Positive notes in playoff-key showing

First-time performances can be nerve-racking, especially when a trip to the Public League championship game is on the line.

The stage fright ultimately got the best of the Girard Academic Music Program softball team, which lost its semifinal debut to Central last Wednesday. A combination of overthrown balls and mistimed swings turned what could have been a close game into a 13-4 defeat for the Pioneers.

"Obviously, they were nervous about their first appearance here," said GAMP coach Jann Hoetzel. "That was reflected in their throws. I think they were so hyped up that the balls were overthrown."

Heading into the top of the fourth inning and trailing 6-0, the Pioneers were still looking for their first hit of the game.

But they didn’t have to search for morale. As music started playing over the La Salle University public-address system, the girls sang along, "I can’t help falling in love …"

"We just try to keep the team going," explained junior third baseman Dana Anello. "We don’t worry about the play before."

The musical interlude seemed to loosen up the rhythm on the field. Anello smacked a two-out single to center field, starting a mini rally that trimmed Central’s lead to 6-2.

In the sixth, again behind by six runs, 8-2, GAMP persevered. They loaded the bases with no outs and scored two more runs to make the score 8-4. But that would be as close as the Pioneers would get. With two outs, Central plated five more runs to clinch the game, 13-4.

"I am sad that we lost, but I am glad we made it this far," Anello said.

FOR CENTRAL’S GIULIANNARenzetti, of the 1400 block of South Broad Street,the win came with mixed emotions because she attended GAMP for middle school. The junior second baseman enrolled at Central to experience a big-school atmosphere.

"I feel bad for them losing, but I feel great that we are moving on," Renzetti said after the semifinal game.

Central went on to defeat Northeast 12-10 in Tuesday’s championship game at La Salle.

Central junior outfielder Brittany Leopanto, of the 2600 block of South Iseminger Street, is taking pride in the team’s success.

"It feels good. We deserve it," she said.

With six of nine starters returning, GAMP will have another opportunity to topple Central. Outfielder Dana DePasquale, catcher Kendall Nealis and pitcher Angelica Malatino are graduating.

Hoetzel believes the returning athletes will benefit from this year’s playoff experience.

"Next year we can’t say we’ve never made it past the semifinals," the coach said. "Now, the only place to go is the finals."

The Pioneers will be back at La Salle on June 6 for the opening round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association AA tournament. GAMP qualified by beating Engineering & Science 16-1 in the May 10 PIAA District XII AA title game.