ABINGTON – In a nonleague pitcher’s duel, Abington scratched across a single run in the sixth and fended off a potent Norton lineup Thursday afternoon.
The Green Wave scored on an errant throw to second in the sixth and that was just enough as they edged the Lancers 1-0 at Abington High to snap their nine-game softball win streak.
“We knew this was going to be a real challenge and it’s perfect … one week away from the tournament because these are the types of games that you really like to get into, so I’m really pleased today,” said Abington coach Jenna Olem.
With one down in the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Kat Chipman drew a walk and made it to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior captain Brenna Howley. Sophomore Carly Agnew then battled to walk on nine pitches, with the final pitch going behind Chipman at second and into center field. Chipman came all the way around to score to make it 1-0 Abington (13-5).
“That’s who we are,” Olem said about scratching a run across in the sixth. “We’re pitching and defense and if we can squeeze one run in against a team of that caliber, that’s how we are going to beat the best team. So, I’m really, really proud of how they stepped up.”
In the top of the seventh, junior captain Elsie Testa retired the first two before junior Lucy Perachio reached on an infield single to short. Sophomore Gabby Rodriguez then laced a single up the middle to put runners on second and third with two down. Freshman Leah Worthley battled and sent a 2-2 pitch on a line to short that was gloved to end the contest.
Defense was able to keep Norton (16-2) off the board in the fifth as a one-out triple by Rodriguez put the Lancers in business. Chipman came in to try and field a popped up bunt that knocked the wind out of her and one pitch later got another chance and was able to catch the Worthley bunt attempt while turned around. A popup to short for Casey Dart ended the threat for Norton.
“I think sometimes, (the girls) don’t think they’re as good as they really can be when they’re completely locked in a situation like that,” said Olem. “Just to have Brenna (Howley) kind of being that captain in the infield everybody takes a deep breath. Everybody was really positive today and I think that goes a long way. Nobody was pressing to do anything more than they should be doing.”
Testa and Norton starter Liana Danubio each started off hot with Testa retiring the first 10 and Danubio getting the first 11 before they each allowed a hit. Danubio went six with nine strikeouts while Testa needed just 81 pitches to allow four hits and striking out seven of her own.
“(Testa) just rises to the challenge,” Olem said about her star pitcher. “I think the tougher the opponent, the more she wants to show what she’s really made of. I can’t say enough about her. All season long she’s been carrying us.”