When the season began for the Whitehall softball team, the team was bound to experience some growing pains.

It was a young team, with only two seniors on its roster, and they were headed into a season with a bunch of new faces at almost every position. That meant there would be a period of adjustment, something head coach Alexis Berg-Townsend characterized as "baby steps."

The pitching staff was new as well, with freshman Kay Solderitch shouldering most of the load, aided by sophomore Taylor Stephens.

And when they stumbled a bit out of the gate, going 4-7, it seemed like the learning curve might outlast the season. But they rallied, winning their five out of their final eight games to secure a District 11 playoff berth.

But there was more to come.

Heading into the district action, a lot of people didn't give them much of a chance against Emmaus High School, their opening round opponent. The Zephs, however, didn't listen to the naysayers and won a thrilling come-from-behind 5-4 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

They lost to Bangor in the next round, ending their season at 11-11.

Through it all they made significant strides as they got steadier on their feet.

"They definitely learned how to walk," said Berg-Townsend who completed her seventh season at the helm. "They learned to keep battling, to overcome hurdles, and fight and win as an underdog. Their experiences this year have prepared this team to only succeed next season. They grew as a team...together."

That growth propelled them into the postseason where they fought from behind, winning the first and losing the latter, but gaining valuable experience in the process.

"I could not be more proud in what this team accomplished this year, mentally, physically and the season as a whole," said Berg-Townsend. "The underclassmen are determined, they are left feeling hungry to get back into districts and make it even further."

The team will lose seniors Regan Bortz and Courtney Dragovits. Bortz provided the big hit in the Emmaus win, and was a strong presence behind the plate with her leadership.

They played an integral part in getting them to that destination.

"As for my two seniors, the ability to walk for this team would not have been possible without their leadership and their drive," said Berg-Townsend. "They will be truly missed, but definitely set a mark, a precedent for this young team."

The Zephs return a plethora of players, most of whom got significant playing time this season. That group is led by second baseman Gabrielle Molitoris who earned first team Lehigh Valley Conference All -Conference this season. Also earning first-team honors was designated hitter Abigail Nguyen, giving the Zephs a solid foundation on which to build.

They also return Karly Klein, Allison Beltz, Madeleine Pasda, Jillian Rex, Rachel Spanitz, Julia Solderitch, Cara Bonshak, Mackenzie Guzy and Ashlee Brosky.

Southpaw Kay Solderitch will handle the bulk of the pitching duties, while Stephens will also see time on the mound. With a season under their belts, the righty-lefty combo should be a dynamic duo next season.

With a strong nucleus returning, the prospects for 2015 are very bright.

Berg-Townsend, who missed time this year after a head injury from a thrown bat, is grateful she has such a strong supporting cast.

"I would like to thank my assistant coaches, parents and fans for making this season a memorable one," she said. "We have a lot of fight left and it will be exciting to watch this team continue to mature and grow both as players and young women."