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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

'This is a huge win for us'

In their past four regular season games, Catasauqua's softball team amassed a total of 52 runs as they finished with an overall 15-5 record and punched their ticket for the first time to the Colonial League playoffs.

In their semifinal game against top-seeded Palmerton Tuesday night at Patriots Park, the fourth-seeded Roughies still didn't miss a beat as they thumped the Blue Bombers 15-4 in a shortened five-inning contest due to the 10-run rule. The victory bolstered the Roughies into league final Thursday night against Pen Argyl also at Patriots' Park.

Catty jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Palmerton tied the game. They took a 5-3 lead before they erupted for 10 runs in the fourth inning to avoid playing deep into the May night. Both teams split their regular-season meetings.

"This was huge win for us," said head coach Bobby Thomas. "We have been hitting the ball well lately and we got our bats going again in a big spot. It hasn't been just one girl either. We managed to keep piecing hits together tonight. It was a matter of piggy-backing hit after hit.

"That's what we have been doing the whole season. This was the first time for us in the (league) playoffs and it was a huge accomplishment to beat the number one seed. "

Senior Paige Kogelman, who has been among the team leaders in several offensive categories all season, had a big night as she went 4-for-4 with six RBIs. Teammates Shea O'Brien and Hannah Edwards each had two hits in the cause.

"Paige (Kogelman) has been here for us all season," said Thomas. "We have a strong group of seniors who have been leaders for us all season. They knew what was at stake and they want to play deep into the season.

"We have also have contributions from a number of players, especially some of the younger ones like (freshman) Hannah (Edwards). It has been a consistent team effort."

Sophomore Alexa Ayache went the short distance for the Roughies.

"Alexa (Ayache) did a really nice job for us," added Thomas. "We were a little sloppy defensively behind her and gave them a few runs. But she (Ayache) has been strong for us all year."

Catty was scheduled to tangle with second-seed Pen Argyl Thursday night. The season series was split between the teams with the Roughies winning the latter meeting by a 3-2 margin.

Catty should also loom large in the upcoming PIAA District 11 Class 2A playoffs that will begin next Tuesday.

"We know basically what they (Pen Argyl) plan to do," stated Thomas. "We know their pitcher and what she is capable of doing. There really won't be any surprises. We just have to go out there and keep generating our offense and play solid defense.

"Our girls are playing with a lot of confidence right now."