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Sophomore slumps? Not for these standout softball stars. These softball players from the Class of 2028 included some of the top pitchers and hitters in the Phillyburbs. Some of these names may already be familiar, but rest assured, you'll be hearing much more about all of them over the next two years.
Check out this season's standout sophomores andcast your vote for the top softball player from the Class of 2028 in our poll.
A two-time first-team All-SOL Patriot selection, Kiskurno has already proven herself to be a top pitcher in the league. Against Patriot foe CR South, Kiskurno pitched a two-hit, one-walk shutout while striking out 12 batters; she gave up four hits and one walk in a complete-game shutout win against league rival Neshaminy. In the district playoffs, Kiskurno gave up two hits and no earned runs while striking out four in a complete-game win over CR South in the second round. Against Plymouth Whitemarsh, she was in the circle for 11 innings – over two days, due to rain delays – and allowed just seven hits while striking out nine.
Stepping into the circle following four-year starter Lexi Waring, Neubauer was an immediate success, throwing a five-inning no-hitter in her first varsity start. Against SOL Patriot rival Pennsbury, she pitched a one-hit shutout, and in her first playoff start, Neubauer gave up five hits, no walks and one run while striking out six in a complete-game win against Boyertown in the first round of districts. For the season, she recorded a 3.07 ERA and surpassed 100 strikeouts.
Franklin had a breakout season, leading the Patriots’ in most offensive categories. She batted a robust .508 with 33 hits, including four home runs, 20 stolen bases and 25 runs scored, all of which were team-highs. In addition, Franklin drove in 19 runs and hit seven doubles and two triples.
A versatile player who hits for average and power, Dever rarely strikes out and can hit the ball all over the field. She led the Ghosts in extra-base hits and had multiple extra-base hits in several games. Against Hatboro-Horsham, she had a double and a triple; facing Upper Dublin, she doubled and drove in the Ghosts’ lone run. She had a double, triple and four RBIs in a win over Springfield, and against Wissahickon, Dever had three hits, including a home run, and seven RBIs in the win.
A two-year starter, the versatile McClean played multiple positions last year and started at first base this season. She drew a team-high 17 walks and scored 12 runs. She drove in two runs in the Golden Hawks’ district playoff win over Boyertown.
A two-year starter and the Golden Hawks’ leadoff hitter, Pesapane scored a team-high 17 runs, hitting .309 with 13 RBIs, six doubles and five stolen bases. A standout in the field, she had only two errors at third base.
A two-year starter at first base, Rittersbach hit the go-ahead RBI single to give the Falcons the win over North Penn in the District One 6A fifth-place game. She went 3-for-3 with two RBIs in a playoff win against Downingtown West.
Battavio’s batting average of .444 was second-best on a Knights’ team that went 21-4. She drove in 20 runs during the regular season, also good for second on the team, and scored 17 runs. In the district playoffs, Battavio led the Knights with a three-run home run and five RBIs in a second-round win over Perkiomen Valley. She had a team-high seven RBIs in the postseason.
The outfielder had a strong season at the plate, hitting .411 and scoring 19 runs during the regular season. In the playoffs, she had four hits, three walks and scored five runs.
The catcher followed up a stellar freshman season with an excellent sophomore campaign, hitting .380 with a team-high 22 RBIs. She led the team in extra-base hits with five doubles, two triples and five home runs and was top notch behind the plate, recording one error and 17 assists. Hooven hit a grand slam in the seventh inning of the Bucks’ first-round district playoff game.
Toutkoushian had a breakout season, leading the Rams in nearly every offensive stat. She posted a .460 average with 29 hits, 28 RBIs, seven doubles, one triple, four home runs and seven stolen bases, all of which were team best. Playing full time at third base, she progressed from a solid freshman season where she hit .314 with 11 RBIs.
Heinrich took over pitching duties this season, throwing a team-high 95 innings and recording 75 strikeouts. In addition, she was a major contributor at the plate, hitting .315 with 10 RBIs, three doubles, two home runs and a team-best 13 walks.
