The ACS Varsity Girls’ Softball Team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference title on Saturday, May 28, defeating Pilgrim Academy 15-8 and finishing the season undefeated with a 12-0 record. The ACS Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team faced off against Pilgrim Academy in the title match and lost 6-3, finishing the season in 2nd place.
In the Championship Softball game, the Lady Cougars powered back from a 5-0 deficit in the 3rd inning to finish strong. Sophomore shortstop Evangelina Kim was on fire on offense, going 3 for 3 with a triple and a double. Senior outfielder Ang Eggie had two hits, including a double. Freshman pitcher Ava Nixon pitched a complete game with two strikeouts and she also singled.
After the victory, Kim was awarded the TSCAC Most Valuable Player award and head coach Dara Kimmerley, in her 8th year at the helm, received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award. Junior 1st baseman Maddie DeNick, Kim, and freshman catcher Taylor Sutton were selected as first team TSCAC All-Stars. Nixon and junior 3rd baseman Paige Noble were named to the second team All-Stars.
“This was such a special and memorable season,” Kimmerley said. “Our pitcher and catcher were both freshmen and we had just one senior on the team, but everyone worked very hard and never gave up. This was a team effort and I’m so proud and thankful for each and every player.”
The Boys’ Varsity Baseball team came within striking distance of a win at the top of the 7th inning in their championship match against Pilgrim Academy. The bases were loaded, with two outs, and sophomore pitcher John Hannum hit a long ball to centerfield, but it was caught, ending the rally.
In the conference awards ceremony, head coach Gus Casey received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award and five ACS baseball players were named TSCAC All-Stars. The All-Stars, pictured below from left are: freshman outfielder James Papanikolaou (2nd team), freshman shortstop/pitcher Charlie Costello (1st team), junior 3rd baseman Rob Barberio (2nd team), senior catcher Eric VonColln (1st team), and sophomore pitcher John Hannum (1st team).
The Lady Cougars also paid a special tribute to a young softball player named Parker Henderson in Yukon, Oklahoma who is battling leukemia. The team wore a #45 on their arms in support of Parker. Thanks to a connection facilitated by catcher Taylor Sutton’s parents, the Lady Cougars reached out to Parker during the season, sending her a care package, including a softball signed by the team, and letters of encouragement. Photos of the team after the game, showing the players with the #45 on their arms, were sent to Parker as well.
We’re so proud of the hard work and exceptional effort from all our players throughout the season. Thank you to Varsity Baseball Head Coach Casey and Varsity Softball Head Coach Kimmerley for your dedication and commitment to excellence.
