The Girard Academic Music Program softball team only had one blemish on its record this season – losing 11-9 to Communications Tech April 17.
When the two teams met again later in the month, the Southwest Philadelphia squad took a seven-run lead, but GAMP ended up winning, 16-13.
It was fitting that the two schools play each other once more in the May 9 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association District 12 AA championship game.
Like the previous match-ups, Communications Tech led by as many as five runs. This time around, the game would mark the end of the road for one – and the South Philly squad didn’t want it to be them.
Despite trailing 7-2 in the third and 10-6 in the fourth, the Pioneers refused to quit. Finally, in the bottom of the fourth, the squad made the offensive push it needed, plating eight runs to take a 14-10 lead. GAMP never trailed again, eventually winning 18-12.
Senior Jackie Mellett hit two doubles and Amanda Russino, also a senior, tripled.
"I think the seniors realized that there was a possibility that this could be their last game and they didn’t want it to end," coach Jann Hoetzel said.
The season will continue with Monday’s Public League quarterfinal game against AAA champion The High School for Creative and Performing Arts. CAPA coach John Hecker said the teams share a close relationship, as most of the girls know each other from All-City Orchestra.
Both squads will also represent the league in next month’s state tournament, with dates, location and opponent to be announced.
CAPA, a second-year varsity squad, clinched the first state tournament nod in the institution’s history. The team earned the invite by defeating Franklin Towne Charter, 12-1, in the May 8 PIAA District 12 AAA championship game. The win over FTC avenged last year’s 4-3 loss in the AAA title contest.
"It was good," Hecker said of the victory. "It would’ve been better if we beat them with their best pitcher [last year]."
Twin sisters Ali and Gia Shepherd recorded three hits apiece, which included a home run by Ali. Pitcher Kim Paynter held FLC to four hits.