The outfielder posted a .417 batting average, drew 13 walks and scored 33 runs for a Warriors’ team that reached the PIAA 2A semifinals.
Rogers made the most of her limited playing time in a crowded Warriors’ lineup. In just 11 at-bats, she recorded eight hits, two doubles, one triple, nine RBIs and seven runs scored. A consistent and reliable threat off the bench with the ability to play any position in the field has made Rogers indispensable to the high-achieving Warriors.
Nieves achieved a .533 batting average with six RBIs and 11 runs and six walks in just 22 plate appearances.
The fleet-footed Walters is a two-year starter at second base. She hit .324 with four doubles and scored a team-high 19 runs. She also led the Vikings with nine stolen bases.
A two-year starter behind the plate, Mackin threw out four runners attempting to steal and had two pickoffs while committing only four errors. Offensively, she drove in eight runs and had two doubles, one triple and one home run.
Walicki secured a spot in the starting lineup this season and went on to lead with Vikings with a .356 average and 26 hits. She scored 15 runs and hit four triples while playing first base, where she committed just three errors all season.
A starter on the Vikings’ basketball team, Whalen is just as impressive on the softball field. She hit over .300 with 11 RBIs and 14 runs scored and led the team in extra-base hits with four doubles and She hit a grand slam in a win over PCL rival Archbishop Ryan.
In her first season as a varsity starter, McClintock had no trouble going against some of the toughest pitchers in the league. She hit .421, the second-highest average on the team, with 13 RBIs, 16 runs scored and six doubles. She hit a walk-off RBI single to give the Titans a 6-5 win over rival CB West.
After an impressive freshman season behind the plate, Ruddell dominated on offense as well this year. She led the Titans with a .507 average (up from .375 last year) and recorded 35 hits, 33 runs scored and 15 doubles, all of which were team highs. In addition, Ruddell drove in 20 runs, drew 16 walks and had 12 stolen bases.
A two-year starting catcher, Lascala's strong arm and solid throws make her a top defensive catcher in the PCL. She caught every game this season and is also one of the Eagles’ leaders on offense.
After an impressive freshman campaign where she hit .419 with 21 RBIs, Landis’ sophomore season was even better. She led the Pioneers with a .446 average with 33 hits and 32 RBIs, all team-highs. She scored 36 runs and also led the team in extra-base hits with nine doubles, four triples and one home run while providing strong defense at shortstop.
Kutzner was strong in the circle for the Pioneers, posting a 3.33 ERA over 61 innings with 52 strikeouts. She was also a leader on offense, hitting .426 with six doubles, three triples, 25 RBIs and 22 runs scored.
Reinhardt drove in 22 runs and posted a .400 batting average for the Indians. She had several multi-hit games, highlighted by her three hits, including a double, three RBIs and three runs scored in a win over Bensalem.
Jones hit .396, tied for the top average on the team, with 21 RBIs the second highest. She led the Panthers in extra-base hits, hitting four doubles, two triples and an impressive seven home runs. Jones had plenty of big games this season, such as going 3-for-3 with a double, triple, home run and three RBIs against Pennridge. She doubled, tripled and drove in three runs in a win over Hatboro-Horsham; hit a 3-run home run in a win against Plymouth Whitemarsh, and was voted Phillyburbs’ Athlete of the Week.
A two-year starting catcher, Sim hit .404 with 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored. She led the Lions with eight doubles and earned first-team All-SOL honors.
Radtke recorded a 3.10 ERA for the district champions Jems, striking out 49 batters in 38 innings. She gave up a single hit and a lone walk while striking out six in the Class 3A championship game.
The outfielder hit .333 and tied for the team lead in RBIs for a rebuilding Crusaders. She hit two doubles and drove in three runs in a win against league rival Cardinal O’Hara.
Nelson hit .310 with eight RBIs and 10 runs scored in 42 at-bats during the regular season; she also drew eight walks and hit three doubles. The outfielder impressed in the postseason, hitting a home run against Neshaminy and a double against CR South in the district playoffs.
