiBello came in as a pinch-hitter, and she moved herself and Nocito up a base with a hard grounder. Dydak then came up to bat, and she gave herself a lead to work with, earning her second RBI double of the day to drive in Nocito. Tobler then blasted a double of her own. This time, Dydak safely made it home along with Marie Dignam, who was pinch-running for DiBello. This three-run scoring outburst gave the Pandas a comfortable edge heading into the seventh.

In the last inning, Dydak made quick work of the Monarchs. Jess Dibricida reached first, but Seidel then flew out to Dydak. Megan Dignam wrapped up the contest by recording a game-ending double play as she handled a liner from McGoldrick and tagged out Dibricida.

While Gwynedd Mercy’s season ended just short of an appearance in the state tournament, Ball is confident about his team’s future.

“(The Pandas) beat us three times. You got to tip your hat to them. But they are senior-loaded. I graduate one senior from the starting lineup. I have juniors, sophomores and freshmen coming back. Our turn’s coming. I congratulate them and wish them all the best at states.”

A handful of practices, a couple scrimmages and a lot of what ifs were all Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media softball teams got in the spring of 2020.

While COVID-19 cost the entire state a spring’s worth of competition last year, local teams are preparing to get this season underway starting Friday. Understandably, area squads aren’t quite sure what to expect with rosters that look quite different than the last time they played in 2019 but all are eager just to get back on the field.

North Penn has eyes on big things this spring with all-state pitcher Mady Volpe back for her senior season. The Coastal Carolina recruit heads a deep Knights lineup that has won back-to-back SOL Continental Conference titles and played in the 2019 District 1 6A title game.

The rest of the SOL Colonial figures to be tough as usual, with Souderton returning a solid core, CB South always a difficult out and programs in CB East, CB West and Pennridge that always have quality players.

As in other sports in the SOL, some teams are in new homes with Lower Moreland and New Hope-Solebury joining the league to form four conferences. William Tennent, which lost three seniors to college but believes it has a strong core, joins Cheltenham, Lower Moreland, New Hope-Solebury, Upper Moreland and Springfield Twp in the Freedom conference.

Quakertown, usually a top team in the district, comes to the Liberty and will contend with Upper Dublin, Abington, Wissahickon, Hatboro-Horsham and Plymouth Whitemarsh. All of those teams will be looking to some younger players getting their first crack at varsity as they get back to the routine of playing games and practicing.

Archbishop Wood and Lansdale Catholic will be on the younger side, but both teams have been contenders in the PCL in recent years. Both have scheduled some challenging opponents out of the league and hope to round into form by the postseason.

Earlier this week, the PIAA announced it hopes to run a normal postseason for all spring sports instead of the small, district-champion only brackets it used for fall and winter sports.

ABINGTON
Coach: Bob Baginski
Players to Watch: Seniors: Julia Brustle INF, Madison Cornell INF, Jenna Doyle INF/OF, Mackenzie Marcotte C/INF, Bella Oquendo INF, Annie Sokolski OF/C, Jess Sokolski P/OF Meghan Strange OF. Juniors: Anessa Rohrer INF/OF. Mia Scheuer INF, Sydney Stiener C, Sophomores: Lauren Everitt C/INF, Shauna Rakus INF, Leanna Schenk OF/P, Ellie Pierce OF
Players Lost: Julia Burkhardt C (Alvernia Univ.), Sophia Dupoldt OF, Kierstan Gant 3B (Keystone College), Sam Marasheski OF (Rowan Univ.), Alexandra Metz 2B
Outlook: “With the season being cancelled last year due to Covid, we are excited as are the athletes to start the season for the Varisity and JV teams at Abington. Our coaching staff has been working to build our program with skill level advancement and situational awareness for game play. Our players have shown tremendous dedication to the sport along with great energy, effort, prepartion and respect. We expect a solid season of progress and development for Abington in 2021.”

ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Jackie Ecker
Returning Players: Abby Windish Jr 1B, Gianna Anzideo Jr P, Kiersten Reeser  Jr OF
Players to Watch: Dakota Fanelli  So  P/3b, Paige Ross So C, Maggie Devlin So SS, Riley Nolan So OF , Parker Kraus  Fr P/OF/1b, Maura Yoos  Fr  2b, Julia Yogis Fr 3b/C
Outlook: “We are a young team with a ton of talent. Our goal this year is to grow as a team and to win the PCL.  We play some very strong non-conference teams that will put us to the test.  The competitiveness and drive these girls have will take us far this season.”

