Seniors lead Abington to first District 1-AAAA win in 6 years

ABINGTON — Amy Worek was sure she was going to be called out.

The Abington senior first baseman had just been involved in an odd play on the base path between first and second base when Coatesville’s second baseman ran into her in the bottom of the second inning. Expecting an interference call, Worek was instead told to keep going and ended up on third as a pair of runs crossed home.

The runs proved key and when the Galloping Ghosts tacked on two more in the fourth, it was all ace hurler Nikki Ray needed. Behind a game effort from Ray and some stellar defense, Abington topped Coatesville 4-2 Monday afternoon for the team’s first District 1 softball playoff win since 2009.

“We were all really nervous,’ Worek said. “But once we settled in, it was a great feeling.’

In fact, it was the first time the Ghosts had qualified for the playoffs since 2009, but this group knew early on it had the makeup of something special. Worek credited coach Ellie White, in her 21st year, as the big reason the team came together. Abington compiled a 14-6 record in the regular season, taking third in the SOL National and grabbing the No. 12 seed in the Class AAAA bracket.

Monday, the Ghosts were ready for their game, even if there were some nerves. With members of that 2009 team in attendance Monday and following the team during the season, White saw something else.

“These kids have been hearing about ‘ 09 for a long time,’ White said. “We came down here and it was like when you have horses held at the gate, that’s how the kids were, they just wanted to go and play. I don’t think it was nerves, I think it was a let’s go play and good for them.’

It wasn’t a dream start for the Ghosts, as Ray left a pitch up that Coatesville’s pitcher Alexis Lichtner launched over the center field fence for a two-run home run in the first inning. After that, Ray was dominant, allowing just two hits over the next six innings.