2022 Reporter/Times Herald Area Softball Preview
North Penn is back on the base paths, and the defending PIAA-6A State Champions know the way home.
“We know that there is a strong correlation in winning championships by working hard in our off season workouts, everyday practices, game preparation and team chemistry,” said coach Rick Torresani, who guided the Knights to the state crown last spring. “This year’s team knows that we are the defending conference and state champions and how hard we had to work to achieve those rewards. We know that going into every game, our opponent will be ready and excited to beat us. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
The Knights will have a target on their collective back but they return the bulk of last year’s title squad.
Junior Julia Shearer (First-Team All-State) will be in the circle and junior Brie Wilmot JR (First-Team All-State) will be at first base.
Sophomore Gianna Cimino (First-Team All-League) is at second base for the Knights and senior Sophia Collins (Second-Team All-league) is at shortstop.
Junior Annabelle Smink (Second-Team All-League) is at third base, junior Sarah Sabocsik is behind the plate and junior Reyna Doherty is part of a solid outfield group.
The senior returners for the Knights have played two seasons and have won 48 games with just five losses. They have won two conference championships and a state title.
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
Abington
Coach: Bob Baginski (second season).
Last year’s record: 8-11 (0-10 SOL Liberty).
Key performers lost: Julia Bruestle (Carin University), Madison Cornell, Jenna Doyle, Mackenzie Marcotte, Bella Oquendo, Annie Sokolski, Jess Sokolski, Meghan Strange.
Key returners: Lauren Everitt, Jr., C; Ellie Pierce, Jr., OF; Shauna Rakus, Jr., INF; Aneesa Rohrer, Sr., 2B; Leanna Schenck, Jr., OF; Sydney Steiner, Sr., INF.
Others to watch: Natalie Broskley OF/C; Mackenzie Feeney, Jr., C/INF; Hailey Hernandez, Fr., C/INF; Molly Malone, Jr., 3B; Ella O’Rourke, Jr., OF; Ashley Reilly, Sr., SS; Taylor Reilly, So., OF/INF; Maddie Slavin, Jr., P/1B; Olivia Wade, Jr., P/2B; Sam Wenhold, Fr., P/OF.
Strengths/Question Marks: “We have added some additional coaches to our staff who have helped improve our practices and skill building for this year. We need to improve the mental part of the game to benefit from all the work we are putting in as a team. Our returning varsity players will add valuable insight and leadership to our team in 2022.”
Coach Baginski says: “Our co-captains Ashley Reilly, Anessa Rohrer, Leanna Schenck and Sydney Steiner (Marywood University commit) will provide leadership and support for our team. Our team worked hard over the volunteer winter workouts and the last few weeks day to day to get ready for the season. We are optimistic that we can continue build upon 2021 with a better overall record and a culture that Abington High School will be proud of.”
Archbishop Wood
Coach: Jackie Ecker.
Key returners: Abby Windish, Sr., 1B; Gianna Anzideo, Sr., P; Kiersten Reeser, Sr., OF.
Players to Watch: Dakota Fanelli, Jr., P/3B; Paige Ross, Jr., C; Maggie Devlin, Jr., SS; Riley Nolan, Jr., OF; Parker Kraus, So., P/OF/1B; Maura Yoos, So., 2B; Julia Yogis, So., 3B/C.
Outlook: The Vikings were a very young team a season ago and return an experienced group that should hold its own in the PCL and be ready for a run come playoff time.
Dock
Coach: Wayne Benner (17th season).
Last year’s record: 13-6; 8-3 BAL; reached District 1-2A Final.
Key players lost: Jocelyn Pflieger (Hood University); Kaci Alderfer.
Key returners: Maggie Dowell, Sr., pitcher; Melissa Moyer, Sr., SS.
Others to watch: Trinity Landis, Jr., OF; Katherine Kardos, Jr., 1B.
Strength: Experienced pitching.
Outlook: The team has a lot of enthusiasm and is anxious to start the season. With two seniors and two juniors, younger players will be seeing considerable game time. Two experienced pitchers will be sharing the pitching duties this season.
Gwynedd Mercy Academy
Coach: Charlie Ball.
Key returners: Maddie Seidel, Sr., P.
Key players lost: Lauren Solensky; Jordan White; Carly Andrews.
Outlook: The Monarchs have an experienced arm in Seidel and should challenge for things in the Catholic Academies League.
Hatboro-Horsham
Coach: Kelly Krier (third season).
Last year’s record: 20-3 overall, 10-0 SOL Liberty; SOL Liberty Champs.
Key performers lost: Kristen Myers (University of Rochester); Kayla Tauber (St. Joe’s University).
Key returners: Kendal Leitner, Sr., P/SS; Megan Mills, Sr., OF; Marissa Rapino, Sr., SS/1B.
Others to watch: Tess Kearney, Jr., OF; Amya Lundy, Jr., 3B; Alyssa Tooley, So., 2B/P; Abby Waeltz, Jr., C/2B.
Coach Krier says: “Hatters Softball is looking forward to very competitive division play. Our goal is to build on the success of last season with the return of a strong core of players. Senior captains Kendal Leitner, Megan Mills and Marissa Rapino look to cap off their time at HH competing for a league championship and working for a playoff spot.”
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Paul Suder.
Key players lost: Kaitlyn Leshak, Julia Marozzi.
Key returners: Ella Moran, Jr.; Sam McHugh, Jr.
Outlook: The Crusaders gained valuable experience a season ago and should be an improved squad battling in the PCL.