DOCK MENNONITE ACADEMY
Coach: Wayne Benner
Players to Watch: Sr Jocelyn Pfleiger 1B, Sr Kaci Alderfer C
Players Lost:  CF Serena Tan
Outlook: “With only two seniors and three juniors, we are looking for our younger players to step up and into varsity starting roles.”

GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Sarah Zimmerman
Returning Players: Senior captains Colleen Gibbons and Charlotte DiLello in the outfield, Junior pitcher Ang Sannicandro
Other Players to Watch: Sophomore pitcher Clarissa Smith, catcher Emily Spillane, sophomore outfielder Malia Walton
Players Lost: Sarah DiLello (shortstop)
Outlook: “This softball program has grown a lot in the past few years. We have solid pitching and catching this season, along with strong experience and team leadership in the outfield. In the infield, we have some players shifting positions, and are really working on building each athlete’s mental approach and knowledge of the game. We plan to win games by thinking small – good throws and catches, solid execution at the plate, and smart base running. By doing those the little things well, we’re hoping to set ourselves up for the first of many strong seasons to come.”

GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY
Coach: Charlie Ball
Returning Players: Maddie Seidel Jr P, Lauren Solensky  Sr 3B, Jordan White Sr 1B, Carly Andrews Sr RF
Players Lost: Haley Weiss, Jess DiBricida, Liz Held, Lily Panunto, Meaghan McGoldrick
Outlook: “With the returning players and the incoming freshman we believe that we can be in contention for the league title, the District championship and maybe get into states. This could be hard to do with a lot of young players.  We believe that the talent is there but we may have a lot of young players in some key positions. With the bigger bench and a lot of changes that can be done during the season to try and keep players fresh we believe it could happen.”

HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Kelly Krier
Returning Players: Jr Kendal Lietner P/INF, Jr Megan Mills P/OF, Jr Marissa Rapino INF, Sr Kayla Tauber INF
Other Players to Watch: So Tess Kearney OF, So Amya Lundy INF, Fr Alyssa Tooley INF, So Abby Waeltz C
Outlook: “Our goal this season is to compete in our divison and have success with a tough out of division schedule. It will be important for our younger players to learn from our upper classmen and step up when we need them in big games. We know our pitchers will keep us in games, so our bats will need come alive and score runs when we had runners in position. Most importantly, we want this season to bring back some normalcy to our players, coaches and families.”

LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Paul Suder
Players Lost: Mary Picozzi, Megan Burns, Casey Meenan, Claire Clauss
Returning Players: Kaitlyn Leshak, Julia Marozzi
Outlook: The Crusaders will have a new look, most notably in the pitcher’s circle where Megan Burns and Mary Picozzi threw every inning as sophomores and juniors. Kaitlyn Leshak, a two-year starter and 2019 All-PCL selection, headlines the returning players for veteran coach Paul Suder. LC will look to contend in the Catholic League while putting new pieces in place during the season.

METHACTON
Coach: Cathy Miller
Returners: Seniors – Haley Chapman OF, Caraline Newman 3B, Olivia Terry C, Paige Deal P/1st, Casey Biglin P/OF, Serena Goodridge 1st, Lisetta Coppa OF Juniors: Tori Bockrath SS, Nicole Timko OF
Other Players to Watch: Juniors – Kendall Besly SS, Katie Hull OF, Kayla Kaufman OF, Caitlin Woolbert C, Soph. – Riley Kairer 2B/3B, Avery Schwartz SS/2B
Outlook: We have a nice mix of juniors and seniors who have varsity playing experience. The two sophomores are talented players who versatile skills that are a welcome addition. They are looking forward to competing in the PAC 10 this year and hopefully qualifying for districts.

