SS. Peter & Paul softball posts 6-1 league record

SS. Peter & Paul softball closed out its regular season schedule with a 16-6 victory over St. Mary's of Swormville to finish 6-1 and secure second place in the Monsignor Bernardo Girls Varsity Softball League.

The St. Mary's game was highlighted by a solo home run by third baseman Julia Collins, a triple by first baseman Olivia Bianco, and a combined 11 strikeouts between pitchers Victoria Mendiola and Michelle Haumesser.

Earlier in the week, SS. Peter & Paul defeated Christ The King, 16-6, at the South Long diamond. Michelle Haumesser started on the mound and recorded seven strikeouts in four innings. SSPP showed a balanced attack with two-hit contributions by Jessica Lynett, Michelle Haumesser, Collins, Claire Haumesser, Alyse Bradley, and Hollie Canacari and singles from Rachel Kuechle, Julie Roehmholdt, and Bianco.

In a pitching duel, SS. Peter & Paul shut out St. Benedict's, 5-0, behind the pitching of starter Michelle Haumesser, who threw nine strikeouts and reliever Mendiola, who recorded seven strikeouts.

Kristy Luce hurled 13 strikeouts for St. Benedict's in the losing effort.

A first inning bases loaded double by Collins drove in Mendiola, Michelle Haumesser and Bianco. Collins led off the fourth with a single that sparked a two-run rally with singles from Claire Haumesser and Canacari that closed out the scoring.

An 11-1 victory over St. John's of Alden was punctuated with a home run by catcher Claire Haumesser, two doubles by outfielder Clare Costello, two singles by Bianco, Mendiola, and Collins, and one-hit contributions from Jessica Clark and Roehmholdt.

The team recorded an 8-0 victory over Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. OLBS played very tight defense until the third when Canacari, Bradley, and Laura Wendelin opened the scoring.

SSPP scored six runs in the first inning and Laura Galante added another run in the second inning as SSPP held on for an 8-4 victory against Our Lady of Pompeii.

In the team's only loss, the team succumbed to an experienced St. Mary's of Lancaster team. Galante and Costello made outstanding plays in the outfield against the hard-hitting St. Mary's of Lancaster team.

SS. Peter & Paul advances to the diocesan playoffs with a game at Sunshine Park in West Seneca on Thursday, May 31.