Softball: Phantoms Leave Win on the Base Paths

UPPER PROVIDENCE-Phoenixville has struggled at times this season getting girls on base and the timely hits to score said base runners, which has led to less than perfect spring results for the Phantoms.

On Thursday afternoon, they took care of one end of the equation as they out-hit Pope John Paul II by a six to five margin in a 6-3 Pioneer Athletic Conference loss to the Golden Panthers.

The Phantoms (2-10), who stranded nine runners for the tilt, loaded the bases in the first inning on without a hit, but failed to score as Courtney Panepinto’s shot down the line was snared by first base woman Meg Kugler.

“If that could have gotten by her we would have scored three,” said Rachel Boone, who drove in one run and scored another. “We have just not been able to get the hit when we have people on base. Today we had a lot of base runners but only scored three runs.”

Phoenixville manufactured a run as Meghan Loughery  (2-for 2, 1 run, 2 RBIs), got the Phantoms on the board scoring on fielder’s choice by Lindsay Waller, following her double in the gap in left center and advancing on a sacrifice bunt.

“I just wanted to hit the ball hard somewhere,” said Loughery, who reached base four times. “We can hit. We just haven’t been able to get hits when we need them. Today we did a good job getting on base, but again needed that one big hit.”

After being shut down in the middle innings, Courtney Wieland ripped a ball to left field that was narrowly grabbed by Golden Panthers' left fielder Monica Levins, who missed the first three innings.

Wieland was followed by three consecutive base hits by Panepinto, Laura Gronski and Boone to load the bases.

Following a bounder back to the mound by Hillary Viola, which caused a force out at home, the Phantoms appeared as though they would squander another scoring chance until Loughery belted a shot by shortstop Amanda Light, scoring Gronski and Boone to cut the lead to 4-3.

The inning ended with Viola getting tagged out at third as she was trying to advance on the throw home.

“We were being aggressive there and just trying to make something happen,” added Loughery. “It’s a shame that Courtney’s didn’t fall in to start the inning. It would have really changed the game, but their leftfielder made a good play on it.”

Rachel Boone (1-for-2, run scored, 3 assists, 1 put out) assumed the pitching duties in the fourth as she entered the game with the bases loaded and nobody out. Boone was able to work out of the jam, allowing just one run to score and keeping the Phantoms within striking distance.

“It was a little tense coming into that situation,” said Boone. “I settled down after the first batter and was fortunately able to get out of that inning. I was able to mix up the pitches a bit and they didn’t seem to adjust.”

Phoenixville threatened again in the top of the seventh as Danielle Johnson, who should get the “ultimate team player” award as she sacrificed her first three trips to the plate, led of the frame by drawing a walk followed by Courtney Wieland who also got a free pass, but the Phantoms' rally fell short as PJP2 hurler Deidre Weiber was able to get Panepinto swinging at a high fastball.

It was another case of what could have been as with one out, Gianna Bliss’ drive to the warning track in right field was held up by the wind to prevent Johnson from advancing.

Phoenixville                  0  0  1  0  0  2  0  - 3

Pope John Paul II          1  1  1  1  0  2  X  - 6

Pitching                                    IP            R            ER            H            SO            BB

Wieland (L)                              3            4            2            3            1            5

Boone                                      3            2            2            2            1            2

Weiber (W)                              7            3            3            6            6            7

Phoenixville                                   AB            R            H            RBI

Loughery 3b                                         2            1            2            2

Johnson  dp                                          1            0            0            0

Waller cf                                              3            0            0            1

Bliss ss                                                   2            0            0            0

Wieland p 1b                                        3            0            0            0

Panepinto c                                          4            0            0            0

Gronski  1b  2b                                    3            1            2            0

Boone 2b  p                                         2            1            1            0

Viola   lf                                               3            0            0            0

                                    Totals               23            3            6            3

Pope John Paul II                     AB             R            H            RBI

Light ss                                                 3            1            1            1

Eliff rf                                                   3            0            0            0

O’Connor                                            2            2            1            0

Kugler 1b                                             2            0            1            2

Rogers  2b                                           4            0            0            0

Murphy  c                                            3            0            0            0

Catagnus cf                                          1            2            0            0

Weiber p                                              2            0            1            1

Romberger lf                                        1            0            0            0

Levins  lf                                               1            1            1            1

                                    Totals               22            6            5            5