Local athletes shine on the diamond

Newton - Three local girls from the Newton area participated in a PONY Fastpitch Softball Tournament in early July in Hagerstown, Maryland. During the 8 games they played, Alissa Gutowski, of Green Township, was chosen the game 2 MVP for her pitching performance. She pitched 7 strong innings, striking out 11 batters and allowing only 7 hits, and helped her cause by going 1-3 at the plate. In Game 3, Danielle DeFeo, also of Green Township, was chosen the game MVP for her outstanding defensive performance at second base. In addition, DeFeo went 1 for 3 at the plate and stole 2 bases to add to her strong defensive performance. The third MVP went to Sam Hofmann, from Newton, in game 6. In her game, Hofmann provided a solid performance behind the plate, throwing out a runner and keeping others close at first while catching. At the plate, Hofmann went 2 for 3 with a single, a triple and 2 RBIs.