By Evan Cheney
Staff Writer
Last season was an unforgettable year for Neshaminy’s varsity softball team. They played in a very competitive state championship game against Canon-McMillan High School. Unfortunately, they lost in a heartbreaker by a score of 4-3 in a gut wrenching 12 inning game at Penn State University.
Neshaminy finished last season with an amazing 23-3 record. In a pcntv.com article, Neshaminy varsity softball head coach Dave Chichilliti said “We had a chance to get that second run in and win the game, and we didn’t get the job done. You tip your hat to their pitcher; their pitcher pitched a great game.”
“We return a solid core of players from a team that had much success last year. We have senior leaders in Carly Coleman, Jen Walker, Nina Dudley, and Jenny Rakita. We also have some power in our line up with Sarah Snider-Leonhauser, Jessica Mount, Sam Offenback and Nikki Wild. Mackensie Compton, Sophie Beretski, and Olivia Zaino bring some speed to the team.
Seniors Carly Coleman, Koraima Dudly, and Jennifer Walker have already signed letters of intent to play at the college level. Coleman will be attending Monroe college. Koraima will be attending Chestnut Hill College in the fall, and Walker will be attending Mercer County College.
This season, Neshaminy is off to a hot start at 4-0 overall. Although not playing many games yet because of all the rain and snow that has occurred. They are tied for first in the National Conference with Council Rock South and William Tennent with a league record of 2-0
In their game against Bensalem High School, Neshaminy blew them out of the water in a matter of just five innings. The team dominated with four extra base hits. Walker was 2-for-4 with a double. Freshman Hunter Hart was 1-for-3 with a triple and RBI. Junior Nikki Wild was 2-for-4 with a homerun and three RBIs, and Junior Sarah Snider-Leonhauser contributed a triple and two RBIs.
“We have a pleasant surprise in freshman Hunter Hart as well. She could really help this team in a number of ways. We are going to play great defense and make all the plays. If our pitchers throw strikes and we hit and field like I know we can, there is no reason that we cannot be just as successful as last year.”
At this early point in the season, the Neshaminy High School softball team is looking great. Hopefully they can keep this great start, up for the rest of the season. And return to the state championship once again to avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss.
