SOFTBALL: PCL Play is Baaaacccckkkk! Find Out What's Happening Around the Bases in this Week's Roundup

PCL SOFTBALL ROUND-UP

By John Knebels

WARMINSTER – The early spring weather hasn’t been awful, but it hasn’t exactly induced thoughts of the Jersey shore, either.

Some rain . . . some cold . . . lots of wind. Layered clothing. And, of course, those dreaded masks.

But no one is complaining. Catholic League softball is being played, and that’s the bottom line.

“Every day, every game, is a blessing,” said Archbishop Ryan senior standout Dana Bell. “You can come into school and then the next day have to shut down. We are taking every day like’s it our last day.”

Bell’s use of the plural “our” was an acknowledgement of senior teammate and Holy Family University commit Lauren Hagy standing beside her. The pair had just played huge roles in the Ragdolls’ 13-7 win on a chilly April 15 at Archbishop Wood.

In 10 at bats, the pair successfully reached base nine times, including three doubles and an arguable fourth, a line shot to the outfield that glanced off a glove. Hit? Error? Always a judgment call.

Sophomore third baseman Janine Swift (two hits, two runs scored, diving catch for the last out, four hits in an earlier Ryan victory) and senior Deanna Moser (two hits, key two-run single) also proved tough outs. Bell earned the save in relief with two scoreless frames.

Ryan’s offensive carnage could have been worse had Wood coach Jackie Ecker not intentionally walked Bell in the fifth and sixth innings.

In a playful, sportsmanship-filled moment after the game, Bell and Ecker were chatting and Ecker apologized for taking the bat out of Bell’s hands.

“There’s only so much that I could take,” Ecker said with a smile.

A student of the game since spearheading the Radgolls to a Catholic League championship her freshman year in 2018, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-bound Bell, who plans to major in aerospace engineering, completely understood.

“At least you gave me three chances,” she replied impishly.

Game Highlights: Archbishop Wood vs. Archbishop Ryan (video: John Knebels for PSD).

Junior Abby Windish slides into home scoring Wood's first run. (photo: John Knebels for PSD).

Though Ryan coach John Kidwell was probably disappointed in the Ragdolls leaving 13 on base and allowing an 11-2 lead in the fifth inning to dwindle to 11-7 thanks to a spirited five-run Wood rally aided by consecutive two-RBI hits by sophomores Maggie Devlin and Riley Nolan, and Ecker was undoubtedly annoyed by the super-young Vikings’ numerous defensive errors, both coaches maintained the same perspective – grateful to be playing – they had prior to the first pitch.

Ryan had entered with a record of 3-0 behind a bevy of contributors. Wood had defeated Bonner-Prendergast, 8-4, in the season opener, during which every starter was credited with at least one hit. Against Ryan, the Vikings did it again, a 13-hit attack that produced threats in five out of seven innings.

“It was great to get back on the field and better yet to have home games,” said Ecker. “We have a very talented group of girls this year. We may be young, but we are determined. This group plays together, and the camaraderie is amazing.”

The Vikings started two juniors, four sophomores, and three freshmen. They do not have a single senior on their roster. Their varsity rawness materialized periodically, but also evident was their energy and willingness to play hard, run the bases, and learn from their coaches.

Ryan senior teammates Dana Bell (L) and Lauren Hagy combined for a spectacular performance in victory over Archbishop Wood. (video: John Knebels for PSD).

Conversely, Ryan’s seven seniors – five of them starters – do not have the luxury to wait.

“It’s so important,” said Hagy. “We are so hyped. I am very confident with our team. We’re seniors. This is our year to get the plaque. We really want it back.”

Kidwell fully understands his veteran players’ championship-or-bust attitude.

“Last year, I really felt bad for the seniors,” he said. “Whoever would have thought such a thing could happen. Now, we have a season, and it’s great, but it hasn’t been easy. Taking temperatures every day. Isolating. We were shut down for a while.

“But it’s nice to see the kids playing. They love to play. They’re getting an opportunity to do something they enjoy. They have a chance to wear their team uniforms. The season was pushed back a week, so we got a late start, but we are playing good softball. Everyone is chipping in.”

Though way too early to state definitively, Ryan’s chief competition should come from Archbishop Carroll.

The Patriots are also 4-0, with three lopsided victories and one that produced heart palpitations. Carroll was beating visiting Conwell-Egan, 8-4, and needed only three more outs. But the Eagles kept flapping, tying the contest with four runs in the top of the seventh.

On the second pitch of Carroll’s home half, sophomore Lauren Martin ended the drama by slamming a home run, giving the pitching victory to junior Gianna Liciardello.

Carroll senior Christina Jackson hits home run in game vs. O'Hara. (video: James Williamson).

Carroll's Christina Jackson talks about being back on the field. (video-James Williamson)

“I think the biggest reason for our great start is that we are so determined to win the PCL this year,” said Liciardello. “Everyone has done an awesome job so far both defensively and offensively.”

Three Patriots have popped round trippers – Martin, senior Christina Jackson, and Liciardello, who already has two for the season.

She was asked which she likes better – striking out batters or roping home runs.

“I love both,” she said.

Junior pitcher Gianna Liciardello lauds her teams defense and offense. (Video-James Williamson)

Captain Sophia Spurio talks about her teams performance and team goals. (video-James Williamson)

Sophomore Lauren Martin talks about her first year being part of the team. (video- James Williamson)

Conwell-Egan coach Sandy Hart appreciated the Eagles’ plucky response after being down by four runs.

“In the seventh inning we hit the ball well,” said Hart. “We have some things to fix on defense. Our players are willing to work hard and commit to getting better.