NORTH PENN
Coach: Rick Torresani
Returning Players: Sr Mady Volpe P, Sr Carley DiGiuseppe OF, Sr Rachel Lowry 2B, Jr Sophia Collins SS, Jr Kellie O’Brien OF, Jr Mikcki Secoda OF, Jr Lizzy Stark INF, So Julia Shearer OF/P, So Sarah Sabocsik C, So Annabelle Smink 3B
Other Players to Watch: So Reyna Doherty OF, So Lacy Drosbaugh OF/P, So Brianna Wilmont 1B, Fr Gianna Cimino INF/OF
Outlook: “The returning players from 2019/20 have won 44 games against nine losses, two straight conference championships, played in a district final and have reached the state quarterfinals two straight years. For the first time I can honestly say that we have nine starters with players just as good behind them who at any time could compete for a starting spot throughout the season.”

PENNRIDGE
Coach: Wendy Iadonisi
Returning Players: Seniors Madi Silber, Mac Owens, Cassandra Schillo, Chloe Coughenour and Memory Harrington.  Juniors Catelyn Thrush, Danae Luecke, and Anna Hensler.
Others Players to Watch: Sophomores Grace Helbling, Reagan Bauman, Olivia Crognale, Sophia Vargo and Anja Puketza.
Outlook: “Madi Silber brings a lot of experience behind the plate and will be a great mentor for Grace. I’m excited to see them perform this season. Our infield will be led by junior Catelyn Thrush and our outfield will be supported with the experience of senior Mac Owens and sophomore Reagan Bauman.
With missing out on last season I think the girls are soaking up every minute of the 2021 season and are very eager to get started.”

PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: Mike Perez
Players Lost: Kammy Kropinski (Bloomsburg), Kaitlyn Wakefield, Skyla Ruck
Returning Players: Emily Caffrey, Sr, OF/1B, Regan Gehman, Sr, OF, Carly Rosenberger, Sr, 2B/SS, Lauryn Kane, Jr, P/3B, Hanna Suh, Jr, 1B/OF, Talia Carr, Jr, OF/SS/P, Marissa Dudek, Jr, OF, Molly Lynch, Jr, OF/2B, Molly Moore, So, P/3B, Charley Tassoni, So, C
Other Players to Watch: Lila Fitzgerald, Fr, C, Haylie Lindley, Fr, P/OF, Marissa Perez, Fr, SS/2B, Julie Price, Fr, P
Outlook: “With a new coaching staff and many new players entering their first full season of play, PW’s goal is to compete for the division title while laying the foundation for a softball program that expects to compete for playoff positions for many years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD-MONTCO
Coach: Jeannine DePaul
Players Lost: Sydney Zimmerman, Jessica Kaercher, Elyssa Luce
Returning Players: Sr Chloe Morales 3B, Sr Mikayla Quinn CF, Sr Alli Hastings P/OF, Sr Lexi Gaul C, Sr Kate Wojeck OF, Jr Anna Posluszny 2B
Other Players to Watch: So Lauren Hussie P, So Taylor Schultz C
Outlook: “We are poised for a strong season with a core of players who have been playing together for years. They have great respect and friendship for one another, which translates to great chemistry on the field. They are fiercely competitive and want to win, so very little motivation is needed from the coaching staff to get them to play all out.”

SAINT BASIL ACADEMY
Coach: Steve Sonneborn
Returning Players: Jadlyn Domico sr. (OF), Regan Bentley sr. (1b) , Zoey Wilkins sr. (P/2b), Allison McCann sr. (C/OF).
Others to Watch: Brynn Cooney sr. (C), Bria Mahoney Soph (ss), Clare O’Donnell soph (P/2b), Jade Wilkins fr. (P/IF), Kate Sonnie fr. (3b/ss)
Players Lost: Kelly Grant (OF), Maria Storck (C), Kendall Szor (OF), Jules Constanzo (3b), Faith Quaintence (P), Ally Bryne (C).
Outlook/Goals: “We are looking forward to competing in a tough AACA league. Pitching should be a plus but scoring runs could be a challenge. Our goals are to have each student/athlete improve by years’ end and to send the team out on a positive note for its final season.”

