Saturday
June 22, 2024 
If you’re looking for toughness and determination, look no further than Avery Tumolo.
The third baseman on the Council Rock South softball team missed the first two games of the PIAA Class 6A tournament after undergoing an appendectomy on May 31.
She felt the onset of the problem when the Golden Hawks were playing in the District One tournament against Central Bucks West, and missed the last game of district play in addition to the first two rounds of states.
“It just came on all of a sudden, out of nowhere, and I was in so much pain,” said Tumolo, a senior. “It really was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
More than the physical pain was the thought that she had played for CR South for the last time.
“I thought I was done playing softball, and I was so scared,” she said. “They gave me an estimated time of when I could go back to playing, and it was after the season ended.
“I begged and begged, and my parents called a couple of times to get me cleared. I really was feeling better and luckily that happened pretty fast.
“It was so important for me to come back as quickly as possible. I was on Facetime with the girls literally right after the surgery asking them how the game went.”
She made her triumphant return in time for the Golden Hawks’ 1-0 semifinal victory over Downingtown East.
“I was so happy to be back,” she said. “It was really difficult for me to miss those games.”
CR South pitcher Lexi Waring was pleased to see Tumolo return to the lineup.
“It was great to have her back,” Waring said. “She always brings a lot of energy, she’s a hard worker and a good team player.”
Tumolo saw her career end with Friday’s 1-0 loss to North Penn in the PIAA finale.
“This was my last game and I’m very happy that I was able to play,” she said. “I think these last few games were a lot more meaningful for me than they would have been. I don’t take anything for granted now.
“It wasn’t the finish we wanted, but I’m very proud of how far we came and that we’re the first team from South to make it to states. We came so far, and I’m so happy I could be here at the end.”
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