BROCKTON, Mass – As right-fielder Connor Kennedy made the final out catching Abington’s final chance for a miracle, the Pope John Paul II Lions clinched their second straight Division 4 South Sectional title.
Austin Houlihan had three strikeouts, and allowed only two hits in the Lions victory over the Greenwaves. Bryan Dwyer allowed three hits, three walks, and accumulated two strikeouts in the loss.
“Houlihan was on his game today, controlling his pitches and holding a very strong Abington team to only three hits” Head Coach Mark Santos exclaimed. I am extremely proud of his performance today, on such a big stage. He (Houlihan) not only pitched well but also knocked in an important run in the sixth to pad the lead.”
Abington’s James Landers, plus seniors Vincent Picardi, and Matt Whalen all had one hit in the 3-0 loss. The Greenwaves lose five seniors from their roster heading into next season.
Austin Houlihan had three strikeouts, and allowed only two hits in the Lions victory over the Greenwaves. Bryan Dwyer allowed three hits, three walks, and accumulated two strikeouts in the loss.
“Houlihan was on his game today, controlling his pitches and holding a very strong Abington team to only three hits” Head Coach Mark Santos exclaimed. I am extremely proud of his performance today, on such a big stage. He (Houlihan) not only pitched well but also knocked in an important run in the sixth to pad the lead.”
Abington’s James Landers, plus seniors Vincent Picardi, and Matt Whalen all had one hit in the 3-0 loss. The Greenwaves lose five seniors from their roster heading into next season.
A clearly emotional Steve Perakslis held back tears post-game. “This isn’t how we wanted to end our season. Obviously making it to back-to-back sectional finals is a huge accomplishment but we had our mind set on something bigger in mind.” Perakslis added “we say goodbye to five seasons who have been vital to our programs success over the past four years, and it’s going to be tough to replace them.”
Pope John Paul II repeats as the Division 4 South Sectional champions, showing how dominate their program has been in the last few years. The Lions looks to a rematch of last year’s Division 4 State Championship against Lowell Catholic.
Santos added “Our program has another trophy, and we have a chance to play Lowell again. Winning the South Sectional title is great, but we are focused at winning a state title.”
Pope John Paul II repeats as the Division 4 South Sectional champions, showing how dominate their program has been in the last few years. The Lions looks to a rematch of last year’s Division 4 State Championship against Lowell Catholic.
Santos added “Our program has another trophy, and we have a chance to play Lowell again. Winning the South Sectional title is great, but we are focused at winning a state title.”
Photos from PJP vs Abington
All photos are courtesy of Staff Writer Brian McLoughlin