Hook's no-no pushes Penn Manor softball past Warwick

LITITZ — It’s always good to get back into the swing of things, especially for Penn Manor sophomore Brittany Hook.

Hook has seemingly picked up where she left off last season, throwing her second no-hitter of the young season in a 3-0 victory Monday afternoon against Warwick.

“I definitely came into today prepared to throw because I knew it was going to be a tough one,” Hook said. “Losing to them twice last year set the bar high for me so I just came in ready to throw.”

Deadlocked in a mighty pitcher’s duel with Warwick lefty Amanda Herr, Penn Manor broke through in the top of the sixth as Pam Perez (1-for-4) reached on an error to shortstop. Dani Wright walked before Hook stepped to the plate, having already lined a triple to left center in the first inning.

Hook (2-for-3) wasted little time, lining the first pitch from Herr (7IP, 4H, 8K) to right-center for an RBI, Wright scoring all the way from first after a slight bobble in center for a 2-0 lead.

“I just came out of a slump,” said Hook, offering that her pitching has been more on point than hitting so far this season. “I slowed the moment down just to get focused and I knew I needed to come up big. My team got on and I had to drive them in.”

Morgan Yingling then followed up Sam Duplissey’s walk with a clean single over third, scoring Hook and setting the final margin.

PLENTY TO CHEER ABOUT

Despite the loss, Warwick (1-3) was active throughout the contest, gaining in confidence the longer the game stayed tied.

The Warriors gained single runners in the second-through-fourth innings before loading the bases with two outs in the sixth.

In the inning, Herr was hit by a pitch, Nicole Mengel walked, and Jo High reached on a fielder-choice error, but Hook closed the deal with one of her 17 strikeouts, striking out the side in the seventh to complete the victory against her Section One foe.

“I’m very happy,” Hook said of the start of Section One play. “I’m ready to compete.”

PAR FOR THE COURSE

This year’s section race is sure to go down to the wire, but both Penn Manor and Warwick coaches seemed happy to get things underway—results aside.

“Not after being no-hit,” said Warriors’ coach Mark Hough. “I think it’s always a good thing to see Britt. She’s going to challenge us, she did tonight. But it is good to be back in Section One play.”

“This year’s a little different than other years,” said Comets’ coach Dave Stokes. “Last year our first time outside was our first game against (Warwick). This year we’ve had three good weeks of practice outside and I’d say we’re ready to start the season, Monday, Wednesday, Friday.”

UP NEXT

Section One play continues Wednesday as Penn Manor (3-1) hosts Manheim Township (2-2) and Warwick (1-3) hosts Cedar Crest (1-1).

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Penn Manor 3, Warwick 0

PM         0  0  0    0  0  3    0 — 3  4  3

WW       0  0  0    0  0  0    0 — 0  0  2

SO-BB — PM Brittany Hook 17-2; WW Amanda Herr 8-3

WP — Brittany Hook (3-1)

LP — Amanda Herr (0-3)

3B — PM 1 (Brittany Hook)