Pen Argyl earns third straight trip to Colonial League title game; beats Notre Dame 4-2

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Pen Argyl junior Emily Smull slugged a three-run double to break a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth and the Green Knights were able to hold on for a 4-2 victory over Notre Dame in the first game of the Colonial League softball semifinals on Tuesday night at Pates Park.

Pen Argyl (16-5) will play in its third straight Colonial championship game on Thursday night at 7 against either Catasauqua or Palmerton. The Green Knights will be playing in their fifth title game overall. They defeated Saucon Valley 6-5 in last year's final.

Notre Dame (15-6) made it interesting.

The Crusaders came back to score two runs in the top of the sixth on a ground-rule two-run double by Faith Carson.

Pen Argyl tacked on a fourth run in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI single by Laura Zanette.

The Crusaders threatened in the top of the seventh when two errors and a bunt single loaded the bases.

However, Notre Dame leadoff hitter Lexi McGivern went after the first pitch and grounded to second baseman Rachel Warren. Warren tagged the runner trying to go past her and fired to first to complete a game-ending double play.

Notre Dame 000 002 0 -- 2 6  0

Pen Argyl 000 031 x -- 4 9 2

Gaffney and Simpkins; Smull and Kresch.