District One Class 6A softball finals set. North Penn, Haverford in title-game showdown
Championship season is here! District playoffs began Monday with teams from Bucks and Montgomery Counties competing in Districts One, 11, and 12. In addition to winning a district title, the ultimate goal of a PIAA state championship is on the line.
See which softball teams are going for gold, and the players that are helping them get there.
District One
Class 6A (6 teams advance to PIAA)
Championship Game, Thursday, June 1
No. 1 North Penn vs. No. 10 Haverford
Semifinals, Tuesday, May 30:
No. 1 North Penn 3, No. 12 Plymouth Whitemarsh 2 (10 innings)
Quarterfinals, Friday, May 26:
No. 1 North Penn 13, No. 8 Ridley 8: Sarah Sabocsik’s grand slam highlighted a 13-hit afternoon for the Knights, who cruised into the semifinals. It wasn’t Sabocsik’s first home run of the day, as the catcher also hit a two-run shot earlier. It might not have been her last, either, except that her grand slam in the fifth put an early end to the game. Julie Shearer worked her typical magic in the circle, holding Ridley to a pair of hits and one walk while striking out 10. Shearer was also 3-for-3 at the plate with a double, home run and four RBIs.
No. 12 Plymouth Whitemarsh 2, No. 13 Pennridge 1: Averi Dockery was excellent in the circle, but the Rams ended up on the wrong end of a pitcher’s duel against Plymouth Whitemarsh. The sophomore gave up just five hits and one earned run while striking out nine. An error in the field allowed the winning run to cross home plate. Clara Barron’s triple drove in the Rams’ lone run, scoring Ashleigh Kenworthy, who was 3-for-3 with two doubles. Colonials’ pitcher Molly Moore gave up six hits and struck out 15 in the win. The Rams will head to the playback tournament, where a win will secure their spot in the PIAA state playoffs.
No. 10 Haverford 5, No. 18 CB South 4: Maddy Borowski’s command in the circle continued, but the Titans fell just short of the win after an error in the field led to three Haverford runs. Borowski gave up just six hits and one earned run while striking out nine. Ella Wheeler was 3-for-4 with a triple and one RBI, and a stolen base that led to the Titans’ first run of the game. The Titans added on with a Steph Bendzlowicz RBI-single, and Hannah Tracy tripled to drive in another run. The Titans will try to secure a spot in the PIAA tournament in Tuesday’s playback game.
Playbacks, Tuesday, May 30:
No. 13 Pennridge 8, No. 8 Ridley 6
No. 3 Garnet Valley 4, No. 18 CB South 2
Second round, Wednesday, May 24:
No. 1 North Penn 11, No. 17 Methacton 0: Julia Shearer pitched a one-hit shutout as the Knights took the second-round victory in five innings. She was also dominant at the plate, hitting a solo home run and scoring three runs. Casey Sokol was 3-for-3 with three RBIs, while Bri Wilmot had two hits and drove in two runs.
No. 18 CB South 6, No. 2 Quakertown 3: This one started like many Quakertown games this season, with the Panthers, undefeated in the regular season, putting up a quick three runs in the first two innings. But that would be all the Titans allowed, as pitcher Maddy Borowski struck out 12 batters in the complete-game win. Steph Bendzlowicz had the biggest hit of the day, scorching a three-run triple that tied the game in the third inning. Camryn Lee, Maura Fleming, Riley Theis and Hannah Tracy had two hits apiece for the Titans, who tallied 11 hits in the game. Ava Beal led the Panthers with three hits. The loss ended an exceptional season for the Panthers, who finished the regular season a perfect 20-0.
No. 8 Ridley 8, No. 9 Pennsbury 4
No. 6 Downingtown East 1, No. CR South 0: Sophomore pitcher Lexi Waring has been sensational this season, and that continued in the Golden Hawks’ second-round game where she gave up just three hits and two walks while striking out 10 through six innings. While that would normally be enough for a win, Downingtown East’s pitcher, Rachael Schumann tossed a complete-game no-hitter, walking just two, in a classic pitchers’ duel. In addition, Schumann drove in the lone run of the game in the fourth inning. The Golden Hawks finished the season 15-7.
