Pennsauken advances in softball tourney

Making the tournament was nice.

Winning a tournament game was even better for the Pennsauken softball team.

The Indians continued a season of surprising success with a 3-1 victory over host Cherry Hill East yesterday in the first round of the South Jersey Group 4 tournament.

"We got in, but I told the girls that shouldn't be enough," Pennsauken coach Marc Granieri said before his players ambushed him with a Gatorade bucket and drenched him in ice water. "They want more."

Second baseman Amanda Hershey, the No. 9 hitter in the batting order, delivered a two-run double to give Pennsauken (12-9) a 3-0 lead in the third inning.

That was enough for pitcher Shelby Snyder, who allowed four hits and struck out 11. Snyder's best work was in the second, when she struck out the side with runners on second and third and no outs.

"We deserved it because we played hard all season," Snyder said. "Teams are starting to see us as a threat."

The 11th-seeded Indians advance to face third-seeded Cherokee in tomorrow's second round.

Hershey's double came with two outs and two strikes.

"It was pretty," Hershey said of the pitch she drove into the gap in left-center field. "I swung at it, and the next thing I knew it was over the centerfielder's head, and I was standing on second base."

Granieri said the double was Hershey's best hit of the season.

"She had the game-winning hit, and she caught the last out," Granieri said. "It doesn't get any better than that."

Pennsauken won just six games last season but the Indians have been highly competitive this season. Their success has rallied support for the team around the school.

Pennsauken brought a few dozen enthusiastic fans, including a group of male students who stood in the top row of the bleachers, waved red-and-white pompoms, and sang cheers for most of the afternoon.

"The school has really gotten behind this team," Granieri said. "They're becoming the stars of the school."

For sixth-seeded Cherry Hill East (8-7), leadoff hitter Monica Bonitatis reached base four times, had two singles, and scored the Cougars' only run.

"We had our opportunities and didn't take advantage of them," Cherry Hill East coach Charlie Musumeci said. "We knew it would be a dogfight because they are a good team."

Pennsauken 102 000 0 - 3 5 3

Cherry Hill East 001 000 0 - 1 4 3

WP: Shelby Snyder. LP: Arielle Kitey.

2B: P-Amanda Hershey; CHE- Arielle Kitey.