JV squad wins two games at Hempfield Tournament

April 15, 2012

The Lady Chucks' JV squad awarded an MVP after each game at the weekend's Hempfield Tournament. The MVPs were (from left) Ivy Phillips from Game 1, Rachael Litak from Game 2 and Nicole Dipietro from Game 3. (Photo submitted)

HEMPFIELD — The Lady Chucks' junior varsity softball team began the weekend at the Hempfield Tournament facing off against Ringgold, which Punxsy beat 5-3.

During the victory, Nicole DiPietro was the strongest hitter, going 3-for-3 at bat with two singles, a double and five stolen bases. She also scored three runs.

Punxsy coach Phil Mennitti called her "unstoppable."

Ivy Phillips, who was selected the Most Valuable Player of the game, also had a strong showing. She threw four complete innings, giving up just three runs. She walked only three and struck out five.

"Definitely, she shut down Riggold on the mound," Mennitti said.

Monica Cameron had two hits, and Alyssa Reitz, Shaina Painter, Jensen Constantino and Anna Horner each had a hit during the victory.

The Lady Chucks then went on to beat Somerset in a convincing 10-2 win.

Punxsy earned only three hits, which came from Reitz, Sarah London and Kara St. Clair. But the girls scored four runs in both the second and fourth innings to secure the victory.

"Our girls showed good discipline at the plate, as they collected 10 walks and zero strike outs," Mennitti said.

Stephanie Smith helped the offense by scoring three runs. London was the pitcher against Somerset, and Mennitti said she was "in complete control."

Rachael Litak was selected as the game's MVP.

The only loss of the tournament came at the hands of Senecca Valley, which beat Punxsy 6-5.

"Our girls played hard and fought the whole game," Mennitti said. "It was competitive, but we can up just short."

DiPietro was chosen as the MVP. She pitched seven complete innings, giving up eight hits and walking just one. She was also 1-for-4 from the plate with one run scored.

Phillips, Reitz, Painter and Horner also picked up hits for the Lady Chucks. Punxsy faced a tough pitcher, who struck out eight batters, to help earn the victory.

The JV squad has a busy week ahead of it, traveling to Hollidaysburg Monday and DuBois Wednesday. The Lady Chucks will then host State College Friday.