Pagano led the Golden Bears with a gaudy .538 batting average and .640 on-base percentage while driving in 13 runs.
Gibbs excelled in the postseason, hitting a home run and driving in two runs in the Golden Bears’ 4-0 District One 5A quarterfinal win.
When injuries impacted Souderton’s anticipated pitching rotation, Mott stepped up, pitching a team-high 42 innings in some of the biggest games of the year. Mott posted a 1.48 ERA, allowing 30 hits and nine earned runs while striking out 53. During the district playoffs, Mott gave up just eight hits and three earned runs while striking out 12 in four games. She pitched four scoreless innings in the 6A semifinal to secure a 3-2 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Softball: Cross country move opened new doors for Souderton softball's Jones
Stepping into the starting pitching role following sister Kamryn Pepkowski, the left-hander finished with second-team All-BAL honors after an impressive season. Against rival Plumstead Christian, Pepkowski gave up two hits, no walks and struck out 11, and she pitched a two-hit shutout against MaST Charter, striking out 13.
A first-team All-BAL selection, Ruffino was the perfect lead-off hitter for Faith. She had three or more hits in multiple games and led the Lions in runs scored and triples. She went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and a walk and scored twice in a win against Calvary Christian, and facing MaST Charter, she had three hits, a triple and scored four runs.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: These sophomores had major impacts on Bucks County softball teams
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Check out this season's standout sophomores andcast your vote for the top softball player from the Class of 2028 in our poll.
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Mia Kiskurno, CR North
A two-time first-team All-SOL Patriot selection, Kiskurno has already proven herself to be a top pitcher in the league. Against Patriot foe CR South, Kiskurno pitched a two-hit, one-walk shutout while striking out 12 batters; she gave up four hits and one walk in a complete-game shutout win against league rival Neshaminy. In the district playoffs, Kiskurno gave up two hits and no earned runs while striking out four in a complete-game win over CR South in the second round. Against Plymouth Whitemarsh, she was in the circle for 11 innings – over two days, due to rain delays – and allowed just seven hits while striking out nine.
Natalie Neubauer, CR South
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Stepping into the circle following four-year starter Lexi Waring, Neubauer was an immediate success, throwing a five-inning no-hitter in her first varsity start. Against SOL Patriot rival Pennsbury, she pitched a one-hit shutout, and in her first playoff start, Neubauer gave up five hits, no walks and one run while striking out six in a complete-game win against Boyertown in the first round of districts. For the season, she recorded a 3.07 ERA and surpassed 100 strikeouts.
Carly Franklin, CB East
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Franklin had a breakout season, leading the Patriots’ in most offensive categories. She batted a robust .508 with 33 hits, including four home runs, 20 stolen bases and 25 runs scored, all of which were team-highs. In addition, Franklin drove in 19 runs and hit seven doubles and two triples.
Sophia Dever, Abington
A versatile player who hits for average and power, Dever rarely strikes out and can hit the ball all over the field. She led the Ghosts in extra-base hits and had multiple extra-base hits in several games. Against Hatboro-Horsham, she had a double and a triple; facing Upper Dublin, she doubled and drove in the Ghosts’ lone run. She had a double, triple and four RBIs in a win over Springfield, and against Wissahickon, Dever had three hits, including a home run, and seven RBIs in the win.
Margot McClean, CR South
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A two-year starter, the versatile McClean played multiple positions last year and started at first base this season. She drew a team-high 17 walks and scored 12 runs. She drove in two runs in the Golden Hawks’ district playoff win over Boyertown.
Jenna Pesapane, CR South
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A two-year starter and the Golden Hawks’ leadoff hitter, Pesapane scored a team-high 17 runs, hitting .309 with 13 RBIs, six doubles and five stolen bases. A standout in the field, she had only two errors at third base.
Ryen Rittersbach, Pennsbury
A two-year starter at first base, Rittersbach hit the go-ahead RBI single to give the Falcons the win over North Penn in the District One 6A fifth-place game. She went 3-for-3 with two RBIs in a playoff win against Downingtown West.