No. 13 Pennridge 5, No. 4 Boyertown 3: For the first time in more than 10 years, the Rams will play in a district quarterfinal game. Pitcher Grace Helbling threw another excellent game, giving up five hits and two walks while striking out 15. Olivia Crognale was 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI,
First round, Monday, May 22:
No. 18 CB South 6, No. 15 Owen J. Roberts 4: Maura Fleming’s grounder tied the game in the sixth, and Riley Theis’ single sent the go-ahead run across home plate as the Titans’ put together a major comeback in the first round. Trailing 4-0 after three innings, the Titans scored their first two runs on passed balls. Then, Hannah Tracy led off the sixth with a single, advanced to third on a double by Nora Sidorski, and later scored on an error. That set the stage for Fleming and Theis to give the Titans the lead. Camryn Lee and Tracy both had three hits in the win. Maddy Borowski was sharp in the circle, tossing a one-hitter while striking out five and walking seven.
No. 11 Council Rock South 6, No. 22 Council Rock South 0: Sophomore Lexi Waring was as dominant as she’s ever been in the circle, pitching a one-hit shutout, walking two and striking out seven, to lead the Golden Hawks to the first-round win over rival CR North. Kylie Walters paced the offense, going 2-for-4 with one RBI, one walk and three runs scored from the leadoff spot.
Freshman Lucy Mills was strong in her first postseason game, giving up just six hits and three earned runs for CR North. The loss ends a fine season for the Indians, who went 1-19 last year, and will return their entire lineup next season.
More: No seniors? No problem! Council Rock North softball surges into playoffs
No. 13 Pennridge 6, No. 20 Neshaminy 0: Sophomore pitcher Averi Dockery was sensational, tossing a four-hit shutout while striking out 13 to power the Rams’ first-round win. Dockery also had a pair of doubles at the plate. After scoring their first run on a wild pitch, Ryleigh Lilly, who was 3-for-4 on the day, hit a solo home run to put the Rams up 2-0. Ashleigh Kenworth had a pair of doubles and drove in two runs. Neshaminy, who has been without seniors Peyton Tierney and Maddie Nelson due to injury, finished the season 11-10.
No. 12 Plymouth Whitemarsh 7, No. 21 Souderton 1: The Indians’ strong season came to an end as they ran into a strong PW in the first round. Molly Moore pitched a complete-game three-hitter for the Colonials. Kaylie York had two of the Indians’ three hits, which included a double.
No. 9 Pennsbury 15, No. 24 Perkiomen Valley 5: The Falcons trailed 5-1 after two innings, only to turn the tables and take the win in five innings. Laney Freiband had a huge day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs, while Hannah DeFinis was also a perfect 4-for-4 with a home run, double, and three RBIs. in addition, Sammy Raub went 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI, and Anna Evanchik had two hits for the Falcons, who racked up 13 hits in four innings.
No. 19 Conestoga 6, No. 14 William Tennent 5: Despite trailing by six runs after four innings, the Panthers put together a serious comeback attempt, scoring five runs in the final two innings, but fell just short of the win. Lainey Scotese smacked a two-run home run for the Panthers, while Morgan Kocher, Gigi DeMito and Casey Yacovelli had two hits apiece. The Panthers concluded the season with a 13-7 record and the SOL Freedom Division title.
Class 5A (4 teams advance to PIAA)
Semifinals, Friday, May 26
No. 3 Oxford 10, No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham 4
Quarterfinals, Wednesday, May 24:
No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham 16, No. 2 Gwynedd Mercy 5:Amya Lundy led the way with a home run and a double, driving in four runs to lead the Hatters' offensive explosion in the quarterfinal win. Adriana DeLeon, Abby Waeltz, Isabella Karpovich and Madison Karpovich drove in two runs apiece for the Hatters, with Waetlz and Tess Kearney both hitting two doubles.
First round, Monday, May 22:
No. 7 Hatboro-Horsham 3, No. 10 Upper Moreland 2: Alyssa Tooley was incredible in the circle for the Hatters, giving up just three hits and three walks while fanning 17 batters to secure the first-round win. Adriana DeLeon did much of the Hatters’ damage on offense, driving in two runs on a double and a single. Amya Lundy put the Hatters on the board with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Tess Kearney and Abby Waeltz had two hits apiece for the Hatters.
The Golden Bears threatened in the seventh, as Jocelyn McCellan doubled and Ryan Ricchini singled to drive in two runs. Tooley ended the threat by picking off a runner at first base and then getting a strikeout to end the game.