Methacton
Coach: Cathy Miller.
Key players lost: Haley Chapman; Caraline Newman; Olivia Terry; Paige
Deal; Casey Biglin; Serena Goodridge; Lisetta Coppa.
Key returners: Tori Bockrath, Sr., SS; Nicole Timko, Sr., OF; Kendall
Besly, Sr., SS; Katie Hull, Sr., OF; Kayla Kaufman, Sr., OF; Caitlin
Woolbert, Sr., C; Riley Kairer, Jr., 2B/3B; Avery Schwartz, Jr., SS/2B.
Outlook: The Warriors have a solid group returning and should again be a force in the PAC.
North Penn
Coach: Rick Torresani (22nd year).
Last year’s record: 26-3 (11-1 in the SOL Colonial); Colonial Division Champions; PIAA-6A Champions.
Key players lost: Mady Volpe, Carley DiGiuseppe, Rachel Lowry.
Key returners: Sophia Collins, Sr., SS (Kutztown University); Micki Secoda, Sr., OF (Mercy College); Maddy Gronback, Sr., OF/C (Lebanon Valley College); Julia Shearer, Jr., Pitcher/OF (Maryland Commit); Sarah Sabocsik, C; Annabelle Smink, Jr., 3B; Reyna Doherty, Jr., OF; Brie Wilmot, Jr., 1B; Gianna Cimino, So., 2B; Bella Nunn, So., P/OF; Casey Sokol, So., OF/2B/P; Jackie Diaz, So., OF/2B/C.
Strengths: Seven returning starters with district and state playoff experience.
Pennridge
Coach: Wendy Iadonisi.
Key players lost: Madi Silber, Mac Owens, Cassandra Schillo, Chloe Coughenour and Memory Harrington.
Key returners: Catelyn Thrush, Sr.; Danae Luecke, Sr.; Anna Hensler, Sr.; Grace Helbling, Jr.; Reagan Bauman, Jr.; Olivia Crognale, Jr.; Sophia Vargo, Jr.; Anja Puketza.
Outlook: The Rams are a more seasoned group than they were a season ago and should make a push for the playoffs in 2022.
Plymouth-Whitemarsh
Coach: Mike Perez (third season).
Last year’s record: 12-8 overall (11-6 SOL Liberty); 17th in District 1-6A standings; lost in first round to Souderton Area.
Key performers lost: Carly Rosenberger (Emerson College), Emily Caffrey, Regan Gehman, Talia Carr, Hannah Suh, Marissa Dudek, Molly Lynch, Charley Tassoni.
Key returners: Lauryn Kane, Sr., 3B; Molly Moore, Jr., P; Marissa Perez, So., SS; Julie Price, So., OF; Haylie Lindley, So., Util.
Others to watch: Grace Carney, Jr., 1B/OF; Jaclyn Porter, Jr., C; Sam Skivo, So., OF/1B; Caelin Kosvitch, So., OF/C; Marissa Caroluzzi, So., C.
Coach Perez says: “After a hard-fought, walk-off loss to Souderton in the first round of the district playoffs last season, PW is looking to build off of that experience in 2022. With six new starters, the team is young and lacks Varsity experience, but we are hopeful about the new group’s potential. We will look to our team Captains (Kane, Moore, Carney & Perez) for leadership as we make the transition. A district title and advancement in the playoffs is always a team goal.”
Souderton Area
Coach: Carol Atkinson (third season).
Last year’s record: 14-8 overall (10-6 SOL Colonial).
Key players lost: Sierra Ripka (Delaware Valley University); Ryan Zimmerman (Misericordia University).
Key returners: Riley York, Sr., LF; Megan Kummery, Sr., CF; Abby Burns, Sr., P; Mckenna Schroding, So., P; Taylor Nelson, Sr., 1B; Kayley York, Jr., SS.
Others to watch: Lilly Ponce, So., 3B; Kendell Clemmer, So., OF; Brooke Scotti, Sr., C.
Strengths/Question Marks: “All around, we should be pretty solid in most areas. We need to navigate a tough schedule and stay healthy.”
Coach Atkinson says: “We have a solid core of returning players that have a lot of experience and leadership. Playing in arguably the toughest league in the state, we will get tested often but hope to be very competitive.”
William Tennent
Coach: Rich Clark (fourth season).
Last year’s record: 13-4, 11-4 SOL Freedom; Freedom Division Champions.
Key performers lost: Meg Curtis; Mackenzie Clee.
Key returners: Gigi Demito, Jr., C; Katie LaPlaunt, So., P; Giselle McLaughlin, Jr., LF.
Others to watch: Morgan Kocher, Fr., CF; Casey Yacovelli, Fr., 3B; Vicki Colagreco, Fr., C/SS.
Coach Clark says: “William Tennent is a young team this year with over half our roster comprised of freshmen and sophomores. There are no seniors on this year’s roster. Our goal is to learn and grow together with the proper focus, preparation, and energy as these girls should be together for several years.”
Wissahickon
Coach: Mike Borkowski.
Last year’s record: 11-5 in the SOL Liberty.
Key players lost: Emma Clayborne.
Key returners: Danielle Ciliberto, P/SS/OF; Charlotte Horvat, SS; Grace Franczyk, C; Katelyn Fitzgerald, OF; Luca Penna, OF.
Outlook: The Trojans have a bit more depth and experience this spring and could improve further upon last year’s strong finish in the Liberty.
