North Pocono Edges Abington Heights 5-4 to Win District 2 Class 5A Championship
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | May 27, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
The North Pocono Varsity Lady Trojans came out on top in a nail-biting 5-4 finish over Abington Heights on Tuesday, using late-inning execution and a strong pitching duo to seal the win on the road. Tied 4-4 in the top of the sixth, Amelia Bell’s clutch lineout allowed the go-ahead run to cross the plate, ultimately proving to be the difference.
Lynch and Forgione Lead the Charge
Alyssa Lynch was a key offensive catalyst for North Pocono, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Her bat came alive in the third and fifth innings, including a pivotal RBI single that tied the game at 2-2 and another that gave the Lady Trojans a lead in the fifth.
Isabella Forgione also contributed two hits in three at-bats, including a double and a triple, while scoring a run. Amelia Bell helped her own cause with a 2-for-4 performance and scored twice.
Riley Grambo added a single and a run scored, while also showcasing speed and instincts with a stolen base. Though she committed three errors defensively, her impact at the plate helped keep North Pocono in the game.
Areilla Bell Locks It Down in Relief
After Amelia Bell (2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K) got the start, it was Areilla Bell who stepped in and dominated in relief. The right-hander threw 4.2 innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, striking out three and walking two on 87 pitches. She shut the door on Abington Heights in the final innings to earn the win.
Abington Heights Comes Up Just Short
Despite outhitting North Pocono 7-5, Abington Heights couldn’t capitalize late. Centerfielder Hunter Kresge led the team with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate, scoring three of the team’s four runs and adding a stolen base. Eva Kane chipped in with a 2-for-4 line, while Avary Brister and Adrianna Condrad each drove in a run.
Lauren Stalica pitched the full seven innings for Abington Heights, allowing seven hits and five runs (four earned), walking two and striking out eight on 108 pitches.
Key Innings Recap
Bottom 2nd: Two North Pocono errors put Abington Heights on the board.
Top 3rd: Lynch tied it up with a run-scoring single.
Top 5th: Grambo and Lynch drove in runs to swing the lead in favor of the Trojans, 4-3.
Bottom 5th: Condrad’s sacrifice fly tied the game again.
Top 6th: Bell’s lineout pushed across the eventual winning run.
Stat Breakdown – Top Performers
North Pocono
Alyssa Lynch: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R
Isabella Forgione: 2-for-3, 2B, 3B, 1 R
Amelia Bell: 2-for-4, 2 R
Areilla Bell (W): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Abington Heights
Hunter Kresge: 3-for-3, 3 R, SB
Eva Kane: 2-for-4, 1 R
Avary Brister: 1-for-4, 2B, RBI
Lauren Stalica (L): 7.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, 8 K
