DOWNINGTOWN >> Ava Kaczmarski came up with the clutch hits when the Whippets needed them most, and Addy Carter was tough in the circle as top-seeded Downingtown West (23-0) edged No. 4 North Penn by a score of 3-1 in the District 1, Class 6A semi-finals Tuesday afternoon at West.
With the win, the Whippets move on to their first District finals since 2019, where they will face off against No. 3 Quakertown (22-1) Thursday at Spring-Ford High School. Game time to be announced.
“This is such a fun team,” said West coach Joey Germani. “They all get along so well, and support each other. And it’s everyone. Everyone is hitting, everyone is making plays on defense, and Addy has just been great. It’s exciting to be going back to district finals.”
Kaczmarski (2-for-3) had all three of the Whippets’ RBIs on the day, knocking in a pair of runs in the first inning with a single down the left field line, then another in the third which brought home Emma Ahlborn (1-for-2, two runs scored, stolen base)
“I was just trying to make contact and get it done for my team,” said Kaczmarski. “This has been such a fun season playing with this team. I don’t think we’ve had a game all year when Addy didn’t pitch great, and we’re all hitting and contributing. I’m really looking forward to getting to play in a district final as a freshman.”
Carter worked herself out of a couple of jams in picking up the win, including one in the sixth inning when North Penn put the first two hitters on, and loaded the bases with two outs. She earned the victory with seven strong innings, allowing just one run on six scattered hits. She struck out 10 and walked just two.
“I try not to ever get to high or low when I’m pitching,” said Carter. “I just try to stay relaxed and know the team has my back. I was excited just to watch the 2019 team make a district final. I am really excited to play for a district championship with this team. We’re playing so well as a team right now.”
The Whippets did make just about every play they needed to make on defense, with no errors charged in the game.
“There’s been a couple games this season where we had to count on Addy to come up with the big strikeout, and she always does if we need it,” said Germani. “But our defense has been really good lately. They are making every play they need to make.”
North Penn’s lone score came in the first inning. Casey Sokol (1-for-2, run scored) worked a two out walk, stole second, and came in to score when Sophia Orth (2-for-3, double) reached on an infield single up the middle.
The Knights are going to have to have a short memory, because, despite the loss, they are far from done, having already secured a spot in the state tournament starting next Monday. First they will play in the third place game against Downingtown East on Thursday.
“We made a few mistakes at the plate, and we’ll work on that,” said Knights’ coach Rick Toressani. “West had some clutch hits, and their pitcher was great. But we played well, too. We’ll just get back to work tomorrow, play another district game Thursday, and be ready for states Monday.”
Downingtown West 3 North Penn 1
North Penn 1 0 0 0 0 0 0—1
DTown West 2 0 1 0 0 0 X—3
WP—Carter LP—Nunn
2B—Orth
