The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

Softball dominates season until playoffs

By Mason Shope
Sports’ Editor

The Neshaminy Redskins were bounced out of the first round of the playoffs after a dominate run in the regular season which garnered 19 wins in route to secure the top spot in the crowded National division of the Suburban One League.
This first round loss marks the shortest run into the SOL playoffs in head coach Dave Chichilitti short tenure at the helm.

In order to sustain a longer run next year, Chichilitti is planning on righting the ship and further perfecting the 19-1 regular season powerhouse that ran the Suburban One National League along side local rival, Pennsbury. “I think the team has to become tougher mentally. That we have to learn to treat all games the same. That we have to know what needs to be done in a certain situation and execute it no matter what,” Chichilitti said.

The shared crown possessed by both schools is credit to the Redskins eight inning defeat of Pennsbury on May 16, 2012 on their home field and took place on the first annual breast cancer awareness night. Starting pitcher Lauren Quense led the team to a victory with her performance on the mound and at the plate. Quense started off the eighth inning with a single to right center field. Her courtesy runner, sophomore Jen Walker advanced to third base on ground balls and then stole home plate on a wild pitch thus giving Neshaminy the victory in walk-off fashion.

Story continues below advertisement

“The highlight of the season was definitely the team bonding parties we had. They made us more together as a team and allowed us to have chemistry on and off the field,” departing senior Dana Knapp said.

Even though Neshaminy was excited about the win versus Pennsbury their quest for the league title was not complete. The next day they had to come out and finish the game versus Council Rock North that was postponed due to rain earlier in the week. The score was 1-1 in the top of the fifth inning with two outs and a girl on first for Neshaminy. Two and a half innings would define the skins family. The skins came out strong, scoring multiple runs with two outs in the fifth. Only two innings later, Neshaminy secured the victory and a piece of the SOL Championship.

A core of returning players, including 7 starters look to restore the Redskin’s winning tradition in the playoffs for the 2013 season. These players include Quense, Julia McGovern, and Diana LaPalombara who will lead the team as seniors next season. All of the tools are there for the team to succeed in the future and the first round loss marking the end of this year, preparation for the next has already begun.

After a dominate season such as their 2012 campaign, Knapp has few regrets. “Although playoffs were shorter than we expected as a team I believe we did nothing wrong. Sometimes you have your off games and sometimes you are on,” Knapp said.

A loss in the playoffs is always disheartening but the Neshaminy Redskins stand poised to make yet another run for the SOL title and what should shape up to be another run, this time deeper, into the district and state playoffs. This season was far from a disappointment.

More to Discover
Activate Search
The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School
Softball dominates season until playoffs