Cline Allows 3 Hits, Strikes Out 5 to Earn 1st Shutout

The Watchung Hills softball team held Delaware Valley to just three hits and no runs in a 1-0 victory Monday.

IN SHORT

Senior designated hitter Ashley McKenna doubled with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, before pinch-runner Alyssa Kantor went to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch for the game’s lone run to lift the Watchung Hills High School softball team in a 1-0 victory over Delaware Valley. Sophomore right-hander Abby Cline threw a three-hit shutout to earn the victory.

WARRIOR OF THE GAME

Abby Cline—The Warriors’ No. 2 pitcher, who was making only her second start in the circle, allowed just three hits—only one of which left the infield—walked none and struck out five to post her first shutout and improve to 2-0.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

McKayla Brady (Watchung Hills)—The freshman left fielder caught Danielle Novotny’s pop fly in shallow left field with a runner on third and one out in the third inning of a scoreless game, and fired a strike to catcher Dana Mertz to nail a runner at the plate trying to tag and score from third base.

THEY SAID IT

“She’s good, she’s a gamer. I love her because she throws strikes. And she makes the other team hit and we’re getting better and better at playing defense behind her, so I have a lot of confidence in her.’’—Watchung Hills coach Michael D’Alessandro on pitcher Abby Cline

UP NEXT—Montgomery at home Wednesday at 3:45 p.m.