SOUDERTON
Coach: Carol Atkinson
Players Lost: Jess Lepore, Sam Nuneviller, Madison Stewart, Erica Stover, Naila Neely
Returning Players: P Abby Burns, Ryan Zimmerman 3B, Riley York OF
Other Players to Watch: Kayley York, McKenna Schroding, Lily Ponce, Olivia Plinke
Outlook: Souderton returns a solid nucleus headlined by a standout pitcher in Burns and two strong hitters in Zimmerman and York. The Indians have been hard at work all year and will look to be a factor in the usually strong SOL Colonial conference.

UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Heather Boyer
Players Lost: Taylor Avery – Outfield, Korynn Bischoff – Outfield, Julia Wolf – Pitcher/DP
Returning Players: Gretchen Wolpert – 12th grade, 1st Base, Captain, Lauren Carboni – 12th grade, Catcher, Captain, Dani Lucidi – 12th grade, Infield (3B), Ally McDaid – 12th grade, Outfield (LF/CF)/SS, Chloe Foster – 11th grade, Pitcher, Brianna Kesslick – 11th grade, Outfield (RF)
Other Players to Watch: Avery Lennon – 11th grade, Outfield (CF), Anna Levin – 10th grade, 2B, Kaelin Penna – 10th grade, SS
Outlook: “Upper Dublin softball came off of a very successful 2019 season, returning to the District I playoffs for the first time in a number of years.  We were excited to make a powerful statement in 2020, but unfortunately that season wasn’t to be.  Now, the girls are back with the goal of not only being competitive in every SOL matchup, but also to return to the playoffs and achieve more than a first round win.  There is a lot veteran experience on the field since many of these players have committed to playing the sport of softball year-round, and their work ethic has been readily evident early in the preseason.”

UPPER MERION
Coach: Missy Toto
Returning Players: Valentina Marino 12,C; Vanessa Hutchinson 11,OF
Other Players to Watch: Alex Miller 12, IF; Reese Doan 10, P; Michele Maas 10, OF, Maren DeStefano 10, IF; Kasha Canale 11, IF; Cady Legerton 11, IF/OF; Ivy Golson 12, IF/OF, Sarah Kelly 11, IF; Ava DiDonato 9, P/IF/OF; Emma Ricci 9, IF; Rebecca Shuler 9, IF/OF; Jianna Kielkopf 10, IF/OF
Players Lost: Olivia Barr; Samme Deskiewicz; Brianna Misseri; Moira Ryan
Outlook: “With two returning starters, Valentina Marino and Vanessa Hutchinson, things will look a little different this season for the Vikings. A committee of younger pitchers look to fill the shoes of Olivia Barr on the mound. Senior Alex Miller returns to the team after a few seasons with the track team and group of talented younger players round out the roster. We are off to a promising start and hope to build on this momentum moving forward.”

WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Rich Clark
Players Lost: Brianna Koonce, Caitlin Mitros, Hannah Reimel
Returning Players: Sr Mackenzie Clee P/CF, Sr Meghan Curtis P/INF, Sr Sarah Cummins C
Other Players to Watch: Fr Katie Laplaunt P, So Olivia Clee INF, So Gigi Demito INF/C
Outlook: “This is a young team with plenty of up-and-coming talent. They will benefit tremendously from our three returning seniors who will undoubtedly be excellent role models for them and show them how to be good stewards of the game. They need to believe in themselves and know they can win. We talk about being aggressive and making things happen, getting ahead and staying ahead.”

WISSAHICKON
Coach: Mike Borkowski
Players Lost: Rory Goodrich (C), Ashly Radell (1B), Chloe Nunan (P,2b), Josie Johnston (CF), Rebecca Silverian (3b)
Returning Players: Sr Emma Clayborne P/1B/3B, Jr Danielle Ciliberto P/SS/OF
Other Players to Watch: Charlotte Horvat(SS), Grace Franczyk (C), Katelyn Fitzgerald, Luca Penna (OF)
Outlook: “We are scrambling a bit numbers wise. 2 players that we expected back are not playing as well as others that chose not to play this year. We have 9 starters who are good players that will be getting better as the season goes along. We lost 5 Senior starters from last year that basically played for us since they were Freshman so we’ll need a little adjustment time. The new players have all played travel ball at various levels so they’re used to good competition. As long as no one gets hurt we think we can be a potential playoff team. I really like the character of this team. They are a great group of kids. They make it very easy to come to practice every day.”