North Penn strikes early, blanks Methacton in District 1-6A second round

TOWAMENCIN >> North Penn didn’t simply begin the postseason as much as it did attack it.

The Knights plated three runs in their first at-bat Wednesday and five more in their second. Julia Shearer never let the visitors respond, as top-seeded North Penn pulled away to an 11-0 victory over No. 17 Methacton in a District 1-6A second-round game at NP.

The victory advanced the Knights to a Friday quarterfinal game against Ridley or Pennsbury while a tremendous season came to a close for the Warriors, 13-4 winners over Springfield Delco in Round One.

North Penn came off the bye fresh and ready to strike.

“This is the best time of year,” said Shearer, who pitched a five-inning shutout for the Knights. “This is when we come together most as a team. And it’s just so much fun.”

Shearer allowed just one hit while striking out five and walking one. The lefty didn’t allow a hit until Jillian McTamney singled in the fifth for the Warriors.

“Most of my pitches were working well and my defense played amazing,” said Shearer.

The leadoff hitter also belted a solo homer for the Knights. She scored three times and Brie Wilmot and Casey Sokol each had multiple RBI’s to help fuel North Penn’s fast start.

“I think we were all really excited to play because we were off for a week. I think getting an early lead was key to winning this game and I’m glad we did that,” Shearer said.

North Penn pushed three more runs across in the third to ensure the 10-run mercy rule in the fifth.

The Warriors went to four different arms but North Penn’s offense was not to be stopped.

“These kids are on a mission,” said Knights coach Rick Torresani, who guided NP to the state title in 2021 and back to the state semis a season ago. “And it dates back to that last game last year. It’s real exciting to watch them play. They’re doing everything right. They’re hustling and they’re playing good defense.”

That was typified by freshman Talli Smink, who subbed in at third base and turned in a defensive gem on a bunt attempt by the Warriors.

Shearer was in command.

“She’s been dialed in all year but when these games start, she wants to prove who she is and do the best she can for the team,” Torresani said.

District 1-6A Second Round

17 Methacton 000 00 – 0 1 4

1 North Penn 353 0x  – 11 11 1

WP: Julia Shearer (5IP, 0R, 1H, 5K, 1BB).

LP: Adriana Hopple (2IP, 5R, 2ER, 6H, 0K, 1BB).

HR: NP-Julia Shearer. 2B: NP-Shearer; Brie Wilmot; Reyna Doherty.

Multiple hits: NP-Shearer 2-for-2, BB, 3R, RBI; Wilmot 2-for-2, BB, 2R, 2RBI; Sokol 3-for-3, R, 3RBI; Doherty 2-for-3, RBI.