Alana Battavio, North Penn
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Battavio’s batting average of .444 was second-best on a Knights’ team that went 21-4. She drove in 20 runs during the regular season, also good for second on the team, and scored 17 runs. In the district playoffs, Battavio led the Knights with a three-run home run and five RBIs in a second-round win over Perkiomen Valley. She had a team-high seven RBIs in the postseason.
Gabriella Brigidi, North Penn
The outfielder had a strong season at the plate, hitting .411 and scoring 19 runs during the regular season. In the playoffs, she had four hits, three walks and scored five runs.
Sammy Hooven, CB West
The catcher followed up a stellar freshman season with an excellent sophomore campaign, hitting .380 with a team-high 22 RBIs. She led the team in extra-base hits with five doubles, two triples and five home runs and was top notch behind the plate, recording one error and 17 assists. Hooven hit a grand slam in the seventh inning of the Bucks’ first-round district playoff game.
Taylor Toutkoushian, Pennridge
Toutkoushian had a breakout season, leading the Rams in nearly every offensive stat. She posted a .460 average with 29 hits, 28 RBIs, seven doubles, one triple, four home runs and seven stolen bases, all of which were team best. Playing full time at third base, she progressed from a solid freshman season where she hit .314 with 11 RBIs.
Madison Heinrich, Pennridge
Heinrich took over pitching duties this season, throwing a team-high 95 innings and recording 75 strikeouts. In addition, she was a major contributor at the plate, hitting .315 with 10 RBIs, three doubles, two home runs and a team-best 13 walks.
Wiktoria Wilkos, Bristol
The outfielder posted a .417 batting average, drew 13 walks and scored 33 runs for a Warriors’ team that reached the PIAA 2A semifinals.
Remi Rogers, Bristol
Rogers made the most of her limited playing time in a crowded Warriors’ lineup. In just 11 at-bats, she recorded eight hits, two doubles, one triple, nine RBIs and seven runs scored. A consistent and reliable threat off the bench with the ability to play any position in the field has made Rogers indispensable to the high-achieving Warriors.
Bella Nieves, Bristol
Nieves achieved a .533 batting average with six RBIs and 11 runs and six walks in just 22 plate appearances.
Liliana Walters, Archbishop Wood
The fleet-footed Walters is a two-year starter at second base. She hit .324 with four doubles and scored a team-high 19 runs. She also led the Vikings with nine stolen bases.
Georgia Mackin, Archbishop Wood
A two-year starter behind the plate, Mackin threw out four runners attempting to steal and had two pickoffs while committing only four errors. Offensively, she drove in eight runs and had two doubles, one triple and one home run.
Ellie Walicki, Archbishop Wood
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Walicki secured a spot in the starting lineup this season and went on to lead with Vikings with a .356 average and 26 hits. She scored 15 runs and hit four triples while playing first base, where she committed just three errors all season.
Zoe Whalen, Archbishop Wood
A starter on the Vikings’ basketball team, Whalen is just as impressive on the softball field. She hit over .300 with 11 RBIs and 14 runs scored and led the team in extra-base hits with four doubles and She hit a grand slam in a win over PCL rival Archbishop Ryan.
Hannah McClintock, CB South
In her first season as a varsity starter, McClintock had no trouble going against some of the toughest pitchers in the league. She hit .421, the second-highest average on the team, with 13 RBIs, 16 runs scored and six doubles. She hit a walk-off RBI single to give the Titans a 6-5 win over rival CB West.
Erin Ruddell, CB South
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After an impressive freshman season behind the plate, Ruddell dominated on offense as well this year. She led the Titans with a .507 average (up from .375 last year) and recorded 35 hits, 33 runs scored and 15 doubles, all of which were team highs. In addition, Ruddell drove in 20 runs, drew 16 walks and had 12 stolen bases.
