NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA- Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has a potent, dominant ace masquerading as a humble senior. Senior Maddie Saltzman hurled a complete game shutout against Episcopal Academy Thursday, with five strikeouts and only letting up three hits in a 2-0 victory.
Poised and collected on a Thursday afternoon scorcher, Saltzman rarely got into trouble on the mound, surrendering just two walks in seven innings while the fielders behind her shined.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy flashed leather consistently, making diving catches and spectacular plays in the field. Sophomores Lucy Lamb and Kayla McTamney, who had one RBI single apiece, fueled Springside Chestnut Hill Academy offensively.
The team has clinched a spot in the Inter-Ac 2016 Softball Championship. Finally fielding a healthy and productive team, head coach Stephanie Mill was pleased with the development the team has made.
“I think we played well, playing solid defense, having good pitching, getting timely hitting and we just put everything together this entire week,” Mill said. “I have everybody healthy and back in the lineup and that made the difference today.”
Blue Devils pose for picture after semifinal win (twitter photo @SCHBlueDevils)
Mill said if the Championship game is Saturday, Saltzman will pitch. The senior ace, whose debut on the team was in eighth grade, was dubious at first about making it this far, but as players started to return, she developed security with the notion of a championship run.
“I didn’t think that we could make it this far and I don’t have any doubt in my team, but what we’ve been dealing with [injuries] I never thought we could make it. I’m so proud we did. I’m just so happy with everything we accomplished.” Saltzman said.
Episcopal Academy couldn’t match Saltzman’s masterful performance, as Grace Smith went five innings and gave up two runs.
While Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has a chance to hoist the trophy, Episcopal Academy has to re-tool for next season.
“Next year we should have a very good team,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Terry Coyne.
“We have two freshman coming in and the pitcher on our mound today [Grace Smith], one was a freshman and one was a sophomore. We lose four seniors, but we have a good bit of talent coming in next year. We should be in the hunt next year,” said Coyne.
Coyne will not get to see the fruits of the team’s labor in the off-season, as he announced retirement previously in the season.
While his coaching career comes to an end, Mill can boost her résumé with a semifinal win and a chance for the PAISAA title come tomorrow as they face Penn Charter in the championship final.