Bethlehem Catholic pitcher, Joelle Morey, was one strike away from a Class 3A District 11 championship last Thursday at Pates Park when Becahi fans started clapping.

"I was so nervous. I didn't know what to do. It was so much pressure," Morey said.

Morey, however, knew exactly what to do.

The Becahi senior threw a strike, and the Hawks were district champions, defeating Palmerton, 9-0.

Becahi shortstop, Emily Brandstetter, scored the first run in the first inning on an RBI single by first baseman, Courtney DuPont. In the fourth inning, Brandstetter hit a double over third base.

"Since their third baseman was in, we would have a girl stealing, and I was supposed to hit it in the hole, but I hit it over her head," said Brandstetter.

Jackie DeSarro's single then scored Brandstetter and Lauren Visconti, who had also singled. DeSarro ended up advancing to third base when a throw to home failed for the Blue Bombers.

"I knew I needed to get something down, no matter what it was. I didn't know about the overthrow until I saw Coach Bob," said DeSarro. "I'm speechless right now. I couldn't ask for anything more, except states."

The Hawks' biggest hit of the night came from Jean Markovic, when the junior catcher hit a triple down the left field line.

"I was definitely not [trying for a big hit]. I was just trying to get on," Markovic said.

Morey, Kate Yanders, Julia Madison, and Marissa Merriman also had hits for the Hawks in the district championship.

Bethlehem Catholic will advance to states this week, with their first game against Donegal High School.