SCRANTON — Abington Heights was just hoping for another chance.
When they got it, the Lady Comets took full advantage.
A balanced offensive attack and strong pitching performance from Meghan McGinley helped Abington Heights defeat Valley View, 10-0, in five innings, and claim the Lackawanna League Division 1 softball championship May 20.
Valley View (11-3) won the first two meetings between the teams this season, 11-0 April 9 and 6-5 April 27.
“We’ve had rough games against Valley View in the past, but today we showed up and wanted it more,” McGinley said.
Lady Comets designated player Mara Hamm, who finished with two hits and three RBIs, drove in two runs with a single into right field, third baseman Kaylee DeMatteo singled and pinch runner Shaelyn Kobrynich scored on an error, and shortstop Cassidy Bartkowski knocked in a run with a groundout to give Abington Heights a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning.
“I went up there thinking that I wasn’t going to get out today,” Hamm said. “We wanted to make a statement about how we’ve grown as a team.”
Abington Heights (12-2) scored four more runs in the top of the third.
McGinley delivered a two-run double and courtesy runner Emily Scarfo scored on an error. Bartkowski, who had two hits, added an RBI single.
Abington Heights head coach John Kelly felt the early offensive outburst played a big factor in the team’s win.
“When you get up early like that, you can relax,” Kelly said. “I think sometimes when we play Valley View, especially, we tend to be a little anxious, but today we got the lead and played our game. It was huge to get runs early.”
It didn’t hurt that McGinley was dominant inside the circle.
The junior allowed just two hits and struck out six batters.
“She has a really good screwball and kept the ball in on their hands,” Kelly said. “When they did hit her, they hit pretty much weak fly balls, expect for the one (double).”
Lady Comets catcher Catherine Anne Kupinski doubled to lead off the top of the fourth and courtesy runner Maria Tully scored on a double by DeMatteo.
“We’ve been practicing extra hard this week and came in mentally prepared,” DeMatteo said. “We pick each other up every single at-bat, that’s what’s so great about this team.”
Kupinski drove in a run with an infield single to give Abington Heights a 10-0 lead in the top of the fifth.
McGinley walked two batters in the bottom of the inning, but induced a pop out from Olivia Muchal to end the game.
Kelly earned his 250th career win and reflected back on his tenure at Abington Heights after Saturday’s contest.
“It makes you think of all the past players and how lucky I’ve been to have really good players and a great coaching staff,” he said. “We’ve all been together pretty much since the inception. It means a lot to me, especially getting a big win for a championship over Valley View.”
Abington Heights, the top seed, will open the District 2/11 subregional playoffs against either fourth-seeded Pottsville or fifth-seeded North Pocono May 26.
“The win gives us a lot of confidence,” McGinley said. “Last year, we made a good run and I think we can go either further this year.”
