Quinn leads Penn Charter to first state softball title
Doc Mittica called it a "quiet confidence." Mittica, the longtime coach of the Penn Charter softball team, spent 20 minutes of practice Friday in the dugout, talking to the Quakers about their mental approach to the Pennsylvania Independent Schools state championship game Saturday.
Doc Mittica called it a "quiet confidence."
Mittica, the longtime coach of the Penn Charter softball team, spent 20 minutes of practice Friday in the dugout, talking to the Quakers about their mental approach to the Pennsylvania Independent Schools state championship game Saturday.
They weren't going to get too excited. They weren't going to get too hyped. No, what Mittica wanted was a low-key attitude, one their opponent couldn't feed off of.
It was a method that seemed to pay off for Penn Charter in a 2-1 win over Episcopal Academy at Villanova for the program's first state title.
In the first inning, the Churchwomen loaded the bases with no outs. They were on their feet in the dugout - loud, and looking to gain early momentum. But senior pitcher Kayla Quinn and her formidable defense retired the next three batters.
The Quakers quietly walked off the field.
"My infielders are outstanding," Quinn said. "That was my mindset going into every game - just get the ball on the ground-because I knew they were going to be able to field it."
A player who has spent most of her career in the shadow of other imposing Inter-Ac pitchers, Quinn solidified her legacy with a great outing, demonstrating terrific command and frustrating hitters.
"She's just tough," Mittica said. "She pitches tough and won't give into batters."
The Ursinus recruit did it at the plate too.
Penn Charter (23-1) took a 1-0 lead in the third when Quinn roped an RBI-double into left-center. The Quakers struck again the next inning. Angela Zeidler's single to left brought another runner home.
Episcopal (23-4) scored one in the top of the seventh.
"I was pretty nervous the first time up. I went over the ball - ground ball," Zeidler said. "But I knew I had to step up the second time. There were runners on, and we needed that run because I knew they could come back and get us."
Over the past four years, Quinn has helped the Quakers win more than 60 games.
But her reach extends beyond those she's participated in. Many of her teammates came to the school in the first place because of Quinn. Those players, in turn, brought in other players, expanding the pool of talent and lending credibility to the program.
While Quinn won't be at Penn Charter next year, those players will, continuing the winning tradition.
Episcopal Academy 000 000 1 - 1 5 2
Penn Charter 001 100 0 - 2 4 2
WP: Kayla Quinn. LP: Alex Viscusi. 2B: EA-Feliziani, Taylor Long, Pompei; PC-Kayla Quinn.