Freedom High School's softball team won its season opener at home against Northampton 3-2 on Monday.

Shayla Peterson was the winning pitcher, and she also scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning for the Patriots.

"I was very excited but a little nervous [before the game] because we hadn't even stepped on the field [to practice]," Peterson said.

Northampton struck first in the second inning when Maura Moser scored on a bunt by Clara Wallace. Freedom tied in the bottom of the second when Dana Pollock scored on Julia Roman's sacrifice fly to right field.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Roman walked, and Kylee Schwind singled up the middle. Both runners advanced on a passed ball, and Roman scored on a dropped ball by the catcher to put the Patriots ahead 2-1.

"It felt good knowing I had a big role in the game," said Roman, a freshman.

With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Auria Enright singled, moved to second base on a passed ball, and scored on a fly ball hit by Samantha Frey.

Peterson broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning when Roman hit a single past the shortstop, scoring the Patriot pitcher who had just stolen third base.

Peterson said, "I was a little nervous going up to bat because my first two at bats were not successful. I was thinking I need to get that run, and then I stole third, and I knew I was safe. I was one step closer to home, and then I got there."

Freedom had two outs when Roman came up to bat.

"I was thinking I just have to get a hit. I didn't even watch [the ball]. I just ran," she said.

Northampton had runners on second and third in the bottom of the sixth, but Frey made the last out for the Konkrete Kids on a called strike.

Peterson said, "I tried to stay positive. I give 100-percent, but on the last out, I have to give 120-percent."