Catasauqua softball head coach Bobby Thomas brought his team into the District 11 Class 2A final realizing it was likely a gem neither team deserved to lose.

Facing the Roughies once again was Pen Argyl, a team they had already defeated twice in three meeting and a team who easily understood their strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, the Roughies knew there likely wasn't going to be any hidden surprises along the way.

When Pen Argyl edged Catty 2-1 in the final, Thomas wasn't surprised. The Roughies had previously won the latest battle between the two, 6-0, to capture the Colonial League crown. Pen Argyl most recently posted an impressive 9-0 victory over Christopher Dock in the opening round of the state playoffs Monday afternoon.

"None of us expected another 6-0 game," stated Thomas, whose team finished the year with an overall 18-6 mark. "They (Pen Argyl) knew us inside and out. We had some opportunities to score, but we couldn't convert enough of them. We didn't take advantage of all of our opportunities.

"They made some big plays and so did we. Both teams played very well and it was a game neither team deserved to lose."

Pen Argyl starter Emily Smull returned the favor against the Roughies as she wove a timely six-hitter after Catty defeated her to win the Colonial League title. Consequently, Roughies starter sophomore Alexis Ayache was touched for nine hits, coming after she blanked North Schuylkill to help the Roughies advance to their first District 11 title game in school history.

Thomas had no reservations about letting Ayache make consecutive starts in as many days, a first this season for the phenom, who had a 14-1 mark entering the game.

"We were going with her," said Thomas about his newly-found ace this season. "She (Ayache) said she was fine. (Ayache) didn't show any signs of fatigue out there. They (Pen Argyl) came up with some timely hits against her.

"(Ayache) did an outstanding job for us all season. She really came into her own as a pitcher. All season long, she had excellent location on her pitches."

Fortunately for the Roughies, Ayache and junior Kortney Kunkle will both return to the mound in 2014, as Catty will arguably have one of the best tandems in the Lehigh Valley. It could be another blockbuster year for the Roughies, as they will return a strong core despite losing seniors Paige Kogelman, Jordan Dardis, and Erica Lebron.

"We're fortunate to have a number of players back next year," said Thomas, who completed his fourth season at the helm. "It is difficult to lose players like Paige (Kogelman) who has brought leadership and stability to this club as well as Jordan (Dardis) and Erica (Lebron), who also both have been such a big part of the program.

"It will be difficult to replace them, but we do have depth."

Junior catcher Jane Matos, who has been a staple for the past three years, will headline a group of players back in the fold next season. Freshmen Hannah Edwards and Shea O'Brien were among a unit of underclassmen who quickly made their presence felt on and off the field.

Thomas also alluded to an undefeated junior high program that will likely continue to fuel the Roughies efforts. Along with their maturation on the field, Thomas cited how several players will play in summer leagues in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

"We're pretty excited about our future," boasted Thomas. "Our junior high program is doing well, and we expect several eighth graders to help us next year. We have a number of girls who will be playing during the summer and a few of them are playing in some very competitive leagues in the state.

"We're happy with our overall depth. We wish we could get back to playing right now. We're very proud of what we accomplished this season, and we have the capability to raise ourselves to the next level in the future."