-(1).jpg "District 2 Heavyweights Trade Haymakers, DeRiggi Walks It Off for Abington Heights")
District 2 Heavyweights Trade Haymakers, DeRiggi Walks It Off for Abington Heights
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | April 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
When two of District 2’s best collide, you expect fireworks — and that’s exactly what Abington Heights and Valley View delivered Monday night.
It was a game built on grit, heart, and pure willpower — a classic tug-of-war where neither side blinked until the final crack of the bat.
Valley View came out swinging, throwing the first haymaker with a 4-0 punch in the first inning. Abbi Call set the tone early, Ella Swingle added to the damage, and Zoie Krupovich sent a ball screaming over the left field wall in the fourth to make sure the Cougars stayed in command. It was loud. It was electric. Valley View wasn’t here to mess around.
But Abington Heights? They refused to fold.
The Comets chipped away at the deficit, inning by inning, powered by the fearless swings of Isabella DeRiggi — who refused to let her team go down without a fight. DeRiggi sent a missile to left field to knot the game at 5-5 and gave the home crowd every reason to believe a comeback was brewing.
With the pressure peaking in extra innings, the Comets delivered the final blow. Bella DeRiggi, the Nina’s Wing Bites Player of the Game, came through again — a walk-off single that ripped the heart out of the Cougars' comeback hopes and set off a roar across the Abington Heights field. 6-5. Ballgame. Comets win.
Adding to the historic night, Lauren Stalica not only pitched the complete-game victory — she also reached a career milestone by recording her 400th career strikeout, a testament to her dominance and leadership in the circle. Stalica was a warrior, battling through eight grueling innings against a dangerous Valley View lineup and standing tall when it mattered most.
Credit to Valley View — they brought the heat all night, playing clean defense, aggressive on the basepaths, and flashing big hits at big moments. It was two championship-caliber teams throwing everything they had at each other, and it took every ounce of fight for Abington Heights to protect their home turf.
If you love District 2 softball, this was the kind of game you live for.
Graphic: @BL.Sports.Photography - Photos: @Justin.Focus.Photography
