Pope John Paul II storms back from deficit to take title

As Pottsgrove and Pope John Paul II took the field on Thursday in the PIAA class AAA District One championship game, it was certain that one squad would claim the first district championship in their school’s history.

As Golden Panthers manager John Bilella watched his usually sure-handed squad commit five errors in the first two innings, he could have been forgiven for doubting that his team would claim the honor.

It turned out to be a false alarm as the 19 hit barrage launched by Pope John Paul II was too much for Pottsgrove to counter, propelling Bilella’s troops to a 12-6 victory at Spring-Ford High School, the neutral site for the game.

Pope John Paul II, (8-9 league, 12-9 overall) jumped out of gate by posting two runs in the first on RBI singles from Nikki Troisi and Meg O’Connor prompting Pottsgrove coach Mallory Greene to have a brief meeting at the mound with starter Marisa Kineer and her defense.

Kineer, who has been sensational during the Falcons 11-game winning streak, allowed three hits in an inning for the first time in eight games and worked out of the inning allowing just two runs.

Pottsgrove (11-7 league, 14-8 overall) got it going early as well, largely with some help from the PJP2 defense as the Falcons capitalized on the extra outs given to them by scoring two in the first and putting up a four spot in the second. Base hits from Marisa Kineer, Jess Kurtz, Julia Hartman and Josi Hain posted Pottsgrove to a 6-3 lead, which they maintained until the fifth inning.

“We have fielded well all year,” said Bilella, who team boasted a .975 fielding percentage. “When I saw us throwing the ball all over and committing mistakes that we don’t typically make, we got together between innings and got every one to take a breath and relax.”

“We definitely had them on the ropes early,” said Falcons coach Mallory Greene. “Anytime you get six runs in the first two at bats, you have to finish strong. Give them credit. They could have hung their heads after the early errors, but they battled back and really hit the ball. They simply wanted it more than we showed today.”

After scoring three runs to start the sixth, tying the game on a base hit by Patsy Murphy, it was Meg Kugler who had a chance for redemption, with Kugler having committed three of the season high six PJP2 errors.

“I wanted to have a chance there,” said Kugler. “I felt horrible about dropping the ball earlier and the best way to make up for that was to drive in some runs. We have picked each other up all year. That’s what we discussed in the dugout after the second inning. We just needed to relax and play our game and we knew the hits would come.”

Kugler delivered in a big way, drilling a ball to the fence in left center to clear the bases and give the Golden Panthers a 9-6 lead. Rogers then drove in Kugler to make it a four run lead.

“I wanted the girls to have fun today,” said Bilella. “I coached in five of these games in the Catholic League at Kenrick, and you never know if you will have another opportunity to get back here. I am so proud of the way this team has come together this season. It took a little while, but we have it going now at the right time."

Pottsgrove refused to go quietly. The Falcons loaded the bases to start the sixth on consecutive singles by Taylor Robinson (1-for-4, run scored), Kineer (2-for-3, 2 runs) and Jess Kurtz (2-for-4, run scored) and looked poised to regain the momentum.

The Golden Panthers, playing the infield in, were able to cut down Robinson and Kineer at the plate on balls kept in the infield. Lexi Kehl then flew out to deep right field, ending the inning and the Falcons best chance to regain their steam.

“I am so excited, “ said shortstop Amanda Light. “We know we can all hit and we just needed to calm down. We were all so up for the game that I think the nerves got us a little at the beginning. She (Kineer) is such a great pitcher, but this is the third time we have faced her this season and we were able to hit since we know what she does and where she likes to pitch.”

“It’s not over for us,” said Greene. “Somehow we have to get ready to get back to work tomorrow and prepare for states. We have an eleven game streak which is over, we just have to start another one. This is the furthest any Pottsgrove team has ever gotten. We have to remember how special that is. We beat them twice this year and it’s tough to beat someone three times.” 

Notes: The Pope John Paul II seniors couldn't linger to hoist the trophy with their teammates. They had to leave immediately following the game to attend their baccalaureate Mass at Pope John Paul II High School. Cardinal Justin Rigali was the celebrant.

EXTRA INNINGS- The Spring-Ford Rams, paced by home runs off the bats of Ryan Conway (2) and Cody Clarke, pounded Conestoga 22-11 to claim the PIAA District One class AAAA championship and will face the District Three third place finisher in the PIAA state tournament that starts on Monday.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

R

H

E

Pope John Paul II

2

1

0

0

6

1

2

12

19

6

Pottsgrove

2

4

0

0

0

0

0

6

11

2

Pope John Paul II

AB

R

H

RBI

Pottsgrove

AB

R

H

RBI

Light ss

4

1

1

0

Robinson lf

4

1

1

0

Murphy c

4

1

4

2

Kineer p

3

2

2

0

O’Connor 3b

5

1

1

1

Kurtz cf

4

1

2

0

Kugler 1b

4

2

2

3

O’Brien c

4

0

1

2

Troisi p

4

0

3

1

Hensley ss

4

0

0

0

Rogers 2b

3

1

2

1

Kehl rf

4

0

0

0

Levins lf

5

1

2

1

Hartman 3b

4

1

2

0

Catagnus cf

5

2

2

1

Phillips 1b

3

0

1

0

Eliff rf

3

2

2

1

Hain  2B

4

1

2

0

Romberger cr

0

1

0

0

Schwab pr

0

1

0

0

Totals

37

12

19

11

Totals

34

6

11

3

IP

R

ER

H

SO

BB

Troisi  (W)

7

6

2

11

4

1

Kineer (L)

7

12

10

19

5

4

2B-Troisi, Kugler, O’Brien, Phillips  3B-Eliff    HR- none       LOB- PJP-12     GROVE- 10 

Time: 2:12       Temperature: 82 degrees