HAMMONTON—Chasing a high seed in the South Jersey Group 3 playoffs, Hammonton High School’s softball team helped its cause with a 6-4 come-from-behind victory against Kingsway on May 9.
Hammonton spotted Kingsway a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but the Blue Devils scored twice in the bottom of the frame to keep the game close. Kingsway added a run in the third, but Hammonton rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth to win the game.
Alexa Panagopoylos belted her 10th home run of the season, finishing the game 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Ava Divello added two hits, a run and an RBI for the Blue Devils.
After allowing three runs in the first inning, Gracie Ravenkamp settled down and allowed just one run in the last six innings of the game, finishing with one strikeout and no walks.
“When she [Ravenkamp] hits her spots and doesn’t walk people, she’s tough to beat,” Hammonton coach Eric Shulman said of his sophomore pitcher.
“Gracie has done a great job for us this season. She stepped into the number one pitcher role as a sophomore and has been outstanding We haven’t always made plays behind her, but she’s kept her composure and is getting more and more confident,” Shulman said.
On May 11, Hammonton lost to Mainland 5-1. Divello had two hits and an RBI in the loss.
Hammonton hosted Egg Harbor Twp. on May 16, but that game ended too late for this edition.