In the seventh inning, as Methacton attempted a comeback, Averi Dockery, Pennridge's pitcher, stayed focused in the pitching circle.
The Rams' junior right-hander emphasized the importance of staying calm and composed in tense situations, advising herself to breathe and keep things under control.
During the game on Tuesday, with Pennridge leading 1-0, Methacton had runners on second and third with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Despite the pressure, Dockery managed to secure the 1-0 win for the Rams by getting a pop-up to the shortstop and a crucial strikeout.
Dockery focused on maintaining composure and sticking to her game plan, using her knowledge of the opposing team's weaknesses to secure the victory.
Dockery, who has verbally committed to Florida State, pitched a shutout, allowing only one hit and striking out 10.
Dockery utilized her fastball inside and employed a variety of pitching techniques to keep Methacton off balance, ultimately leading to the victory.
The Rams scored their only run in the fifth inning through a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, while Methacton's pitcher Courtney Freese put up a strong effort despite the loss.
Methacton's coach praised Freese's performance, highlighting her ability to keep the opposing team off balance and manage Dockery's threat.
Pennridge's Ryleigh Lilly had a successful game, going 2-3 with a walk, while Kylee Hangey, the No. 9 hitter, went 2-for-3.
Hangey scored the only run of the game after hitting a single and drawing a walk, followed by a sacrifice fly and intentional walk to Dockery, leading to a hit-by-pitch that brought home the run.
Pennridge's coach commended Hangey for fulfilling her role in the lineup, expressing satisfaction with her performance in the game.
Marinelli, the coach of Pennridge, took over a successful program from the previous season and holds a background in both playing and coaching softball.
Marinelli said that it's beneficial to already know the girls from teaching at the high school, which makes it easier since she's familiar with a lot of them. She emphasized the importance of developing the girls as well-rounded athletes and individuals. This has been the main focus, with the focus on playing coming later.
There's a lot to handle, but it's thrilling, like today. My heart is beating a little fast, but at the same time, you don't always experience this in middle school.
Methacton (0-2) was shut out 4-0 by Downingtown East in their first game last Friday. They will finish the week by hosting Central Bucks South at 4 p.m. on Friday and start PAC play on Tuesday by visiting Phoenixville.
Terry mentioned that it's a valuable game for them to learn from. They have already faced Downingtown East’s Rachael Schumann, who's heading to Seton Hall, and this pitcher, which should make it easier for them in the future. Facing this kind of pitching will only make things easier for them.
Pennridge (1-0) will start its SOL Colonial Division schedule by hosting defending district and state 6A champ North Penn at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Druckenmiller Playground.
We had a lot of positions filled last year, so we're now figuring out what works best for us. We're trying out girls in positions they may not be very comfortable with, but we want to see how it goes.
Today was obviously pretty good, so I'm excited to see where that leads us. We're still getting to know each other, learning to communicate, and building a bond. We'll see where it takes us.
Pennridge loaded the bases in the top of the third after a one-out Hangey bunt single, Lilly dropped a single to left center and a two-out intentional walk to Dockery. Cleese, however, worked out of the jam with a strikeout
Krupiewski led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching on an error, took second on a passed ball then advanced to third on Mia Pettine’s groundout to the shortstop. After a strikeout, the Warriors attempted to steal home on the next at-bat but Krupiewski was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
Terry stated, “In the worst-case scenario, we get thrown out at home and she gets a fresh count coming up, that’s the mindset there. And I’ll do it with two strikes there. They were ready for it, nothing we could do, they were ready for it and they executed it. But you got to try to make something happen.”
Lilly started Pennridge’s half of the seventh with a single up the middle. An intentional walk to Dockery gave the Rams two on with one out but Freese struck out the next two batters to keep the game at 1-0.
Pennridge 1, Methacton 0
Pennridge 000 010 0 – 1 4 1
Methacton 000 000 0 – 0 3 0
