Council Rock South softball gives it their all down final stretch (GALLERY)
HOLLAND – This spring’s wacky weather definitely left area coaches scrambling in the final week to make up crucial league games. Teams played out jammed schedules that often resembled their big league counterparts with little breathing room available.
The Council Rock South girls softball squad faced just such a challenging week as they tried to convert a strong league showing into a district playoff spot. To complete the task, they had to play seven games in eight days.
Stephanie Andreoli, junior pitching ace for CR South, felt her Golden Hawk teammates were ready. “We knew it was going to be a really tough week with games every day but it was the determination of the players that in all our games, we would be a factor whether we made playoffs or not.”
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No one felt the intensity of the week more than Stephanie. As the main force in the circle, she got the starting pitching nod in every game during that final exhausting stretch. Stephanie thrives in such a scenario. “I love pitching. I really like the pressure. I like being in charge of the pitches I throw and where I throw them.”
When it comes to selecting the right pitch, Stephanie has an arsenal to choose from. “I have a fastball, change-up, curveball, screwball, drop and drop curve. This season, my best pitch was my drop.”
More importantly, this seasoned vet knows how to maintain her pitcher’s psyche. “During a school day, I am usually thinking about the game all day and what I need to do and the big hitters I’m going to be facing. Sometimes, I get nervous before the game but by game time, I’m usually ready.”
Steph also recognizes the need to take care of her valuable right arm. “I have this ice pack that is just for pitchers. After every game, I ice my arm for an hour and then take it off and then ice it for another hour just so it’s not sore anymore. I really stretch before and after every game.”
Stephanie’s ice pack certainly got tested as the Golden Hawks started their final league assault with a rematch with Pennsbury, a team they had already upset 3-2. “A highlight of the season was when we beat Pennsbury the first time we met. That was the first time in school history that we ever beat Pennsbury.”
The second time around, did not prove a charm as the Golden Hawks gave up three unearned runs in the second inning before losing, 5-1. They had little time to assess the loss as archrival Council Rock North came to play the very next day. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had different ideas wrapping the area in a cold, bitter day that saw the sister school’s game suspended after half an inning of sloppy and potentially dangerous play.
The very next day, South traveled to Abington for a must-win game. Stephanie was definitely ready for this all-important showdown. She turned in a pitching gem, allowing just five hits while fanning four and walking none. After resting on Sunday, the Golden Hawks sought to duplicate their victory when Abington came calling on Monday. This time, Stephanie struck out six Ghosts as South prevailed by an 11-7 score.
On Tuesday, the Hawks took on a league leading Neshaminy team. Once again, the all-too-familiar cold, damp weather hindered the players, especially the pitchers. “At the Neshaminy and North games, the place where I push off was really wet. In the beginning of the season, I sprained my ankle and that was the ankle that came down on the dirt and I kept sliding off. I couldn’t really get a grip.”
Losing 10-0 intensified the Golden Hawks’ needs as they faced Bensalem on Wednesday. They didn’t wait for any adverse conditions to derail their playoff hopes as they scored nine runs in the first four innings, en route to a key 10-3 victory.
Stephanie proved her versatility going 3-4 at the plate to fuel South’s offense. Hitting out of her usual leadoff position, she sparked the five-run first inning. “In the first inning, I’m the first batter so I have to go right up to bat to get the pitcher timed. I really enjoy hitting and this year was my best year. I hit .500.”
`The Hawks did not have long to savor the big win as the very next day, CR North visited to complete their rain-suspended game. Emotionally and physically worn, South could not hold off its rival, losing 9-2., a setback that knocked them out of playoff contention by a few power points. “We were a little upset because our record was so much better than the previous year. Two years ago, we were in the playoffs with an 8-11 record and this year was better, but we didn’t get in.”
Though not making districts, coach Greg Heydet’s charges certainly can look with pride at their courageous final run and their 11-7 overall record.
In Stephanie’s words, “I’m really proud of the way our team played. Our team was the strongest we’ve ever had. Each position had a really strong player. We also have a really good hitting team throughout the lineup.”
With Stephanie returning next year, the Golden Hawks will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the strong Suburban One League (SOL0 National Division.