More: Conwell-Egan captures Philadelphia Catholic League softball title
Class 3A (1 D1/DXI regional team advances to PIAA)
Semifinal round, Tuesday, May 23:
No. 1 MaST Charter 6, No. 2 New Hope-Solebury 1
Class 2A (1 team advances to PIAA)
District One Class 2A Champion: BRISTOL
Championship game, Thursday, May 25:
No. 1 Bristol 5, No. 2 Renaissance Academy 0: Brianna Slack pitched like a savvy veteran, as the freshman threw a three-hit shutout, striking out 17 batters, to deliver the District One Class 2A championship for the Warriors. The Warriors only had four hits themselves, but made the most of their opportunities to put runs up. The offense did most of their damage with a five-run fourth inning, taking advantage of several RA errors. Doubles from Samiyah Bell and Zoey McElveen, and a single from McKenzie Newcomb scored runs for the Warriors. The Warriors will take the field next in the PIAA tournament.
Semifinal round, Tuesday, May 23:
No. 1 Bristol 15, No. 4 Morrisville 0: Brianna Slack didn’t allow a hit though three innings, and Mackenzie Newcomb drove in three runs as the Warriors advanced to the District One Class 2A championship game after an abbreviated win over Morrisville. Newcomb and Mackenzie Powers each had a triple for the Warriors, who had just three hits but drew 13 walks.
Class 1A (1 D1/D12 regional team advances to PIAA)
District One Class 1A Champion: DOCK MENNONITE
Championship game, Thursday, May 25:
No. 1 Dock Mennonite 7, No. 2 Faith Christian 6: A huge game from Trinity Landis propelled the Pioneers to the District One Class 1A championship. Landis drove in four of Dock’s seven runs, hitting a double and a pair of singles. The Pioneers had to rally from a 3-run deficit after Kamryn Pepkowski’s two-run triple gave the Lions the lead in the third inning. But the Pioneers would take the lead in the very next inning, with Erin Miles singling to drive in a pair, followed by Landis’ two-run double. Autumn Landis was 3-for-4 with two RBIs for the Lions, who threatened late. With the tying run on third base, Aubrey Gahman got a strikeout to end the game and clinch the title for the Pioneers. Dock will play a team from District 12 in the regional PIAA qualifying game.
Semifinal round, Tuesday, May 23:
No. 1 Dock Mennonite No. 4 Delco Christian: The Pioneers needed just three innings to dispatch Delco Christian and advance to the District One Class 1A championship game. Trinity Landis went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, and Aubrey Gahman had two hits, including a triple, while also pitching three innings without giving up a hit or walk, and striking out seven. Erin Miles and Addison Landis drove in two runs apiece.
No. 2 Faith Christian 17, No. 3 Plumstead Christian 0: The Lions piled on 12 runs in the third inning to take the abbreviated win and advance to the championship game. Elena Ault went 2-for-2, with a double, triple and five RBIs, while Kamryn Pepkowski and Sammy Snyder drove in two runs apiece.
District 11
Class 3A (1 team advances to PIAA)
Championship game, Tuesday, May 30:
No. 2 Palisades vs. No. 5 Pine Grove, 5 p.m. at Pates Park
Semifinals, Thursday, May 25:
No. 2 Palisades 5, No. 3 Pen Argyl 3: Karlye Teman gave up just four hits and one earned run while striking out seven to secure the win against a Pen Argyl team that had dealt the Pirates their lone loss of the regular season earlier this year. Erin Wallblich drove in two of the Pirates’ runs, while Brooklyn Lucas and Kayla Russo drove in a run apiece. Teman and freshman Catie Russo both had two hits in the win.
PAISAA
Second round, Tuesday, May 23:
Springside-Chestnut Hill 9, Germantown Academy 1: The Patriots’ postseason run came to the end at the hands of Inter-Ac rival Springside-Chestnut Hill. The Patriots kept pace with SCH, tallying nine hits compared to SCH’s 11, but were held to one run. Zoey Clark had two hits, including a double for GA.
First round, Friday, May 19:
Germantown Academy 12, Mercersburg Academy 1: Clarissa Smith went five innings without giving up a hit and struck out eight in the Patriots’ win over Mercersburg Academy in the first-round of the PAISAA playoffs. Zoey Clark went 2-for-3 with a home run, double, three RBIs and three runs scored for the Patriots.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: PIAA District Softball Playoffs Game Recaps for Bucks County
