Nazareth Academy tops Chichester in district softball final

When Nazareth Academy freshman Tricia Kalesse stood on third base to start the sixth inning, she looked more surprised than excited.

Kalesse was breathing heavily with wide eyes as her teammates stood against the fence cheering for the hit that eventually sent Nazareth to a 2-1 win Thursday against Chichester in the PIAA District 1 Class AAA softball final at Harriton.

"I was a little shocked I had got to third base," Kalesse said. "We were tied, and it was a big deal."

Kalesse, who knocked in the Pandas' first run with a base hit in the third inning, delivered a leadoff single and advanced to third when the Eagles' rightfielder misplayed the ball. Junior Brittany Colombo followed with a double to left to score the game-winning run.

"I was really just looking to get the ball down to advance the runner," said Colombo, who has committed to Marist. "It was awesome. Just getting a hit like that is a great feeling."

Colombo played travel ball with Chichester pitcher Meghan Wimmer and used the experience to her advantage.

"She likes to throw inside, and I knew that," Colombo said. "It was a great advantage."

Chichester scored its lone run in the top of the sixth on Alex Mahes' sacrifice fly.

Nazareth seniors Emily Shellenburger, Kate O'Sullivan, Molly Scullion, and Allison Ivcic, who also played for the team when it won its last title in 2010, became the first Nazareth players to be part of two Class AAA championship teams.

Shellenburger, who assured her coaches of her readiness Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, started the game and had a no decision after tossing five scoreless innings, giving up one hit and fanning four. On Wednesday, Shellenburger pitched Nazareth into the finals with nine strikeouts in five shutout innings against Villa Maria.

"I might not be able to run the mile, but, trust me, I can pitch," said Shellenburger, who did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning. "I had Erica Cipolloni carry me into districts as a freshman, and I wanted to do the same for my team."

Chichester 000 001 0 - 1 2 2

Nazareth 001 001 x - 2 5 0

WP: Taylor Lichtenhahn. LP: Meghan Wimmer. 2B: C-Sarah Murray; N-Brittany Colombo.