Ermish, Pottsgrove top Villa Joseph Marie in District 1-AAA opener

LOWER POTTSGROVE — Gabi Ermish allowed just two hits and struck out six to lead Pottsgrove to victory in its District One Class AAA opener Wednesday.

Head coach Julie Davis described the pitcher’s performance in a 7-0 win over visiting Villa Joseph Marie as par for the course.

“Gabi has really been coming on the last couple weeks,’ Davis said.

Ermish provided similar production at the plate. The junior delivered three hits and scored three runs for the seventh-seeded Falcons, (12-9), who will take on Upper Merion, the No. 2 seed, on Friday.

Shauna Maggio finished with two hits and drove in three runs. Sydney Schollenberger added two hits and scored twice for Pottsgrove, which scored four unearned runs off VJM pitcher Frannie Capozzi.

According to Davis, quality pitching and defense is the key to success for the Falcons. She said they have allowed two or fewer hits in four or five wins during the regular season.

“We know that aspect is always going to be there,’ Davis said. “We’ve got to bring the offense.’

Ermish held up her end of the deal on the mound for Pottsgrove. She faced the minimum amount of hitters through five innings, allowing only a single to right by Alex Capozzi in the third.

Ermish said she wasn’t aware of the efficiency of her performance.

“I just try to focus on the next hitter,’ she said.

The pitcher allowed only two additional base runners on Capozzi’s second single in the sixth inning, and a hit batter in the seventh.

Gabi did a real good job hitting her spots,’ Davis said. “We’ve been working on that lately with her.’

The Falcons offense supported their pitcher early, scoring two runs in the first on Maggio’s single to left and an RBI grounder by Kira Livezey.

They added three unearned runs in the third. A fielding error on a Molly McGeehan groundball to third set up the rally. Schollenberger delivered an RBI single before Maggio’s two-run double capped the outburst.

Competing in the PAC-10 playoffs has helped the Pottsgrove’s young players — which include 10 freshmen and sophomores — compete in the single elimination district tournament, according to Davis.

“They know it is one (loss) and done,’ she said.

Recently, at practice, the team’s four more experienced players stressed the need to maintain a high level of intensity, according to Ermish.

“Everyone is doing a real good job picking it up,’ she said.