With win over East Catholic, Avon secures first state tournament bid since 2001

Nicole Detora was 3-for-5 to lead Avon to a 12-2 win over East Catholic on Friday,

MANCHESTER, May 10 – It’s been 18 years since the Avon High girls softball team has earned an opportunity to play in the CIAC state tournament.

Avon earned their first state tournament invitation since 2001 with a 12-2 win over East Catholic on Friday. The Falcons (8-5) snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory as they ripped 13 hits in the victory.

It was a satisfying victory for the Falcons, who twice erased three-run deficits in a 7-6 loss to Hall in 12 innings on Tuesday and were blanked by No. 8 Southington on Thursday, 17-1 in five innings. Avon managed just a single hit against Southington.

Against East Catholic, Falcon pitcher Jackie Pengel allowed just five hits and struck out 15 in a complete game performance. At the plate, Pengel was 4-for-5 with one RBI. Nicole Detora was 3-for-5 while Kendra Hards was 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.

Catcher Amanda Hauser hit her sixth home run of the season and had a double. Michelina Centofanti also had a double and three RBI for the Falcons.

Avon returns to action Monday when they visit Glastonbury. On Tuesday, they travel to New Britain to face Innovation at Osgood Park. The Falcons return home to Fisher Meadow on Thursday when they host Hartford Public.

Avon’s eight wins are the most in a single season since 2001 when they had 11.

Avon 12, East Catholic 2
At Manchester
Avon (8-5)                           214  032  0  — 12-13-2
East Catholic (5-10)          010  010  0  — 2-5-5
Jackie Pengel and Amanda Hasler; Flavell and unknown; WP: Pengel (8-3); LP: Flavell; 2B: Michelina Centofanti (A), Hasler; 3B: Kendra Hards (A); HR: Hasler