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Heading into yesterday’s Public League semifinal tilt against Central, which ended after press time, the Pioneers of Girard Academic Music Program, 2136 Ritner St., had again proven themselves postseason warriors. But yesterday’s test would be the toughest to date as the squad that calls Seventh Street and Packer Avenue home dropped its previous two meetings to the Lancers, 18-2 (April 27) and 9-6 (April 11).
Friday, the Girard Estate players captured the Class A title — their seventh crown in eight years — with a 2-1 road victory over Masterman.
That win set up Monday’s home league quarterfinal duel against Lincoln. Benefiting from shoddy defense and the powerful right arm of senior hurler Desmond Drummond, they triumphed 9-3 to improve their record to 13-10. Regardless of yesterday’s outcome at Ashburn Field, 20th Street and Pattison Avenue, they have qualified for next month’s PIAA state tournament.
The Huskies from Prep Charter, 1928 Point Breeze Ave., met with heartache Friday, dumping the Class AA title game 10-7 to host Esperanza. They had set up the matchup by pasting Del-Val Charter 9-0 in May 11’s quarterfinal and dominating Philadelphia Academy Charter 10-4 in May 14’s semifinal. The West Passyunk athletes finished 11-4.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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