“It’s been a long time since our last PCL game. The league is as competitive as always. Every game will be a challenge.”

Bonner-Prendergast fell just short in a 9-8 decision against Archbishop Ryan despite solid hitting by sophomore Kristen Webb (3 for 4, 3 RBI), senior Madison Thompson, and freshman Lola Mariani. They also dropped a non-league decision to Notre Dame Academy and later fell to Archbishop Wood, 8-4.

“Those were tough losses, but we fought ‘til the very end,” said Thompson, who slugged her first varsity homer against Notre Dame. “But it feels great to finally be back with the team, especially since this will be my last year.

“It’s really awful that we missed out last year because I think we would’ve had a good season and would’ve went pretty far. This year we do have a younger team, but everyone brings something to offer, and I’m really excited to see how the rest of the season will pan out for us.”

Archbishop Ryan vs. Bonner-Prendergast - PSD Photos by Kathy Leister

Playing in its final season, John W. Hallahan is still searching for a victory after three attempts. Unfortunately, a win won’t be coming anytime soon for the Mighty Mice, who, because of a positive COVID test, won’t be eligible to play until April 27.

There is, however, a silver lining.

The original Philadelphia Catholic League schedule had included three teams that ultimately decided not to participate in softball this spring – West Catholic, Neumann-Goretti, and Bishop McDevitt. Those three squads – and Archbishop Ryan – were on the docket to face Hallahan between now and the 27th.

“If it had to happen, this was the exact right time,” said Hallahan coach Brian Sitongia. “It would’ve been nice to get a win, but it felt great to get out there and play again after losing out on the 2020 season. It’s wonderful to be back on the field doing what we love to do, which is playing softball and watching these girls develop as players.”

Sitongia said the highlight of the young season was watching senior third baseman Paris Balilonis, who “may very well be the best player in the Catholic League,” belt a home run on her very first swing of the season.

Too, in Hallahan’s losses to Cardinal O’Hara and Little Flower, “the team was down and fought back in both games. Although we still came up a little short, the team doesn't quit and good things are coming. We just have to continue putting in the work and the results will come.”

Cardinal O’Hara’s 14-9 win over Hallahan was clinched by a seven-run outburst in the top of the seventh inning. Senior Meredith Hannigan (three hits, home run, 2 RBI) and sophomore Madison Gibson (four hits, one of them a homer) joined forces with sophomores Caitlin Jordan, Rylie Pellegrino, and Maeve Boston, all of whom collected a pair of hits.

Cardinal O'Hara in game vs. Archbishop Carroll. (photos by James Williamson for PSD).

St. Hubert’s, which is officially the defending champion since the Bambies last lifted the PCL plaque, had to deal with a two-week quarantine. Their first game was a forgettable result against rival Archbishop Ryan.

“But it feels good to be out on field,” said Hubert coach Dan Milio. “The PCL is a tough league, and I believe in my girls and my coaching staff. Highlights have been watching a few freshmen compete at varsity level, and watching my junior captain, Riley Long, hit a home run over the center field fence.”

Little Flower coach Mark Fusetti, whose Sentinels sit at 1-1, can’t help but wonder how his team would have fared last year.

“Being back is bittersweet,” said Fusetti. “I’m glad to be back on the field but missing last season will haunt me forever. Last season was Little Flower’s best chance to win the PCL, as I predicted to my girls when I started five years ago.

“This year would be the start of our rebuild in a normal world. All we can do is pray everything goes smoothly the rest of the way and back to normal next year.”

Fusetti raved about junior Kendall Szor, a transfer from St. Basil’s Academy who “has been a blessing at shortstop. She’s made countless plays already in just two games.” Junior Jacqueline Forsythe has been “a surprise at the plate and pitching. Having Kendall and Jackie for another year with some of our standout freshman, next season could be a surprise for us.”

What about the Playoffs?!

As for the postseason, no decision has been stated regarding a definitive playoff format. According to PCL softball moderator Ed Evanitsky, who is also the St. Hubert athletic director, the PCL “plans on having the usual postseason with playoffs and a league champion.”

“First-round games are scheduled for May 17,” he added, “and as long as the weather holds up, the championship game should be played on May 26.”

He did not specify the format of the first-round games. In 2019, 10 of the 13 teams made the playoffs, with the first six gaining a first-round bye while the seventh-place squad hosted the 10th and the eighth hosted the ninth. Since there are only 10 teams this year, no word on whether or not every team qualifies. Perhaps the first two teams could draw a bye, and the third hosts the sixth while the fourth hosts the fifth. Heck, the more the merrier. Play’em all.

Quote of the Day comes from Lansdale Catholic coach Paul Suder.

“Having no softball last year,” said Suder, “was kinda like the Fourth of July without hotdogs and fireworks.”

Less than two weeks in, the grill has already ignited, and those fireworks? Those fireworks are beginning to sizzle.

PCL Softball Standings

4-0 Archbishop Ryan

4-0 Archbishop Carroll

1-1 Archbishop Wood

1-1 Little Flower

1-1 Cardinal O’Hara

0-1 Conwell-Egan

0-1 St. Hubert

0-1 Lansdale Catholic

0-2 Bonner-Prendergast

0-3 John W. Hallahan

Upcoming Games

Tuesday, April 20

Little Flower at Cardinal O’Hara

Lansdale Catholic at St. Hubert

Conwell-Egan at Bonner-Prendergast

Wednesday, April 21

Little Flower at Conwell-Egan

Lansdale Catholic at Bonner-Prendergast

Thursday, April 22

Archbishop Ryan at Conwell-Egan

St. Hubert at Bonner-Prendergast

Archbishop Wood at Lansdale Catholic

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)