Aubrey Lascala, Conwell-Egan
A two-year starting catcher, Lascala's strong arm and solid throws make her a top defensive catcher in the PCL. She caught every game this season and is also one of the Eagles’ leaders on offense.
Taelyn Landis, Dock Mennonite
After an impressive freshman campaign where she hit .419 with 21 RBIs, Landis’ sophomore season was even better. She led the Pioneers with a .446 average with 33 hits and 32 RBIs, all team-highs. She scored 36 runs and also led the team in extra-base hits with nine doubles, four triples and one home run while providing strong defense at shortstop.
Avery Kutzner, Dock Mennonite
Kutzner was strong in the circle for the Pioneers, posting a 3.33 ERA over 61 innings with 52 strikeouts. She was also a leader on offense, hitting .426 with six doubles, three triples, 25 RBIs and 22 runs scored.
Maddie Reinhardt, CR North
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Reinhardt drove in 22 runs and posted a .400 batting average for the Indians. She had several multi-hit games, highlighted by her three hits, including a double, three RBIs and three runs scored in a win over Bensalem.
Ava Jones, Quakertown
Jones hit .396, tied for the top average on the team, with 21 RBIs the second highest. She led the Panthers in extra-base hits, hitting four doubles, two triples and an impressive seven home runs. Jones had plenty of big games this season, such as going 3-for-3 with a double, triple, home run and three RBIs against Pennridge. She doubled, tripled and drove in three runs in a win over Hatboro-Horsham; hit a 3-run home run in a win against Plymouth Whitemarsh, and was voted Phillyburbs’ Athlete of the Week.
Riley Sim, New Hope-Solebury
A two-year starting catcher, Sim hit .404 with 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored. She led the Lions with eight doubles and earned first-team All-SOL honors.
Delaney Radtke, Villa Joseph Marie
Radtke recorded a 3.10 ERA for the district champions Jems, striking out 49 batters in 38 innings. She gave up a single hit and a lone walk while striking out six in the Class 3A championship game.
Jewel Stokes, Lansdale Catholic
The outfielder hit .333 and tied for the team lead in RBIs for a rebuilding Crusaders. She hit two doubles and drove in three runs in a win against league rival Cardinal O’Hara.
Kendal Nelson, Souderton
Nelson hit .310 with eight RBIs and 10 runs scored in 42 at-bats during the regular season; she also drew eight walks and hit three doubles. The outfielder impressed in the postseason, hitting a home run against Neshaminy and a double against CR South in the district playoffs.
Taylor Pagano, Upper Moreland
Pagano led the Golden Bears with a gaudy .538 batting average and .640 on-base percentage while driving in 13 runs.
Jordyn Gibbs, Upper Moreland
Gibbs excelled in the postseason, hitting a home run and driving in two runs in the Golden Bears’ 4-0 District One 5A quarterfinal win.
Madi Mott, Souderton
When injuries impacted Souderton’s anticipated pitching rotation, Mott stepped up, pitching a team-high 42 innings in some of the biggest games of the year. Mott posted a 1.48 ERA, allowing 30 hits and nine earned runs while striking out 53. During the district playoffs, Mott gave up just eight hits and three earned runs while striking out 12 in four games. She pitched four scoreless innings in the 6A semifinal to secure a 3-2 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Softball: Cross country move opened new doors for Souderton softball's Jones
Taylor Pepkowski, Faith Christian
Stepping into the starting pitching role following sister Kamryn Pepkowski, the left-hander finished with second-team All-BAL honors after an impressive season. Against rival Plumstead Christian, Pepkowski gave up two hits, no walks and struck out 11, and she pitched a two-hit shutout against MaST Charter, striking out 13.
Sophia Ruffino, Faith Christian
A first-team All-BAL selection, Ruffino was the perfect lead-off hitter for Faith. She had three or more hits in multiple games and led the Lions in runs scored and triples. She went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and a walk and scored twice in a win against Calvary Christian, and facing MaST Charter, she had three hits, a triple and scored four runs.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: These sophomores had major impacts on Bucks County softball teams
Continue reading...
