The Coplay Legion team made it all the way to the semifinals in the playoffs, proving that once a group of players come together as a team, the sky is the limit.

They made it the semis of the Lehigh Valley Legion playoffs after some early season stumbles, winning just four of their first eight games. However, they made a late season surge, winning their final two games to solidify a playoff berth, finishing 7-11 on the year. It was that momentum, along with a shared commitment that carried them deep into the playoffs.

"We had a nice run there," said Coplay manager Louis Falco. "We won two of our playoff games, and four out of our last six games."

The team got back to playing sound baseball, and that was the impetus for their revival which got them within a whisker of the championship game.

"We started playing better fundamental baseball," said Falco.

Falco said he did a lot of talking with the team and that got them headed in the right direction. They became a more cohesive unit.

"It was nice how everyone came together," said Falco.

Their bats came alive in the postseason as well, with Khristian Polanco, Dominic Sinatore and Tyler Sweeney leading the way. In their 15-5 win over Lower Macungie, Sweeney was 3-5 with three runs scored, while Sinatore was 3-5, and Polanco was 2-3 with two RBIs.

They also defeated Northern Valley 5-4, capitalizing on some timely hitting to get the win. In that game, Sinatore was 1-3 with a triple and three runs batted in.

Their run ended at the hands of North Parkland on Sunday, losing 11-3 to the regular season champs.

Even with the introduction of the wooden bats this year, a number of players have had strong offensive years for Coplay. Lloyd hit a sizzling .452, while Polanco hit a torrid .448. Sweeney also ripped it, batting .358, while Sinatore was a scalding .348.

Additionally, William Kovolenko III hit .333, while Matthew Hassick hit .294 and Richard Yost batted .286.

Falco also said that they also got good pitching from Lloyd and Hassick in the playoffs that helped extend their run. Lloyd was the team leader in innings pitched and earned run average, posting a paltry 1.39 over 40 innings. Hassick, who racked up 26 innings on the hill, had a 3.23 mark.

Coplay's flirtation with the finals was a testament to playing together for a common goal, said Falco.

"It was nice how we pulled together," said Falco. "Guys that had to start picking it up, did. We really played well as a team."

Falco, who said he is retiring after this season, was grateful for the chance to build relationships with the young men he coached and mentored. He spent 15 years coaching Legion baseball, managing South Parkland and Coplay during that time. It was an experience he thoroughly enjoyed.

"I just want to thank everyone," said Falco.